The Roche School Nursery Review

Montessori-inspired exploration, an early taste of Spanish and specialist Music and Physical Education give the main-school nursery at The Roche School its character. Children aged two to four learn within the independent school at 11 Frogmore, Wandsworth. This review concerns that provision, rather than the separate Keswick House site.

There were 14 nursery children at the September 2024 ISI inspection, a snapshot of attendance rather than a measure of capacity. Its early-years findings described children developing independence and becoming comfortable with routines through supportive relationships with adults. That matters for children beginning their first experience of school.

Play and teaching share the timetable. Children choose activities during free-flow learning, alongside focused sessions led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers language, physical development and relationships as well as early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Montessori influences add an emphasis on children exploring and making choices for themselves.

Classroom resources are within children's reach, so choosing materials and taking responsibility for learning have a practical basis. Counting uses objects children can handle; reading books arrive when a child is ready. Spanish introduces another language, while Music and Physical Education bring specialist teaching into the main-school nursery day.

Outdoor learning has Forest School-trained staff behind it. In September 2024, early-years activities included collecting litter in a local park, giving care for nature a concrete purpose. Creative roleplay introduced exchanging goods and money. Staff also followed children's interests and helped them develop their ideas, with children making good progress at that time.

Across the school, the September 2024 ISI inspection recommended adapting curriculum plans, resources and tasks more consistently to pupils' learning needs and prior attainment, and revising policies to reflect current statutory guidance. The attendance policy was corrected during the inspection. These recommendations concerned the school as a whole.

Experiences extend beyond the usual activities. The July 2026 newsletter described a nursery outing to Hobbledown Farm, including handling a tortoise, millipede and guinea pig and exploring the Imaginarium. These were opportunities to encounter animals and sensory experiences beyond the classroom.

At the September 2024 ISI inspection, each early-years child had a key person responsible for their needs, staff held suitable qualifications and required staffing ratios were maintained. Before starting, families are invited to welcome events to meet staff and classmates, making the first days less unfamiliar.

Tapestry, the online learning journal, lets parents see photographs, observations and teacher comments. Nursery routines also include personal care, rest and discussions about feelings. Children practise everyday independence through putting on coats, looking after belongings and clearing away activities. The September 2024 ISI inspection described a Nursery kindness tree that recognised kind actions, making thoughtful behaviour visible.

Lunch is included in the full-time nursery arrangement. Hot food, salad, homemade bread and fruit feature in school meals, and dietary provision accommodates vegetarian preferences, religious requirements and allergies. Families can therefore discuss dietary needs as part of their child's care arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the school's application process; its admissions page accepts applications at any time. Treat the next school place as a separate decision from choosing nursery care.

Educational continuity is a different matter. Nursery staff collaborate with the Reception team throughout the year, linking learning and familiar routines. That preparation can support the move, but it should not be read as an admissions entitlement.

The nursery day starts at 9am, with dismissal at 3pm. Full-time attendance includes lunch; part-time attendance and ad hoc days are also offered. Fees are invoiced before each term and paid in advance. Classroom materials and school lunches are included, while optional activities and services can attract extra charges communicated beforehand. Contact the school for current charges.

Junior Adventures Group runs the Nursery After School Club from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, with a snack. Book through its platform. Families planning extended care should distinguish this booking from their nursery attendance arrangement.

For enquiries, email admissions@therocheschool.com or call 020 8877 0823. Nursery visits can be booked, and accepted families receive information covering uniform and term dates before starting.