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Nursery at St James & St John Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A refurbished church space with its own playground gives this nursery a distinctive setting. The Early Years unit occupies part of St James’s Church, rather than the main school building: a concrete distinction for families picturing where their child will learn and play.
Nursery belongs to the early years provision at St James & St John Church of England Primary School. Ofsted’s April 2026 inspection awarded early years Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. The clearest strengths are language development, carefully ordered teaching and relationships that help children feel secure.
Play has a teaching purpose here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities directed by adults with play children choose themselves. In parent terms, children have opportunities to follow their interests alongside teaching that introduces new knowledge. The curriculum includes creative arts and understanding the world as well as early reading, writing, mathematics and behaviour.
Development Matters guides assessment. Staff establish children’s starting points across seven learning areas and track the skills and knowledge they gain. Language and vocabulary receive special emphasis, so learning is about what children can understand and explain, alongside what they can do.
The April 2026 early years findings give that emphasis substance. Children described minibeasts using vocabulary including antennae and protection. Adults explain unfamiliar ideas clearly and ask questions that reveal misunderstandings, allowing teaching to respond. Early years children also practise sounds and increasingly use their phonics when writing. These are findings across early years, rather than a nursery-only activity timetable.
The church-based unit’s own playground provides outdoor space alongside the indoor setting. Social learning matters too: children learn to wait for a turn, share and consider how others feel. Support with understanding emotions helps them become ready to participate in learning.
Warm, respectful relationships were a strength of early years in April 2026. Staff recognised individual needs and responded promptly to obstacles to learning. For a child needing extra help, that means support is linked to the difficulty they face. Parents with concerns about special educational needs can contact the school’s SEND coordinator through the office.
Lunch can be a meal prepared on site or a packed lunch from home. Families must give half a term’s notice when switching between the two, and tell the office about dietary requirements or allergies. Medical needs are handled through a planning meeting covering treatment and emergency responses.
Communication favours conversation. Parents can speak with their child’s teacher after school to pass on information or arrange a meeting; longer discussions can be booked through the office. Concerns sent by email lead to an offer of a face-to-face meeting, rather than an extended email exchange.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For September entry, the school requires its own application form alongside the Westminster local authority form, or the form for the borough where the family lives. The local authority application is accessed through eAdmissions. Treat that application as a separate task when planning the next stage.
After-school collection. Junior Adventure Group runs the on-site Stay and Play club. Nursery children must be collected by 5.30pm because of staffing regulations for their age group. Book directly with the provider. For families arranging work and travel, that nursery collection limit is the relevant one.
Uniform is compulsory. Nursery clothing includes a white polo shirt and black jogging bottoms, with a maroon school-logo sweatshirt or cardigan. Some second-hand uniform may be obtainable from the office, giving families another purchasing option.
School tours can be booked through the office at office@stjstj.co.uk or 020 7504 0535. This is also the contact route for general enquiries.
The EYFS curriculum combines purposeful play chosen by children with activities led by adults. Language and vocabulary are a central focus, and Development Matters guides assessment.
The Early Years unit occupies a refurbished part of St James’s Church and has its own playground.
Yes. Junior Adventure Group provides the on-site Stay and Play club, with nursery collection by 5.30pm. Families book directly with the provider.
No. Reception requires a separate application, including the school’s form and a local authority application through Westminster or the borough where the family lives.
Contact the school office at office@stjstj.co.uk or 020 7504 0535 to book a school tour.
