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Nursery at Gateway Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Songs, shared lunches and learning to take turns give Gateway Academy’s nursery its character. Families are encouraged to learn two songs or rhymes with their child each half term, while lunchtime gives children support to try unfamiliar food and make choices. These are small, practical steps towards language and independence.
The nursery belongs to Gateway Academy on Capland Street in Westminster. It forms part of the school’s Foundation Stage. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 5 and 6 October 2022; that judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Talking and listening have a clear place in nursery life. Songs and rhymes give children repeated chances to practise words, with actions adding movement and coordination. Families join in with two songs or rhymes each half term, so a familiar activity can continue at home. Daily story time also forms part of the early years curriculum.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together. Gateway’s early years maths aims include counting, using numbers and exploring shape, space and measures. Creative work is equally practical: children explore paint and clay, with accessible materials allowing them to try out their own ideas. Handling those materials gives their hands useful practice as well as a means of expression.
Construction introduces another kind of problem solving. Early years activities include potato printing, sandcastle building and making structures with blocks, lolly sticks and playdough. Children work towards something they want to make, rather than simply handling materials. Physical activities take place indoors and outdoors, with an emphasis on controlling movement and using equipment. The nursery has its own outside area, and the Big room is used for handwashing before lunch.
Lunch runs from 11:30am to 12:30pm, using a family service arrangement. Extra staff help children explore new foods and choose what to eat. This makes the meal part of learning to manage everyday decisions, rather than just a break between activities.
In October 2022, children in early years adapted quickly to routines, and nursery children demonstrated patient turn-taking while washing their hands after outdoor time. Support for communication and language was especially effective for children beginning school with limited English, and staff identified and supported additional needs from early years onwards. For parents, these findings connect settling with the practical help children receive to participate.
Gateway Manners translate expectations into everyday actions: asking before borrowing, thanking people and waiting for a turn. Parents receive learning and event updates through MySchoolApp, giving families a way to keep up with school life.
Attending Gateway’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 12:30pm; afternoon sessions begin at 11:20am and finish at 3:10pm. The afternoon starts before lunch. Morning drop-off and end-of-day collection use the nursery outside area, while morning collection is currently through the main entrance from the big room. Afternoon children enter through the main school entrance. On each term’s final day, all children finish at 12:30pm, which changes collection plans.
Uniform combines a red or white polo or T-shirt with a logo sweatshirt in red, grey or black bottoms and plain black footwear. The sweatshirt must come from the Academy shop; a red gingham dress is an option in summer.
For enquiries, contact office@gateway-academy.co.uk or telephone 020 7723 4977. School tours can be arranged by appointment. Westminster Family Information Service provides families with advice and support.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 12:30pm. The afternoon session runs from 11:20am to 3:10pm. All children finish at 12:30pm on the last day of each term.
Lunch takes place from 11:30am to 12:30pm. A family service arrangement includes extra staff to help children try new foods and make choices.
Families are encouraged to learn two songs or rhymes with their child each half term. Repetition and actions give children practice in talking, listening and coordination.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Contact the school to book a tour by appointment. The office can be reached at office@gateway-academy.co.uk or on 020 7723 4977.
