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Nursery at Lowther 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 daily choice of indoor or outdoor learning gives Lowther’s nursery day its character. Where possible, children also grow herbs for cooking or observe chicks hatching and growing. Play leads the learning, alongside activities guided by adults. This is the school’s own nursery in Barnes, integrated into its Foundation Stage rather than operating as a separate setting.
Children join as soon as possible after turning three. Morning and afternoon groups each have up to 26 places, with a limited number of places covering the full day. For families choosing between a short session and longer attendance, that distinction matters: the longer pattern has restricted availability.
Children can choose between learning outside and inside each day. The nursery garden, wider grounds and school allotment provide places to explore, with chickens adding another living subject to investigate. Early-years experiences can include watching chicks hatch and growing herbs for cooking. These bring learning into things children can observe and use.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters, provides the curriculum structure. In parent language, the nursery works on relationships and independence, listening and speaking, movement, and early reading and writing. Learning includes understanding stories, recognising that print carries meaning and giving meaning to children’s own marks. Beginning to write a name is part of that progression.
Adult guidance sits alongside children’s own choices. Staff observe children regularly and use those observations to plan their next learning experiences. Topics draw on texts chosen for their language and on cultural events, while individual interests can also shape activities. Essential Letters and Sounds is the named phonics programme used from nursery onwards. Together, these give the day both a planned direction and room for children’s curiosity.
Starting nursery is spread over a three-week entry period. Induction sessions, home visits and stay-and-play events also form part of the early-years introduction. The practical benefit is time for children and families to become familiar with school life before the usual attendance pattern takes over.
Tapestry records achievements and photographs of learning. Parents can also contribute to class life by sharing their cultures, jobs, hobbies or talents, giving home experiences a place in the classroom. For school notices, ParentMail brings messages and attachments together in its app. Lowther also provides a SEND policy and information report for families considering additional support.
Lunch is relevant to children staying across the middle of the day: they can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a school dinner for an additional charge. That choice lets families plan meals alongside the attendance pattern.
Attending Lowther’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority process and meet its deadline. Lowther follows Richmond upon Thames admissions procedures; the nursery application is a separate form submitted to the school.
Integration within the Foundation Stage gives nursery children a school-based start. Keep that educational continuity separate from admission: choosing the nursery should not be treated as securing the next place.
The universal 15-hour pattern consists of five morning sessions, 8:45am to 11:45am, or five afternoons, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Eligible families using the 30-hour pattern attend longer days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday ending at 11:45am. This requires a valid HMRC code renewed every three months.
Full-day attendance runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm on weekdays, with charges for hours beyond a family’s funded allocation. Ask the school for current charges. Nursery follows the school term calendar, apart from its separate autumn starting schedule, which is sent directly to families.
Uniform is practical: black or dark grey joggers or shorts, a white or green top, and a green fleece or jumper. A summer dress is another warm-weather option; Velcro footwear is encouraged. Contact the office at info@lowther.richmond.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. Informal visits can be arranged through the school.
Children are admitted as soon as possible after their third birthday. Families can put a child’s name on the waiting list when they are two.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Limited full-day places are also offered, alongside a funded 30-hour pattern with a shorter Wednesday.
Entry is staggered over three weeks. The early-years introduction also includes induction sessions, stay-and-play events and home visits.
Children staying for lunch can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a school dinner for an additional charge.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal local-authority process, with its own deadline.
