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Nursery at The German 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
German and English are part of the play here. The German School’s Kinderhaus combines Kindergarten and preschool for children aged three to six, within the school at Douglas House, Petersham Road, Richmond. Its character is bilingual: children learn language through adults, other children and play.
The school occupies a green site between the Thames and Richmond Park. In July 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Play carries real learning weight. In July 2025, children in the Kinderhaus developed spoken German and English through play, examples from teachers and interaction with their peers. Sharing and waiting for a turn were taught alongside language. For parents, that means the social demands of playing together also provide opportunities to practise communication.
Adults check what children understand and address gaps in their learning. Kindergarten children also meet visitors who explain different jobs, bringing experiences beyond the classroom into their day.
The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, sets learning and development requirements for early education. This Kinderhaus has an exemption from those requirements, so families should understand its bilingual approach on its own terms. Regular sessions include lunch and finish at 1.30pm; an afternoon programme is offered separately.
Settling involves support for parents as well as children. The admissions coordinator guides new families through registration and helps during the settling period, giving families a continuing contact while they adjust.
The Beratungsquadrat brings together school psychology, social work and special educational needs expertise, working with the nursery and preschool as well as older children. SENCO support extends to Kindergarten, and counselling can include consultations with parents and emotional support for children.
For a child with SEND, discuss previous support and diagnoses before the admissions interview. Decisions depend on the individual child and whether the school has suitable resources. Where an education, health and care plan is needed, the school works with parents to establish whether it can meet those needs. This makes the assessment of support a practical part of choosing the setting.
Lunch is included in the regular Kinderhaus session. Children must be toilet-trained when they join.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee an English Reception place. Families choosing that route must apply separately through the normal admissions process.
The German School’s own pathway includes preschool before primary education. Its admissions policy gives first oversubscription priority to applicants from German-medium schools seeking continuity of education before returning to a German school, followed by siblings and application order; nursery attendance is not listed as a priority criterion. Keep educational continuity separate from entitlement to a later place.
Kindergarten accepts children with no previous German, while parents are expected to support their German development. Children must be three when starting Kindergarten; preschool entrants must be five on entry or reach five by 30 September.
Early Education Entitlement provides 15 funded hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds, with only a limited number of funded places here. Request the entitlement statement through the school. Kinderhaus charges are termly, and afternoon provision is charged separately. Refer to the school for current charges.
Arrange an individual visit through the Admission Office. The school has no uniform. Its pupil bus service starts at Year 1, so nursery families need another travel arrangement.
No previous German is required for Kindergarten entry. Parents are expected to actively support their child’s German development.
Regular Kinderhaus sessions finish at 1.30pm and include lunch. Afternoon programmes are charged separately.
Yes. The school describes 15 funded hours per week for three- and four-year-olds, with a limited number of funded places. The Early Education Entitlement statement can be requested from the school.
No. An English Reception application is separate. The German School’s oversubscription criteria do not list nursery attendance as a priority criterion.
Yes. The Admission Office can arrange individual visits and school tours.
