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Nursery at Dolphin 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 garden at Northcote and a church hall beside Wandsworth Common give Dolphin School’s two nurseries distinct settings for the same play-based curriculum. Both welcome children aged 2–4 within the school’s Christian ethos. Northcote sits within Dolphin School; Westside operates on Melody Road. Families are choosing between two nursery settings, so the location matters as much as the school name.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines language, physical development and emotional development with early reading, writing, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. Staff observe children, then use those observations to plan activities and identify where extra help is needed. The point is to build on each child’s development rather than give everyone identical work.
Spanish, science and dance sit alongside art, PE and rhythm activities. Children staying into the afternoon can take part in Playball, drama, craft and ball skills. These give movement and creative play a place alongside early language and number work.
Northcote has its own garden and access to a playground in a dedicated area of Wandsworth Common. Westside’s church hall has a small garden and outdoor play space, with daily use of the common opposite. Outdoor activity therefore extends beyond either nursery’s garden.
The ISI inspection of 2–4 December 2025 found that early-years children made good progress, with nursery children responding to greetings through song. Practical learning included recognising numbers and shapes, balancing on beams, working with chalk boards and searching sand trays. These activities develop both understanding and the hand control needed for later writing. Shop role play introduced buying; the wider financial curriculum nevertheless needed more development appropriate to children’s ages. Dolls and story books introduced differences between people in the early years, giving children concrete starting points for learning about others.
Relationships support growing independence. In December 2025, early-years staff used stories to help children express feelings and judged when to offer help or let them try for themselves. Putting on waterproof clothing, preparing snacks and clearing away resources gave children practical responsibilities within familiar routines.
Tapestry provides an online record of development through photographs, observations and work samples, with contributions from families and children. Parents can view their child’s record whenever they wish. That gives home and nursery a shared account of progress. Staff observations also inform additional support where needed, and the EYFS provision includes children with additional needs.
Early-years staffing ratios were maintained during eating as well as other activities in December 2025. Staff had first-aid training, while safeguarding arrangements explicitly included the youngest children. These are concrete care measures alongside the emphasis on relationships.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Dolphin School’s own registration process. The school has distinct nursery and school forms, and Reception entry is non-selective. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to space.
Little Dolphins offers a separate opportunity for children aged 3+ to become familiar with classrooms and teachers through music, sensory play, art and stories. It supports familiarity with school life; it does not secure admission.
Both settings run mornings from 09:00 to 12:30. Westside’s afternoon ends at 15:00; Northcote’s ends at 15:15. Northcote also lists Early Birds from 08:00 and after-school care until 17:00. After-school care runs Monday–Thursday, extending the options beyond the nursery sessions.
Charges. The school lists additional charges for lunch, trips, uniform, clubs, instrumental lessons and SEND provision. Obtain current charges from the school when planning your budget.
Enquiries can go to receptionist@dolphinschool.org.uk or 020 7924 3472. Nursery registration uses a dedicated online form. Personal tours are offered throughout the year subject to availability, although families may sometimes share a visit. Both nursery entrances have staff present for collection and drop-off.
Both Northcote and Westside welcome children aged 2–4.
Mornings are 09:00–12:30 at both settings. Afternoons are 12:30–15:00 at Westside and 12:30–15:15 at Northcote.
Tapestry holds observations, photographs and work samples. Parents can view their child’s record and contribute to it.
No. Families need a separate application through Dolphin School’s school registration process. Reception entry is non-selective, and applications are subject to space.
Northcote has a garden and access to a dedicated playground area on Wandsworth Common. Westside has a small garden and play space, and uses the common opposite daily.
