Stanley Primary School Nursery Review

An interactive Light Table gives Stanley’s preschool a concrete point of interest: equipment funded by Friends of Stanley Primary School (FOSP) puts exploration within children’s reach. This is the nursery provision within Stanley Primary School in Teddington, serving children aged three and four. Its part-time, term-time model makes the session pattern an important part of the family decision.

Stories become practical problems here. At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted described nursery activities based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears: children prepared porridge and sampled it, experimented with materials to repair Baby Bear’s chair, then used drawings and writing to consider consequences for Goldilocks. A familiar tale supplied reasons to make, test and express ideas. The chair-repair activity had its own investigation area.

That example shows how different kinds of early learning can connect within one activity, rather than treating making and writing as separate tasks. The Light Table adds another physical resource for exploration. These are useful details for parents interested in what children actually handle and do.

In July 2024, children in early years played collaboratively, practised handling their feelings and developed their attention with staff support. Learning to concentrate and cooperate was part of the day alongside the practical activities.

Preschool staffing includes early years teachers and early years learning support assistants. New nursery starters receive their own autumn start dates, so families should plan around their child’s allocated date rather than assume that everyone begins together.

Communication has a direct preschool route: preschool@stanley.richmond.sch.uk handles teaching and learning enquiries. Arbor carries the school’s routine messages, with email and telephone also used. This gives parents a route to the teaching team as well as the office.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), an SENDCO covers early years and Key Stage 1. The school’s support process involves parents in developing a SEND Support Plan or pupil passport, with continuing review. Younger children can contribute through photographs, drawings or video, while parents and support staff can represent their views. This allows a child’s preferences to inform planning even when spoken explanations are difficult.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process: September Reception applications go to Richmond Admissions Department through AfC Admissions, while preschool applications are handled by Stanley itself. Treat these as two separate decisions.

For children with SEND changing classes within the school, information goes ahead to the next teacher. A transition book or social story can be prepared where needed, and an ELSA transition group may be used. These arrangements support the change of classroom; they do not secure admission.

Morning preschool runs from 08:45 to 11:45; the afternoon session is 12:30 to 15:30. Part-time places operate Monday to Friday during term time under the universal 15-hour funded childcare scheme. Parents who do not qualify for 30-hour funding can book additional, self-funded hours by the term, taking between one and five sessions each week. Contact the office to discuss those bookings and current charges.

Applications use the preschool Google Form. Parent open mornings can be booked, providing an opportunity to see the provision before choosing it. General enquiries go to info@stanley.richmond.sch.uk or 020 8977 4858.

School Streets restrictions. During term time, vehicle access is restricted on weekdays between 08:15 and 09:00 and between 14:40 and 15:40 unless an exemption applies. Both periods overlap preschool session boundaries, so plan the journey accordingly.