St Augustine's CE Primary School Nursery Review

Bikes, climbing and a bug garden give early learning a practical character at St Augustine's. The nursery belongs to the Church of England primary school on Kilburn Park Road in London, with outdoor exploration forming part of its early-years provision.

Ofsted judged early years Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2025. That judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning: children explore through play, practise concentrating and develop ideas of their own. Planning considers how children approach an activity as well as what they learn. Trying something unfamiliar, persisting when it becomes difficult and making connections are all part of that approach. Early childhood is valued for itself, alongside preparation for later learning.

Outdoor activity puts those principles to work. In April 2025, early-years children practised climbing and cycling, and dug in the bug garden. Adults used their understanding of individual children to judge how much help to give, allowing physical challenges while keeping children safe. Children also explored how food can be grown. These are concrete opportunities to connect movement and discovery.

Regular Forest School sessions include all EYFS children. However, independent learning needs attention. In April 2025, some early-years children had gaps in their understanding that made tackling tasks alone difficult. Teaching needed to help children retain essential learning more consistently. Families should weigh that concern alongside the outdoor experiences.

Familiar routines helped early-years children feel secure in April 2025. Adults knew children individually, and children practised sharing, waiting for a turn and working together. Those everyday interactions support participation in group activities.

The staffing structure includes an EYFS nursery nurse. For children with additional needs, the school's SEND coordinator organises provision, works with parents and liaises with specialists, including occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. Parents can request an appointment through the office or email office@staprimary.org to reach the coordinator.

Personal safety is also part of EYFS learning. NSPCC PANTS Rule resources and Childnet's Smartie the Penguin sessions address personal and digital safety, giving children age-appropriate starting points for understanding safe behaviour.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing nursery.

Learning to share resources and cooperate helps children prepare for their next stage. In April 2025, these social skills were established features of early-years learning. Preparation for later learning does not itself secure admission.

The school timetable gives the nursery a noon finish. That is a useful practical consideration for families arranging collection and care later in the day.

General enquiries go through the school office: call 020 7328 0221, email office@staprimary.org or use the contact-page enquiry form. The school is on Kilburn Park Road, London NW6 5XA. For parents needing to speak to teaching staff at the beginning of the school day, the designated route is through the office.