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Nursery at Hurlingham 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 nursery library, Forest School and a calm corner give Hurlingham’s youngest children distinct places to read, explore and regroup. Play leads the learning here. For children aged 2-4, this is Hurlingham School’s own nursery, based separately from the prep school at The Old Methodist Hall on Gwendolen Avenue in Putney.
At the March 2025 ISI inspection, the nursery occupied three classes on its own site. That separation matters practically: families use the nursery address rather than the main school’s Putney Bridge Road premises.
Learning through play combines indoor activities with outdoor exploration. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven learning areas, with teaching adjusted to children’s interests and needs. In parent terms, early language and number work sit alongside developing independence and learning to manage feelings.
Counting has a practical starting point: nursery children count fingers and objects through games and songs. Adults build language through conversation, books and letter sounds. The nursery library gives reading a dedicated space, while roomy classrooms allow children to move and play together.
The weekly enrichment programme adds gardening, gymnastics and yoga, alongside Forest School, Dance and Drama, and Music and Mindfulness. These bring movement, creative expression and nature into the week. Older children choosing Forest School must attend both sessions on their group’s allocated day, so that option affects the family’s booking pattern as well as the learning experience.
Emotional development is a clear strength. In March 2025, ISI identified early-years children’s ability to manage their feelings as a significant strength, supported by a calm corner, bubble timers and breathing balls. Children used calming techniques independently, and staff worked with parents to extend the same approaches into home life.
Settling begins before the first regular session. Children receive home visits, and families are invited to introductory sessions before starting. New Starter Forms capture dietary and medical information, developmental needs and sleep patterns, giving staff information about the child’s care routines. The team includes nursery and pre-school teachers and teaching assistants, with Montessori qualifications among its credentials.
Lunch is included for children attending afternoon or full-day sessions; Little Learners Club provides a light meal. For additional needs, the SEND policy sets out assessment, planning with parents, support and review. Individual learning-support lessons carry separate charges. Admissions also depend on whether the school can accommodate a child’s needs, so families should consider that condition alongside the support arrangements.
Hurlingham’s admissions page promises nursery children a Reception place subject to the SEND criteria in its admissions policy. This is a conditional promise, rather than an unconditional guarantee from attendance alone. Families must still accept the school offer and complete the relevant contract process.
Reception admissions run directly through the school’s OpenApply portal. The September 2025 policy describes offers in July of the year preceding September entry, with three weeks to accept. Nursery families should distinguish accepting the next place from simply continuing their nursery booking; the nursery deposit can transfer towards school acceptance with parental consent.
Preparation is separate from that admissions position. Children become acquainted with the main school setting and its teaching staff during nursery, while the pre-school attendance requirement builds towards a fuller week.
Morning sessions run from 8am to midday, with afternoon sessions from midday to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Younger children attend at least four sessions weekly; the pre-school academic year, when children turn four, requires at least six sessions weekly. Little Learners Club extends care from 4pm to 6pm. The nursery describes three terms plus optional holiday club, rather than a single year-round nursery booking.
Universal funding covers up to 15 weekly hours for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, with another 15 for eligible families. The nursery applies through Wandsworth council. Additional private hours, enrichment, food and drink, and consumables such as wipes and sun cream fall outside that funding; funded families may opt out of these additional services and items by discussing arrangements with the Head of Nursery. Ask the school for current charges.
Booking commitments. Reducing allocated sessions requires a full term’s written notice. Families should choose a pattern they can sustain. Tours are arranged through the nursery Enquiry Form. Uniform includes a pale blue logo polo, navy sweatshirt and velcro-fastened shoes, with a drawstring bag for spare clothes and nappies.
Children can join from their second birthday, and the nursery caters for ages 2-4.
Morning sessions are 8am to midday and afternoons are midday to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Little Learners Club runs from 4pm to 6pm.
Children receive a home visit before joining and are invited to settling sessions before their start. Parents complete forms covering medical, dietary, developmental and care needs.
The school’s admissions page promises a place subject to the SEND criteria in its admissions policy. Families must accept the school offer and complete its contract process; attendance alone is not an unconditional guarantee.
The nursery offers universal 15-hour funding for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, plus an additional 15 hours for eligible families. Additional services and items are outside that funding, with an opt-out available to funded families.
