Naima Jewish Preparatory School Nursery Review

Songs, shared books and a gentle introduction to Jewish learning shape Naima’s early years provision. Pre-Nursery and Nursery sit within the school’s early years department in Maida Vale, where the school’s age range begins at two. The emphasis is on learning everyday skills alongside early concepts: expressing an idea, recognising a shape and taking part with other children.

The ISI inspection of 18 to 20 November 2025 found children comfortable in their surroundings and happily involved in activities, with staff understanding their individual needs. That gives the provision a personal character, although the balance between group teaching and developmental readiness needs attention.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers the required learning areas, with activities that develop language, early concepts and physical skills. Here, activities explore colour, shape and size, while books, singing and rhymes give children opportunities to practise language. Group discussions on the carpet are another part of the pattern. More formal instruction is introduced gradually as children move through the early years.

Physical learning has a concrete setting: the gym. Regular early years movement sessions develop strength, coordination and balance, with children also practising how to respond to instructions. Play contributes to their physical development too. This makes movement part of learning, alongside the quieter group activities.

Jewish studies begin gently. Children encounter Tzedakah through learning about helping people with less than themselves; Diwali, Remembrance Day and Chinese New Year introduce aspects of the wider society around them. These are practical starting points for understanding generosity and other people’s lives.

Teaching pace. In November 2025, teaching sometimes failed to fit children’s developmental readiness, causing some to disengage and limiting their progress. Matching activities consistently to children’s stage was the recommended next step. For parents, the important distinction is between introducing group learning and expecting children to sustain attention before they are ready.

Relationships with key people are positive, and children understand familiar routines, including clearing away after an activity. The early years behaviour approach involves children in recognising and managing their feelings. Together, these practices connect emotional learning with the small tasks that make a nursery session predictable.

Meals also provide opportunities to become independent. The youngest children have meals in their own classrooms, wash their hands and help themselves to vegetables. Adults sit alongside them and oversee eating. Care is woven into the routine: children practise doing things for themselves while staff remain close.

In November 2025, inspectors found an appropriate number of staff with suitable first aid qualifications, including paediatric first aid training in early years. Regular staff meetings provide time to discuss children’s needs, raise concerns and consider training. Parents receive the age-two progress check, giving them a formal point at which to discuss their child’s development.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate process and apply again through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Familiarity with the school and relationships with staff should not be mistaken for an admissions entitlement.

The nursery is at 21 Andover Place, London, NW6 5ED. Enquiries go to the school secretary at secretary@naimajps.co.uk.

The school makes hard copies of its EYFS policies available on request through that email address. These include the EYFS Key Person Policy, EYFS Personal Care Policy and EYFS Transition Policy, useful documents for understanding the framework around everyday care and changes between stages.