Nursery at Millbank Gardens Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A separate playground, daily outdoor learning and a curriculum built around conversation give Millbank Gardens Nursery its character. Children can join from their third birthday, with provision for three and four-year-olds during school terms. The nursery belongs to Millbank Gardens Primary Academy on Erasmus Street in Westminster.
Early learning takes place in the Early Years block, with spacious classrooms, smaller breakout rooms and a hall for meals and sport. Its entrance is separate from the older pupils’ entrance, giving nursery families their own access point. There is no Ofsted graded rating yet.
Play and adult-led learning share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early reading and number work with learning about the world, creative activities and the foundations of communication, movement and relationships. For parents, that means learning extends beyond books and counting: sharing, listening and recognising feelings also have a place.
Development Matters (2020) guides the nursery’s priorities for three and four-year-olds. Adults use the ShREC approach when interacting with children throughout the day, while shared reading happens daily. Phase 1 phonics concentrates on listening and speaking rather than directly teaching letters and their sounds. Rhythm, sounds in the surroundings and body percussion help children notice and distinguish what they hear.
Movement gets regular attention. Daily access to indoor and outdoor learning sits alongside weekly PE, with activities developing balance, jumping, catching and coordination. Paintbrushes, scissors, tweezers and puzzles exercise smaller hand movements too. The nursery has its own outdoor area, so outdoor exploration has a dedicated space.
Creative work includes experimenting with colour and constructing models using recycled materials. Staff observe children and use what they learn to plan the next steps. This connects the planned curriculum with each child’s developing interests and abilities.
The staffing structure includes a nursery teacher and nursery nurses who also work as teaching assistants. The class teacher oversees day-to-day welfare and acts as the main contact for families, giving parents a clear starting point for conversations about their child.
Lunch can be a school meal or a packed lunch. Families supply dietary requirements and allergy information, and changes between meal patterns happen at the beginning of a term after notifying the office. An individual healthcare plan records medical needs, medication, monitoring and emergency arrangements. Parents also give consent for staff to change clothing when needed.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND coordinator works with families, teachers and specialists. The EYFS block has step-free ground-floor access, a ramp and an accessible toilet. Those are useful practical features for families considering mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For the 2026/2027 admissions cycle, it also confers no priority: families must make a separate application in the normal admissions round.
Applications go to the child’s home local authority using its Common Application Form. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2026. Families considering a later intake should apply through the normal route by the deadline for their child’s admission year. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Full days run from 8.50am to 3.15pm; mornings finish at noon after the same start time. Afternoon sessions run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, with some places offered each year. This gives families a choice between a shorter session and the full nursery day.
There are 15-hour and 30-hour funded places for three and four-year-olds. The extended entitlement depends on eligibility; additional hours or hours beyond a family’s entitlement attract top-up charges. Eligible families must provide their funding code before starting or at the beginning of each new term. Contact the school for current charges.
Breakfast Club admits nursery children from 7.45am. Holiplay provides onsite after-school care until 6pm, booked directly with the provider. Nursery children wear comfortable clothes suited to the weather rather than uniform.
To enquire, call 020 3262 0068 or email enquiries@millbankgardens.futureacademies.org. School tours run on Tuesdays at 9.15am, with other times possible by arrangement. Nursery applications are returned to the school office.
Children can attend from their third birthday. The nursery operates during school terms.
Full days are 8.50am to 3.15pm, mornings are 8.50am to noon, and afternoons are 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Some afternoon places are offered each year.
Yes. There are 15-hour and 30-hour funded places for three and four-year-olds, with eligibility conditions for the extended entitlement. Top-up charges apply where families take additional hours or are not eligible for the extended entitlement.
No. Families must apply separately. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026/2027 admission arrangements.
No. Nursery children are asked to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.
