Herne Hill School Nursery Review

In June 2024, a snack-time fruit shop had children paying in pretend money, giving a useful flavour of Herne Hill’s nursery provision: ordinary routines became opportunities to learn. Kindergarten serves children aged two to three at 99 Herne Hill; Pre-Reception follows at the main site, 127 Herne Hill, for children turning four during the academic year. These are the nursery stages of an independent school.

In June 2024, there were four Kindergarten classes and four Pre-Reception classes. That describes the organisation at that inspection, rather than a current allocation of places. The distinction between the two sites matters practically: the youngest children have their own setting before moving to the main school premises.

Play provides the starting point for learning. The school’s curriculum begins with an entirely play-based approach, while the Early Years Foundation Stage provides the framework for early development and learning. Here, concrete activities connect physical development with communication, cooperation and problem-solving.

Outdoor learning has substance. In June 2024, early-years children developed coordination and confidence through painting, climbing and play with sand and water. Adults supported children when needed while allowing them to try, adjust and persist. Indoors, role-play spaces gave children opportunities to practise sharing, negotiate with one another and seek help. The snack-time fruit shop added an early encounter with exchanging money for goods.

Pre-Reception children also voted to choose their daily story, giving them experience of accepting a group decision. Specialist music teaching and French begin at this stage. These add singing and another language to the nursery experience, rather than leaving the day entirely to classroom activities.

The nine Golden Rules start in Kindergarten. Songs, stories and sticker booklets give children concrete ways to explore behaviour and relationships. This makes social learning part of daily school life.

Familiar adults provide a foundation for settling. The June 2024 inspection found that early-years children were allocated key adults before joining, giving parents a contact and children someone with whom to build a relationship. Early-years staff had suitable qualifications, supervision ratios were maintained, and individual staff meetings covered professional development and child welfare.

Teachers work with teaching assistants, while a full-time Learning Support Lead and SENDCo also holds the Designated Safeguarding Lead role. This gives families an identifiable team structure for discussing emerging needs.

Food is part of the attendance package. Children attending for the day receive a freshly prepared hot lunch. Kindergarten fees include lunch; in Pre-Reception, lunch is included when children remain for the afternoon. Books, materials and school trips are included too, helping parents understand what sits within the school charge.

Nursery attendance does not provide an unconditional guarantee of a Reception place. Herne Hill’s admission arrangements expect existing pupils to progress automatically, provided their behaviour and progress meet the applicable standards and the school can continue meeting their needs. Families already attending therefore have a conditional internal progression route.

For a new Reception applicant, registration goes directly to the school, with a deadline of 30 November and an informal assessment as part of admission. This is distinct from progression for an existing pupil.

Preparation for change is separate from admission. In June 2024, Kindergarten children moved between rooms, and familiarisation began ahead of later moves through the school. These routines gave children experience of changing spaces before a larger transition.

Kindergarten attendance runs from two to five days each week. Limited early entry is possible from the term after a child’s second birthday. For spring and summer 2027, the half-day option permits two or three morning or afternoon sessions weekly.

Pre-Reception combines five mornings with afternoons: at least two in autumn, three in spring and four in summer. Families can choose additional afternoons or full-time attendance. Holiday provision also extends beyond school terms for both nursery stages.

Funding. Herne Hill does not take part in the 15- or 30-hour free childcare schemes for children aged two, three and four. Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers from most providers are accepted for Kindergarten and Pre-Reception tuition. Ask the school for current charges.

Book an In-Action Tour through the visits page or contact the office on 020 7274 6336. Tours generally cover both sites. Travel. There is no parking within the school grounds, so plan the journey and collection arrangements accordingly.