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Nursery at Unicorn 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodwork, dressing up and a garden give Red Class its character: play supplies the starting point for learning at Unicorn School’s nursery in Richmond. Children can join once they turn three, or in the September after their third birthday. This is the nursery class within the independent school, with classes usually numbering no more than 22 children rather than a separate nursery setting.
The balance is between activities children choose and sessions led by adults. Families can choose mornings or full days, giving the same nursery provision different shapes to suit their child’s attendance.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning and care. In everyday terms, children practise communicating, making choices and working with others through play, alongside early work with numbers and writing. Adults plan focused activities but also support children’s own ideas through questions and help when needed.
Inside the classroom and out in the garden, children build with construction toys, try sensory activities and make marks. Dressing up supports imaginative play; woodwork adds another practical activity. Shared sessions introduce stories, songs, phonics and number games. The day therefore combines time to explore with opportunities to listen and learn together.
The ISI inspection of 27 to 29 June 2023 recorded nursery children exploring capacity and volume in a sand tray and confidently inventing dances linked to a butterfly life-cycle topic, accompanied by Ukrainian butterfly music. These examples show how physical play and creative work can carry mathematical and scientific ideas.
Forest School extends the nursery’s learning into natural surroundings. A November 2025 account describes weekly outings, with den building, art made from leaves and balancing on fallen branches. These give children practical opportunities to experiment, cooperate and consider risk.
Settling starts before the first nursery day. Stay and play sessions during the preceding year introduce children to the setting and give parents time to meet staff and other families. Little Unicorns adds a pre-school group combining music and play. Early Years staff adapt the settling period to children who need longer to feel comfortable.
Red Class has a class teacher and an Early Years educator. Qualifications include early years workforce diplomas at Level 3, with an early years leadership qualification held by the class teacher. Key person monitoring forms part of the nursery’s approach to identifying additional needs early.
Support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review. The SENDCo works with parents and teachers on personalised targets, with classroom adaptations and individual or small-group support where appropriate. Access needs. For children with special educational needs, learning difficulties or disabilities, admission is conditional on the Learning Support Department being able to meet their support needs. The building’s many stairs can also present difficulties for children with physical disabilities, making early discussion of adjustments important.
Food is prepared in the school’s own kitchen, including a hot lunch and morning snack. Meals and snacks are optional charged extras; families opting out must supply a nut-free packed lunch. This gives parents a choice over the meal arrangement as well as attendance hours.
Unicorn’s own admissions arrangements give nursery entrants a guaranteed place in Orange Class, its Reception class, the following year. That is an explicit school admission provision and should be distinguished from the general assumption that attending any school nursery secures Reception entry.
Preparation for the next class happens separately through summer-term transition activities. Teachers spend time with their incoming classes, work together on the changeover and hold a going up day. Children with SEND can receive extra time and resources around transitions where appropriate.
Mornings run from 08:20 to 12:20, while full days finish at 15:15 after the same start, Monday to Friday. Bespoke attendance patterns and a gradual increase in hours can also be discussed.
Eligible children receive 15 funded hours each week during 34 term-time weeks, beginning the term after their third birthday. The second funded block of a day requires attendance at the first. Additional hours and outings are voluntary, with charges separate from funded provision. Once families opt into agreed provision, it runs for the full term; changes must be requested in writing before the next term starts. Contact the school for current charges.
Private tours can be booked through the visit form or the Registrar at registrar@unicornschool.org.uk, or by calling 020 8948 3926.
Children can join Red Class once they turn three, or in the September after their third birthday.
Mornings are 08:20 to 12:20 and full days are 08:20 to 15:15, Monday to Friday. Bespoke schedules can also be discussed.
Unicorn’s admissions page gives children entering its nursery a guaranteed place in Reception, Orange Class, the following year.
Eligible children can use 15 funded hours weekly during 34 term-time weeks, from the term after turning three. The school helps families complete Richmond Borough’s funding application.
Stay and play sessions introduce children and parents to the setting before entry. Early Years staff then adapt settling to the child, allowing more time where needed.
