Dulwich Prep & Senior Nursery Review

Five acres of woodland and fields give Dulwich Prep & Senior’s youngest children room to explore beyond the classroom. The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years section at 8 Gallery Road, separate from the main school site. Boys and girls can join Fledglings aged two, then move into Nursery; direct Nursery entry is in September after a child’s third birthday.

At the December 2025 ISI inspection, there were four Nursery classes. The important distinction for parents is between the two starting points: Fledglings introduces the school to younger children, while Nursery takes children through the year before Reception.

Play provides the structure for learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is put into practice through activities that develop conversation, emotional understanding and independence. In December 2025, adults adjusted activities around children’s interests, expanded their vocabulary through conversation and used observations to decide what to teach next. Children concentrated on activities and became more confident choosing tasks and tackling problems.

Indoor play is complemented by outdoor learning, with woodland lessons each week. For Fledglings, the opening announcement described a purpose-built classroom connected directly to its own outdoor area, plus woodland visits, specialist music teaching and gymnastics and PE in the hall. That gives the youngest group several ways to move, listen and explore.

Construction resources, balance equipment and activities requiring small hand movements feature in early years physical development. Shared construction and creative tasks also give children practice in cooperating, sharing materials and waiting for a turn. Learning to work alongside another child is part of the day’s work.

Nursery registration is at 9.00am, followed by a mid-morning break at 10.00am; the school day ends at 3.05pm. These fixed points provide a predictable framework around the play and teaching.

Emotional support has a concrete daily routine. December 2025 findings describe emotion check-ins and adults responding thoughtfully to children’s feelings. Children learn to handle disagreements and recognise personal boundaries. Early years staff were suitably qualified, with first-aid training and accurate care records supporting the practical side of looking after young children.

The class teacher is the family’s first contact for pastoral concerns and sees the child daily. For additional learning needs, the SENDCo works with early years staff on timely observations, while the Skills and Strategies Team helps plan support. Support plans are agreed with parents and reviewed at least three times during the academic year. Families should discuss SEND, medical needs or allergies before beginning the entry process so adjustments can be considered.

Lunches are included in termly fees. The fee information also includes SEND provision and counselling, although the SEND policy allows additional charges for support beyond what the school can reasonably provide and for external assessments. Families should establish the scope of any proposed support and its current charges before committing.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. This independent school operates its own progression arrangements: the admissions policy describes continuation between sections without internal tests, except for boys who entered through Fledglings, who take an internal assessment for Reception. If a child cannot access the curriculum, the school may recommend another setting and work with parents on that move.

Girls’ next step. Reception is boys only, so girls leave after Nursery. The school supports their move to other local schools.

For a new Reception application for 2027 entry, registration is through the school, with a deadline of 30 October 2026. Existing families should distinguish that external entry process from the internal progression arrangements.

Rainbow Club starts at Gallery Road at 8.00am and again after school at 3.20pm. The timetable gives Nursery early morning care a 7.30am start and an evening collection limit of 6.30pm. The school’s general wraparound hours extend further for older children, so the Nursery timings matter when planning a working day.

Funding. The school does not participate in the government’s 30-hour free childcare scheme. Uniform is an additional cost, with Thomas Schoolwear supplying the youngest children’s sweatshirt, T-shirt, shorts and jogging bottoms; a sun hat is required in the summer term.

Use the Admissions Contact Form or call 020 8766 5525 for enquiries. Visits can be arranged through the Admissions Team, allowing families to see the Early Years site before registering.