Kneller Hall Junior School Nursery

An Early Years play session and specialist teaching from the earliest years give this nursery its school-based character. The provision belongs to the school known as Radnor House Prep, at 41 Kew Foot Road in Richmond. Nursery children typically start during the term of their third birthday; the entry group is described as Rising 3s or Pre-Kindergarten.

For younger families, Stay & Play introduces the Early Years environment through an hour of play for children aged 2–3, with parents able to meet staff and other families. It is an introduction to the setting, rather than a nursery attendance pattern.

Specialist teaching begins in the earliest years, covering art, French, music, sport and computing. This places the nursery within a school where different subjects have specialist input, rather than treating early learning as an entirely separate strand. It gives families a concrete sense of the educational setting around the youngest children.

Play is the specific activity offered at the Early Years Stay & Play session. Parents remain involved in this introductory experience, while children spend time in the Early Years environment. Term-time tours also take in classrooms and outdoor spaces, giving families an opportunity to see the physical setting that surrounds the provision.

Additional needs are considered individually. Across the school, class teachers remain responsible for children's learning, with the SENDCo helping them recognise barriers and choose suitable support. The Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle means identifying a need, agreeing an adjustment, putting support into practice and checking its effect.

For families receiving SEND support, communication includes progress updates, review meetings and planned conversations with staff. Transition help may involve extra visits, preparation and exchanges of information between staff, with the level of help shaped by the child's needs.

Specialist support. Some intensive or highly specialised provision may exceed the school's capacity. External support beyond its standard provision, including Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy, requires parental funding unless an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) agreement provides for the local authority to pay. Families should weigh the support offered against their child's individual requirements.

Physical access includes lifts at both ends of the school building and accessible toilets on the ground floor. These are school facilities, rather than a description of the nursery room itself.

Nursery attendance has an explicit place in the school's Reception arrangements: children in its nursery class are placed first for offers, with automatic entry specified. This is a substantive progression arrangement, separate from an ordinary nursery registration, which does not itself secure an initial place.

Admission nevertheless remains subject to the Head's discretion, and the school's contract takes precedence if its terms conflict with general admissions guidance. Treat the nursery-to-Reception arrangement alongside those conditions. For children needing additional support, transition preparation is tailored to need; it is a care arrangement rather than an extra admissions advantage.

Enquiries go to office@rhprep.com or 020 3869 5871. Families can book a tour through the visit form, and individual tours run during term time. Virtual meetings and alternative visits can also be arranged for families relocating from abroad or unable to attend in term time.

Travel planning. There is no parking on the main school site; a small car park is a short distance away. Factor that into the journey with a young child. Contact the school for current charges before accepting a place.