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Nursery at Mary Paterson Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Firepit cooking, garden obstacle courses and stories give Mary Paterson its practical, exploratory character. This state nursery school in Maida Vale serves children aged two to five and belongs to Queen’s Park Early Years Federation. The federation’s admissions information allocates 52 funded places here for three and four year olds; that figure describes this age group, rather than the whole nursery’s capacity.
The emphasis is on learning through doing. In February 2023, children’s experiences included preparing food outdoors and building their own physical challenges, with adults extending the learning within those activities. Independence matters alongside knowledge.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects care with learning. Here, that means developing speech, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number work, creative expression and discovery. These are connected experiences: preparing ingredients can involve talking, using tools and exploring the world, rather than treating each area as a separate lesson.
In February 2023, carefully selected core books organised much of the nursery learning. Children sang a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and explored stories through pretend play. Staff selected vocabulary deliberately and gave children repeated opportunities to use it. The point was understanding and confident conversation, rather than simply hearing a story once.
The garden also supported listening games and construction. At the workbench, children practised handling nails and a hammer with adult guidance. Cooking ratatouille over the firepit involved gathering fuel and cutting ingredients safely. These activities made responsibility tangible. Forest School adds another setting: a group goes each week to Sandy Heath in Hampstead for activities connected to the curriculum. This is a group opportunity, rather than a promise that every child attends weekly.
Support starts with knowing the child. Family and key worker groups form part of the nursery’s approach, with parents contributing to learning plans. In February 2023, staff helped children become familiar with everyday routines, including preparing for outdoor play and clearing away activities. They also supported children who initially struggled with sharing or playing alongside others, making settling part of the learning day.
Additional needs receive individual attention. In February 2023, children needing extra help were recognised promptly and learning was broken into smaller steps where necessary. The federation’s support options include Early Talk Boost, Attention Builder and Lego Therapy groups, alongside advice from professional therapists. Parents can discuss concerns with their child’s family worker or the federation SENDCo, and book an educational psychologist consultation. This gives families several routes into a conversation about development.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a distinct decision from choosing nursery.
Preparation for primary school is a different matter. In February 2023, children developed communication, independence and experience of shared routines, and were exceptionally ready for that next stage. Those skills help with the change of setting; they do not secure admission.
Funded education operates during term time, with 15 or 30 hours according to circumstances. The 15-hour model uses five half days, and parents can request mornings or afternoons, although their preference is not guaranteed. The limited 30-hour provision runs Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.45pm. The two-year-old scheme offers mornings from 8.45am to 11.45am or afternoons from 12.45pm to 3.45pm.
Charges beyond education. Funding excludes meals, consumables, extra hours and additional services. Increasing hours carries a charge, so families should use the school’s current charges when planning their arrangement. For nursery enquiries and registration, the office provides the admission form for three and four year olds; applications for the two-year-old provision go directly to Westminster City Council.
Comfortable clothes support messy play and independent toileting. Provide wellies and spare clothing, with seasonal protection for outdoor activity throughout the year.
The school’s age range is two to five. Its nursery admission routes distinguish between two-year-old provision and places for three and four year olds.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by its deadline.
The 15-hour provision uses five morning or afternoon half days during term time. Limited 30-hour places run Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.45pm, subject to eligibility.
The garden supports practical activities, and a group attends curriculum-linked Forest School sessions each week at Sandy Heath in Hampstead.
Parents can speak to their child’s family worker or the federation SENDCo. Educational psychologist consultations can also be booked through the SENDCo.
