St George's Hanover Square CofE Primary School Nursery

Purposeful play and a clear focus on language shape the nursery at St George's Hanover Square CofE Primary School. Part of the Church of England primary school on South Street in London, it combines activities guided by adults with play that children choose themselves. The emphasis is on what children learn and can do, rather than simply which activities they complete.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent language, this means planned play has learning goals: children make choices, while adults also lead activities designed to develop their knowledge and skills. The nursery uses the full EYFS curriculum, so the approach combines children's own interests with teaching planned by staff.

Language is a central priority. Development Matters guides assessment, and staff check children's starting points across the seven learning areas when they join. Progress is then tracked through early years. For parents, the useful distinction is that staff look at the knowledge and skills a child gains, rather than treating participation in an activity as proof of learning.

Whole-class music takes place weekly with a specialist teacher. Daily storytime adds another recurring opportunity to listen to language. Practical safety has a place too: in November 2023, early-years children were learning how to use scooters carefully. Learning about citizenship and other people's place in society also begins in early years, bringing consideration for others into the curriculum.

Teaching precision. In November 2023, some intended knowledge, skills and vocabulary were not being taught clearly enough, including in early years. This sometimes left children with an incomplete understanding. Clear explanations and checking what children remember are therefore important points for families to discuss with staff.

Induction meetings for EYFS parents form part of the school's approach to identifying support needs. Families are asked to share concerns about their child's mental health and circumstances that might affect wellbeing. For special educational needs or disabilities, the SEND coordinator is the contact; support can involve school provision and outside agencies.

Communication favours conversation. Parents can pass information to the class teacher after school or arrange a meeting through the office. Extended concerns are handled face to face rather than through a prolonged email exchange, giving families a defined way to discuss something that needs more attention.

Lunch can be a meal prepared on site or a packed lunch from home. Switching between them requires half a term's notice. Allergies, food intolerances and dietary requirements should be shared with the office, with changes reported promptly. Medical conditions can also be discussed at a planning meeting covering treatment and emergency arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. For September entry, the route is the local authority's common application form at eadmissions.org.uk. Some admissions criteria also require the school's Supplementary Information Form, so families should read the admissions policy before applying.

School tours can be booked through the office at office@sghsprimary.co.uk or on 020 7629 1196. This gives parents a direct route to arrange a visit.

Nursery uniform specifies a white polo shirt and charcoal grey jogging bottoms. The office also handles enquiries about second-hand uniform. These nursery-specific clothing requirements are useful when preparing for the first day.