The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at King's House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School, a hot lunch and specialist teaching give King's House Nursery a distinctly school-shaped day. Since September 2026, longer pre-school days and care during school holidays have broadened the options for families needing more childcare alongside that education.
This co-educational nursery serves children aged two to four at The Old School House on Princes Road in Richmond. Hedgehogs is the younger class; Rabbits and Squirrels are the pre-school classes. Children can start during the academic year of their third birthday, with the starting point agreed around their birthday, family circumstances and classroom space.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. Teaching follows children's interests and development, combining play with early literacy, number work and communication. The May 2026 ISI inspection found that early-years teaching responded effectively to children's needs and interests. Activities have a purpose beyond keeping children occupied.
Specialists from the wider school teach drama and French, alongside music, computing and PE. Forest School adds outdoor exploration; longer days also make room for cookery, yoga and science. This gives children different ways to participate, from movement to making things, with play woven through the learning.
The Nest supplies a named outdoor learning space. In May 2026, early-years children explored minibeasts and observed caterpillar chrysalises there, bringing the natural world into their learning. The Gruffalo Café provided an example of activities built around children's interests, encouraging them to speak and express ideas. Climbing and running develop coordination as well as physical confidence.
Settling begins before the first nursery session. An information evening introduces parents to their child's key carer, and parents also receive a welcome pack. A stay-and-play session lets parent and child explore together; a shorter session follows the next day. Ducklings Parent and Toddler Group offers another opportunity to become familiar with the nursery beforehand.
The staff team includes class teachers, nursery practitioners and an after-school care manager, supported by subject specialists. Nursery staff have early-years qualifications. Wraparound and holiday care now use the nursery's own team in its familiar surroundings, reducing changes of adults and setting across a longer day.
Accent Catering prepares hot nursery lunches, followed by fruit and yoghurt. Teachers support children while they eat. Morning snacks include milk with fruit or crackers, and children staying longer receive an afternoon snack. Holiday care requires a nut-free packed lunch because the kitchen closes during school breaks. The announcement of changes from September 2026 also described plans for a quiet, supervised sleeping area for younger children needing a nap.
Early-years emotional support includes linking feelings with colours, helping children explain worries. Safeguarding was effective in the early years in May 2026, and staffing ratios were suitable. A separate whole-school improvement action concerned inconsistent responses to low-level misbehaviour; this was not identified specifically as a nursery concern. For children with SEND, admission depends on the support and site reasonably meeting their needs, with adjustments discussed with families and professional advisers.
Nursery attendance brings Reception priority here. The April 2026 admissions policy places nursery children first and describes automatic entry, while retaining the Head's discretion over admission. Attendance alone should therefore not be treated as an unconditional guarantee.
Reception still requires formal confirmation and acceptance through the school. The Registrar contacts registered families in the spring term of the year before entry; the policy gives 30 June of that preceding year as the acceptance date. Parents return a signed acceptance form and the required deposit. The nursery acceptance arrangements also include a Reception Reservation Fee. Educational preparation is separate: the longer day and teacher-supported lunch help children practise routines for their next stage.
Hedgehogs has a mornings-only option, while core hours, wraparound and extended wraparound packages provide other booking patterns. Families choosing core hours can use additional after-school or holiday care when space permits; the appropriate package secures the extended-care booking.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds can receive up to 15 funded hours each week, between 8:40am and 11:40am daily. Children must be three on the first day of term; starting at two may mean up to three terms without funding. The school does not offer the additional 15 hours. Meals, snacks, specialist services and additional hours can attract voluntary extras, with alternative arrangements discussed for families opting out. Contact the school for current charges.
Uniform includes a navy tracksuit, crested white polo shirt and gingham smock. Enquiries go through the school form or Registrar. Visitors Mornings last about 90 minutes, and private tours can also be booked.
Children can join Hedgehogs in the academic year in which they turn three, allowing a start at two. The starting point takes account of birthdays, family circumstances and available classroom space.
Parents meet the key carer before entry. A stay-and-play session is followed the next day by a shorter session for children.
Hot lunches and snacks are provided during the nursery day, with teachers supporting lunch. During holiday care, children bring a nut-free packed lunch.
Yes. The April 2026 admissions policy gives nursery children priority and describes automatic entry, subject to the Head's admission discretion. Families must still confirm and formally accept the Reception place through the school.
Yes, subject to availability. Families needing a guaranteed extended-care place must choose the appropriate package.
