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Nursery at St David's Prep
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Putting on a coat and carrying a plate to lunch are part of the learning here. St David’s Prep calls its nursery class Pre-Reception, with children usually joining in September after their third birthday. These small acts of independence give the provision a practical character: children practise doing things for themselves alongside their classroom learning.
Pre-Reception belongs to the school’s early years department at Justin Hall in West Wickham. It is part of an independent school, with entry subject to selection.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children’s communication, physical development and emotional understanding. At the ISI inspection of 30 January to 1 February 2024, early years activities were matched to children’s language needs, and classroom resources and outdoor areas encouraged curiosity.
Colour-coded monster toys helped some of the youngest children talk about feelings. Others prepared questions for firefighters ahead of a planned fire-station visit. These examples show how conversation develops through tangible experiences, rather than only through formal exercises. Early years children also practised operating electronic devices and played at running a cafe, bringing technology and everyday social situations into their learning.
Independence continues beyond the activities themselves. The school’s current Pre-Reception example describes children managing their coats and taking their own plates to the lunch table. For a young child, dressing and helping with lunch become opportunities to practise responsibility.
In January and February 2024, early years staff reinforced behaviour through encouraging language and classroom pictures of rainbows and thinking clouds. Children showed consideration for one another and behaved well. Staff also helped them make choices and work through disagreements. The same inspection judged safeguarding effective, explicitly including early years children.
For additional needs, the form teacher and SENDCo discuss concerns about an early years child’s development with parents. The Inclusion Policy sets out an assess, plan, do and review process, with support reviewed each term. Visual timetables and sensory resources are among the possible adjustments. Ordinary classroom adjustments carry no additional charge; specialist teaching or extra adult support may involve charges, usually met by parents. Families should also understand that admission depends on whether the school can meet the child’s needs.
Meals require a separate decision. During completely funded sessions, parents can choose charged school lunches and snacks or supply packed food, subject to the school’s notification arrangements. During non-funded sessions, school meals and snacks are charged and packed meals are not an option.
Nursery attendance alone does not guarantee a Reception place. This independent school handles progression directly: its Admissions Policy requests a commitment deposit from Pre-Reception families before the Spring Term starts to secure the next place. The deposit is credited against the first Reception term, but is non-refundable if that place is not taken up.
That commitment remains subject to the school’s stated conditions. The policy reserves the right to refuse progression where provision does not meet a child’s educational, social or pastoral needs. Families should distinguish the daily preparation for greater independence from the contractual arrangements for continuing at the school.
Three Pre-Reception attendance lengths start at 8am, finishing at 1pm, 4pm or 6pm. Eligible children can use up to 15 universal funded hours a week across approximately 34 weeks a year. Funding-only attendance can comprise three mornings, or one 8am–6pm day plus one 8am–1pm morning. Extra sessions are charged separately, and the fee schedule also lists lunch, snacks and consumables as extras. Ask the school for current charges.
To enquire or arrange a personal tour, contact the office on 020 8777 5852 or office@stdavidsprep.com.
Children usually start in September following their third birthday.
Pre-Reception sessions run from 8am to 1pm, 4pm or 6pm.
Eligible children can attend three 8am–1pm mornings, or one 8am–6pm day and one 8am–1pm morning, using 15 funded hours weekly.
For completely funded sessions, families can opt out of charged school meals and supply packed meals and snacks under the notification arrangements. Packed meals are not an option for non-funded sessions.
Attendance alone does not guarantee entry. The Admissions Policy requests a commitment deposit before the Spring Term begins to secure a Reception place, while retaining the right to refuse progression if the school cannot meet the child’s needs.
