Why High-Quality Early Years Education Matters
Posted: 14th November 2025
The early years are more than just the beginning of a child’s educational journey, they are the foundation for everything that follows. A high-quality nursery education nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. At Kew College Prep nursery, based in leafy Kew, near Chiswick in South West London, we believe that the right start in life gives every child the confidence and skills to thrive both at school and beyond.
Decades of research, including Ofsted’s Best Start in Life report, show that children who reach key developmental milestones early are far more likely to succeed later in education. The early years shape how children learn, think, and engage with the world, building vital skills in language, communication, numeracy, and emotional development. That’s why choosing a nursery in South West London with experienced staff and a rich curriculum is such an important decision for families.
At Kew College Prep nursery, and across the best prep schools in South West London, we believe excellence in early education rests on three things: qualified and passionate teachers who understand how young children learn; a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued; and play-based, outdoor learning that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Together, these create a setting where children are happy, curious, and ready to explore.
Our approach at Kew College Prep nursery is built around purposeful play and outdoor exploration. Children learn best when they are active, engaged, and having fun, whether that’s experimenting with sounds in phonics, counting natural treasures in outdoor learning sessions, or sharing stories on the grass at Priory Park in Kew. Each day offers opportunities for creativity and curiosity. Our highly qualified team ensures that every activity, from painting to problem-solving, supports key early learning goals while encouraging independence and imagination.
Small class sizes and a high staff-to-child ratio mean every child is known, supported, and celebrated. Children also enjoy specialist-led lessons in Music, Sport, Dance, ICT and French, all tailored to the nursery age group. These lessons build confidence, coordination, and communication skills while laying the groundwork for future success at our south west London prep school.
Outdoor learning is central to life at Kew College Prep nursery. Our dedicated outdoor space becomes a vibrant classroom where children explore. Muddy knees and big smiles are all part of the experience, because we believe that learning should be joyful and hands-on.
When children leave Kew College Prep nursery, they are not just ready for Reception, they are eager for it. Many of our pupils progress seamlessly into our Prep School, remaining part of a caring community that has supported them from the very start. We focus on developing independence, resilience, and social confidence alongside early academic skills. By the time our children move on, they are confident learners who are ready to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm.
The early years are the foundation for lifelong learning and at Kew College Prep nursery, we’re proud to offer a joyful, nurturing environment where children flourish. With experienced teachers, small classes, and a commitment to purposeful, play-based education, our nursery in Kew, near Chiswick, offers everything families look for in a nursery. If you’re exploring options for a prep school in Richmond, South West London, we invite you to book a tour and see how we give children the very best start in their educational journey.
