Nursery at L'Ecole Bilingue Elementaire
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French immersion gives the nursery at L'Ecole Bilingue Elementaire its character. Petite Section introduces English for half an hour each day alongside French, while Moyenne Section uses both languages. These are distinct stages: Petite Section serves children aged 3–4 and Moyenne Section those aged 4–5.
Children can join from 2 years and nine months. The provision belongs to the independent school at St David's Welsh Church in London, on St Mary's Terrace. In January 2024, the early years comprised two classes with 32 children attending. That is a dated roll, rather than a nursery capacity.
Language is a medium for learning here. Immersion means children learn through French and English rather than treating each language solely as a separate subject. The French curriculum sits alongside English regulatory requirements, giving the early years a dual educational framework.
In January 2024, early-years activities included songs, imaginative roleplay and games involving counting. These gave children practical ways to build speech, confidence and early mathematical understanding. Teachers encouraged independence, supporting personal development as children began more formal learning. Pretend shops introduced buying and selling through play. Learning about religious festivals also gave children opportunities to share cultural traditions.
Movement and music have regular places in the nursery timetable: children have half an hour of physical activity daily and an hour of singing or music each week. Lunch breaks up the day between noon and 12.30pm. These routines bring language learning into activities beyond seated lessons.
In January 2024, children in the early years shared playthings and took account of what other children wanted to do. Cooperation was a visible part of their learning. Lunch is prepared and eaten on the premises, and taking the school lunch is optional.
Parents receive a progress report each semester, describing the skills their child has acquired. Families must disclose allergies, medical conditions and additional needs so these can inform care. If the school identifies a possible learning difficulty, parents are notified and are responsible for arranging and paying for a formal assessment; additional teaching may also attract a charge.
The January–February 2024 ISI inspection identified safeguarding failures affecting the early years, including staff training and suitability checks, with leadership standards also unmet. The December 2024 monitoring inspection found that all relevant standards examined were met, including the early-years safeguarding requirements. Two staff members held safeguarding responsibilities independently of the proprietors, recruitment checks preceded employment, and mobile-phone rules covered the early years. This later finding matters when assessing the earlier concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Within this independent school, continued progression is expected, but depends on academic requirements and behaviour. Parents are consulted before the spring term ends if a child may not move to the next stage.
For families choosing Reception elsewhere, confirm application requirements and deadlines with the intended school.
The school follows a 36-week French calendar running from September to June. Petite Section and Moyenne Section operate within the school timetable, with attendance expected across the full day and week. This is a substantial attendance commitment for families weighing a school-based nursery against shorter sessions.
Up to 15 funded hours may be accessed through the Universal Entitlement. Those hours are free and do not depend on buying extra services or hours. Families may choose funded hours alone, yet enrolled children are also expected to attend the full programme. For parents seeking only the funded entitlement, the school offers help finding another eligible provider through the local authority's Family Information Service. Clarify that arrangement before committing.
Contact admin@lecolebilingue.com or 020 7224 8427 for nursery enquiries and current charges. Clothing, equipment and educational visits can generate extras. Withdrawal requires written notice before the first day of a term, expiring at that term's end; insufficient notice can result in fees being due for the following term.
Petite Section covers ages 3–4 and Moyenne Section ages 4–5. Entry is accepted from 2 years and nine months.
Petite Section uses French with half an hour of English daily. Moyenne Section is bilingual in French and English, with immersion using language to teach the curriculum.
Lunch is cooked and served on site between noon and 12.30pm. School lunch is optional and charged separately.
Up to 15 Universal Entitlement hours are free without purchasing additional hours or services. However, enrolled children are expected to attend the full school programme; the school supports families seeking funded hours alone to identify another eligible provider through the local authority's Family Information Service.
No. Internal progression is conditional on academic requirements and behaviour. For Reception elsewhere, confirm application requirements and deadlines with the intended school.
