Drapers' Pyrgo Priory School Nursery Review

A large garden, Forest School opportunities and a choice of full-day or shorter sessions give Drapers' Pyrgo Nursery its character. This is the nursery within Drapers' Pyrgo Priory School in Harold Hill, with its own play-based learning and a nursery team working alongside the Reception team.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play has a clear learning purpose here. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), combining exploration with a focus on knowledge. In parent terms, children have opportunities to investigate, sustain their attention and work out ideas for themselves, while adults plan learning across the framework's areas of development.

Indoors, learning resources occupy areas that children can use throughout their sessions. The nursery describes its room as spacious. Outside, the large garden includes opportunities for Forest School, giving exploration a different setting from the classroom.

Language is a concrete strength of the learning plan. In June 2025, vocabulary development began in Nursery, with the knowledge and words children would learn organised in a sequence. Early years children also revisited phonics regularly. This gives early language and reading practice continuity rather than treating them as isolated activities.

Social learning has its own daily place. In June 2025, staff established Nursery routines that included learning to take turns. Waiting for another child is part of learning to participate in a group, alongside independent exploration.

Each child has a key person: a particular staff member with whom to build a relationship. That familiar adult is especially relevant while a child settles into nursery. Healthy snacks are provided during the day, with dietary requirements accommodated.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school's approach includes gathering existing information before they start. Where possible, a Person-Centred Planning meeting brings together those involved with the child, so staff can prepare the transition around individual needs. Parents participate in reviewing support through Assess, Plan, Do, Review.

The school building has step-free access, accessible toilets and a hygiene room equipped with a hoist and shower. These are practical features for families considering physical care needs. The school's teaching assistants include staff trained in paediatric first aid.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the London Borough of Havering. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.

The nursery and Reception teams work together to prepare children for school. This educational preparation should be considered separately from the application for a place.

Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon nursery runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Full-day sessions run from 8:30am to 3:15pm. The nursery operates in term time, so the session choice needs to fit both the working day and holiday childcare arrangements.

The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour funding. For three- and four-year-olds, the universal entitlement covers 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, with an additional 15 hours for eligible working parents. Funded hours must carry no mandatory charges; meals, consumables, extra activities and additional hours may be charged only as optional extras. Ask the school for current charges.

Email office@draperspyrgo.com for a nursery application form. Personal nursery tours can also be booked, giving families an opportunity to meet the team and see the learning spaces.