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Nursery at The Russell 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Growing projects, story play and easy classroom access to outdoor space give Russell’s nursery a practical, exploratory character. Owl Class is the school’s nursery provision in Petersham, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday. It belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the phase concerned with learning and development up to age five.
For September 2025, the school published plans to admit 26 nursery children, offering morning places with a September start. That is a dated intake figure. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection of 28 and 29 November 2023; this judgement covers the school’s early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play supplies the structure for learning. Children investigate, try ideas again and discuss what happens, sometimes working independently and sometimes alongside other children or adults. The EYFS combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and care for oneself with early literacy, maths, creative work and exploration of the world. For parents, that means conversation and practical activity count as learning alongside early number work.
Books and spoken language have a clear place in the nursery day. Children encounter songs, rhymes and stories through play with plenty of conversation. In November 2023, nursery children responded positively to these activities. Early years maths also happens mainly through play, introducing measurement and calculation alongside shape, space and number.
Outdoor learning adds concrete experiences. Nursery children have room for growing projects, while the school grounds include an allotment and an Environmental Area containing a pond, wildlife habitats and a wildflower meadow. Classrooms provide easy access to outdoor space, and covered areas serve every year group. These features give practical exploration room to extend beyond the classroom.
The Big Question brings families into the learning. This weekly discussion task includes nursery children, with younger children able to record ideas with a parent through pictures and brief writing. It gives conversation at home a purpose before children discuss their ideas in class.
Progress is shared through SPOTLIGHT assessments every six months during early years. This gives families a regular point for discussing development with teachers. For children receiving SEND support, a SEND Support Plan sets out provision, with families involved in termly reviews rather than simply receiving an update after decisions have been made.
Both inclusion specialists, the Inclusion Lead and SENCo, hold teaching qualifications and have studied SEN, Disability and Psychology at postgraduate level. They support classroom staff and coordinate contact with specialist services. Wheelchair access extends to every entrance, and the building has accessible toilets and a lift. Visual timetables are used throughout the school, providing a visible structure for the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the local authority’s Common Application Form, with oversubscription handled under the authority’s admissions policy. Treat choosing the nursery and obtaining a Reception place as separate decisions.
Transition support for children with SEND includes passing information to the next teacher and arranging additional visits where appropriate. A social story or visual book may help a child recognise new adults and surroundings. These are preparations for change, not an admissions advantage.
Nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school. The office also arranges tours: contact info@russell.richmond.sch.uk or telephone 020 8940 1446.
The nursery uniform adapts the school’s clothing for younger children: a green cardigan or sweatshirt, a white polo shirt, and a grey skirt or tracksuit bottoms. Black trainers or soft black shoes need Velcro fastenings rather than laces. Clothing and other belongings should carry the child’s name, helping staff return items to the right family.
The admissions page gives entry from the term after a child’s third birthday. Nursery applications go directly to the school.
No. Families need a separate local authority application for Reception, and places are allocated under the local authority’s admissions policy.
The EYFS includes communication, physical development and managing feelings, alongside literacy, maths, creative activities and understanding the world. Early years maths is mainly learned through play.
Yes. Nursery children have space for growing projects, and classrooms provide easy access to outdoor space, with covered learning areas serving all year groups.
A green sweatshirt or cardigan, white polo shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms or skirt, and black trainers or soft black shoes with Velcro fastening. Belongings should be labelled with the child’s name.
