Nursery at Kew College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French songs, programmable toys and outdoor learning at Priory Park give this nursery a distinctly varied day. Children join from their third birthday, with entry possible throughout the year when spaces allow. It is the nursery within Kew College Prep, an independent school in Kew, Richmond, with its own classroom and outdoor play space.
At the ISI inspection of 4 to 6 June 2024, the nursery had 19 children in a single class. That is a dated enrolment figure, rather than a measure of current capacity. A qualified teacher leads the nursery teaching, while teaching assistants also support the children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the learning: children practise talking, managing feelings and moving confidently before extending those skills into early reading, number work, creativity and understanding their surroundings. Stories, cookery and role play give these foundations practical expression. Teacher-led activities sit alongside play chosen by the children.
Specialist teaching adds variety. French uses songs and pictures to introduce familiar ideas such as colours and counting. In ICT, touchscreens and programmable toys introduce instructions and cause and effect. Music brings puppets and percussion into singing activities; PE uses beanbags, hoops and rackets to practise coordination. Weekly library visits make books a regular part of nursery life.
Outside, children use a climbing frame and the main playground, as well as their own outdoor learning area. Games including Stuck in the Mud involve running and changing direction. Twice each week, outdoor learning sessions take children beyond the classroom with the Head of Early Years; Priory Park is one named location. Independence also has small, everyday targets: washing hands and managing shoes.
In June 2024, early-years children developed language effectively and chose play resources confidently. Adults joined their play and used questions to extend conversation. This gives parents a concrete picture of learning through play: children make choices, while adults help them take an idea further.
A child's keyworker is identified to parents before the child starts. Daily contact with the teacher gives families a regular opportunity to discuss their child, and written progress reports go home each term. These are different channels for different needs: everyday conversation alongside a longer view of development.
Early-years staff held paediatric first-aid training in June 2024. At that time, teachers' understanding of individual children helped them manage feelings, and children felt secure and confident. Behaviour policy consistency. The same inspection required more consistent implementation across the school, including staff responsibilities and rewards and sanctions. Families should consider this alongside the positive early-years findings.
The admissions policy includes reasonable adjustments for additional needs. School terms also explain that formal assessments may be needed to establish suitable support and may, depending on circumstances, be at parents' expense. September 2024 parent information describes water being freely accessible and food not being supplied within the EYFS setting. Separately, the school announced a new kitchen and dining room for September 2026.
Kew's admissions information explicitly promises nursery children a Reception place. This is a school-specific position supported by its admissions page, rather than an assumption based on sharing a site. The commitment sits alongside the school's contractual conditions; families should read those before accepting a nursery offer.
Transition practice is a separate benefit. Nursery and Reception staff collaborate, and children continue specialist lessons with teachers they already know. Increasing independence and familiarity with routines help make the next classroom a less unfamiliar experience.
The full nursery day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Half days are also an option. Wraparound care extends attendance to 7:30am–5:30pm when children are ready, with Nursery and Reception teaching assistants providing continuity beyond the teaching day.
Fees are billed termly. The school's terms treat lunches, clothing, equipment and photographs as additional charges, and some costs associated with special educational needs may also be charged separately. Refer to the school for current charges.
For enquiries, contact registrar@kewcollegeprep.com or call 020 8940 2039. Early Years and Infant House tours can be booked through the visits page, with personal tours arranged through admissions. There is no parking on the school site, so plan the journey before visiting.
Children can start from their third birthday. Entry is possible throughout the year, subject to space.
Full days run from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with half days also offered. Wraparound care can extend attendance to 7:30am–5:30pm when children are ready.
Activities include French, PE, ICT, dance and music, alongside weekly library visits and twice-weekly outdoor learning.
The school's admissions page expressly guarantees nursery children a Reception place. Families should read this alongside the school's contractual conditions.
Parents have daily contact with the teacher, receive written reports each term and learn their child's keyworker before starting.
