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Nursery at Barnes Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A Clamber Stack, a mud kitchen and an onsite Forest School give Barnes Primary School’s nursery a distinctly practical character. Children can build, climb and investigate, with play providing the starting point for learning. This is the school’s own nursery on Cross Street in Barnes, serving children aged three and four. The school describes 60 children attending through full-time and part-time patterns, rather than 60 places available at once.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 3 and 4 November 2022. That judgement covers the early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Nursery rhymes and a dance warm-up begin the learning sequence, followed by home-group time. Children discuss feelings, sharing and how to handle problems before choosing their activities. There is a recognisable rhythm, with room for individual interests.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here: learning through play, conversation and everyday routines. The nursery’s Characteristics of Learning approach emphasises children’s curiosity, creativity and independence. Resources connect with planned learning while leaving children scope to pursue their own ideas.
Choosing time spans construction, imaginative play and physical activity. Outdoors, the Wendy House supports invented stories, water play invites experiments with pouring, and the Clamber Stack provides climbing. Inside, children paint at an easel, create at the Making Table and use maths resources or activities that exercise their fingers. These are concrete ways to practise language, number and coordination.
Snack interrupts the play, then choosing resumes. In November 2022, early-years children used fruit and cups to practise counting and develop mathematical vocabulary, making an ordinary routine part of their learning.
For children taking the full-time option, Tuesday afternoon brings a charged Forest School session. Activities include wildlife watching, building dens, woodworking and cooking outdoors beside the firepit. A qualified Forest School teacher designs the sessions to develop communication, independence and physical skills. The nursery day finishes with a story after tidying.
Home groups give children time to talk about emotions and friendship. A period lying down to relax also features in the nursery’s day guide. To support settling, families are asked to retain their chosen attendance pattern throughout the academic year; changes in circumstances should be discussed promptly so adjustments can be planned.
The staffing structure includes two qualified teachers, one trained in Forest School, alongside two leaders-of-learning with level 5 qualifications and one with level 3. In November 2022, early-years staff assessed learning needs accurately and shared that understanding across the adults supporting children.
Lunch is part of the longer attendance patterns. Except in exceptional circumstances, children staying beyond the morning session are expected to eat a school lunch, freshly cooked onsite. Meals carry an additional charge unless the child qualifies for Free School Meals. Snack includes fruit with milk or water.
For additional needs, the SEND Lead can refer nursery children with communication or movement difficulties to the Early Years therapy service. Parents have termly consultations, and support follows the child’s needs rather than requiring a diagnosis first. This gives families a route to discuss concerns while their child is still young.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the listed admissions criteria. Families must make a separate application to Richmond Local Authority through eAdmissions by the normal deadline, including families with a sibling already at the school.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND moving between year groups, arrangements include staff handovers, extra classroom visits and a booklet showing the new adults and environment. Familiarity can help prepare a child for change; it does not determine admission.
Attendance is daily during term time. A limited morning-only option runs Monday to Friday, 08:50–11:50. The funded 30-hour pattern runs 08:50–15:20 on four days, with Tuesday ending at 12:50. The full-time pattern totals 32.5 hours and includes Tuesday afternoon Forest School.
The universal entitlement covers up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks. Eligible working families can access 30 hours, subject to a valid HMRC code and continued eligibility. Additional attendance is charged, with payment required in advance each term; trips and visitors can also attract charges. Consult the school for current charges.
The 2026/27 nursery intake is full, with application forms providing a waiting-list route. Enquiries go to info@barnes.richmond.sch.uk or 020 8876 7358. Children should be toilet trained and able to use the toilet independently. At collection, children gather their bags and wait until their names are called.
The provision caters for children aged three and four. For the 2026/27 intake, children had to be three by 31 August 2026.
Yes. A limited number of morning-only places run from 08:50 to 11:50, Monday to Friday, using the universal 15-hour entitlement. Families must designate Barnes as their primary childcare provider and claim that entitlement there.
Yes. Full-time attendance includes a charged Tuesday afternoon Forest School session, with activities such as den building, wildlife watching and outdoor cooking.
Morning-only children leave before lunch. Children on longer patterns are expected to take a school lunch unless exceptional circumstances apply. Meals are charged unless the child is eligible for Free School Meals.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees admission nor appears among the listed priority criteria. Apply separately to Richmond Local Authority through eAdmissions by the normal deadline.
