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Nursery at Dallington 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led play sets the direction at Dallington, with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providing the framework. This is the nursery on the same site as the independent school in Clerkenwell, at 8 Dallington Street. Nursery provision is for children aged three to four; the early-years registration form allows entry from the term after a child’s third birthday.
An EYFS coordinator who also teaches Nursery leads the provision. The team listing records qualified teacher status and a master’s qualification in early-years education for that role.
Children’s interests help shape learning. In October 2024, the ISI inspection found that early-years planning responded to children’s development and interests, helping them gain confidence and skills. That gives child-led learning a clear purpose: adults use what they know about each child to decide what comes next.
Conversation is part of the teaching. Adults introduce vocabulary as they talk with children, who then use new language in their own speech and singing. Learning here includes speaking up and being understood, alongside developing other skills.
Physical activity has a regular place in early years, with PE each week and outdoor learning opportunities. Playground equipment gives children practice in coordination and balance. The school holds keys to a nearby playground and uses local parks, so outdoor provision includes spaces beyond the school building.
Social learning is equally concrete. Adults demonstrate respectful interaction and help children work through disagreements. Friendships and learning to manage conflict form part of the day.
Warm relationships between early-years adults and children supported confidence and social development in October 2024. Parents were also kept informed about children’s progress. Everyday communication can be informal, in person, by telephone or email, with a formal progress meeting each term.
Before joining, children can try classroom activities, meet the teaching team and spend time with prospective classmates through a taster session. This gives them some familiarity with the people and surroundings before starting.
Families supply a healthy lunch, while fresh fruit is included in fees. Breakfast Care provides a light breakfast, and After School Care includes a snack. Those distinctions matter when packing food for a longer day.
Additional needs are coordinated through the SENCo, working with teachers, families and, where needed, external specialists. Admission depends on the school being able reasonably to provide the required support and accommodate the child on its site. One-to-one SEND support falls outside the fee inclusion for SEND support.
Recruitment checks. The October 2024 inspection identified a school-wide concern: references were obtained before staff began work, but not consistently before interview where permitted. The recommendation was to bring that information into recruitment earlier.
Dallington’s admission policy makes an explicit provision for continuity: a confirmed Nursery place guarantees a Reception place. This is a school admission entitlement, rather than an assumption based on sharing a site. The parent contract also provides for continued schooling, subject to its terms.
For families applying directly to Reception, the route is the school’s online registration process. Keep that distinction clear when considering a Nursery offer: existing pupils’ continuation and a new application are different situations.
Part-time nursery places are recognised in the parent contract. Reducing agreed days or hours requires a term’s notice, otherwise the difference is payable in lieu of notice. Plan changes ahead.
Breakfast Care accepts children from 8am; After School Care runs until 5.30pm, with drawing, games and quieter activities. Both carry additional charges. Dallington follows a school year divided into three terms, each with a half-term break.
The school administers 15-hour childcare funding for eligible three- and four-year-olds through its partnership with Islington. Funding is credited against parents’ fee accounts in arrears at the beginning of the next term. Fees include materials, stationery and books as well as fresh fruit; ask the school for current charges.
Contact admissions@dallingtonschool.co.uk or telephone 020 7251 2284. Personal tours can be booked through the website, giving families an opportunity to meet staff and discuss the nursery day.
The early-years registration form permits entry in the term after the child’s third birthday. Nursery is listed for ages three to four.
Yes. Dallington’s admission policy explicitly guarantees a Reception place for a child with a secured Nursery place. Continued schooling remains subject to the parent contract.
Families provide a healthy lunch. Fresh fruit is included in fees, with a light breakfast provided in Breakfast Care and a snack in After School Care.
Breakfast Care starts accepting children at 8am, and After School Care lasts until 5.30pm. These services are charged separately.
The school administers funding for eligible three- and four-year-olds through Islington. It credits the funding to parents’ fee accounts in arrears at the start of the following term.
