Our Nursery
Your child’s first experiences of school and nursery can shape their entire education and life beyond. It’s a huge responsibility – and while we take it incredibly seriously, we never let that get in the way of the children’s enjoyment! Our Nursery is a happy, inclusive environment, where children naturally absorb the principles of friendship, caring for and respecting each other, working together and accepting that everyone is different. This is something you’ll see throughout Kew College Prep, and what makes us truly special. In our Nursery and throughout our school, we want to give our children the best possible start in life so they can reach their full potential.
Joining our Nursery
Our Nursery has a rolling admissions process, meaning that children can join us as soon as they turn three. Our Nursery classroom is bright and spacious, complete with resources that encourage creativity, independence, and learning through play. Nursery children have access to a dedicated outdoor space and also benefit from use of the Prep School’s excellent facilities. Full day Nursery is available from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm with optional wraparound care when children are ready, and potential for half days if required.
Nursery Life
Kew College Prep Nursery children are taught by a qualified teacher, which research suggests leads to better outcomes for young children. As the children get older and progress through the Nursery, they will start to take part in specialist lessons in Music, French, PE, Dance and ICT, taught by subject experts, and enjoy weekly visits to the school library. This prepares them perfectly for life in Reception, where they continue specialist lessons with the same teachers. The Nursery curriculum promotes both academic and emotional growth, with a focus on building a solid foundation for future learning. The dedicated team of highly trained staff guide and inspire the children through a range of activities that nurture curiosity, problem-solving skills, and social development, including regular Forest School style outdoor learning sessions
Nursery sessions
We offer a full day nursery option, half day option, and wraparound care. Children can attend Nursery from 8.30 am until 3.30 pm with the wraparound care option extending the day from 7.30 am to 5.30pm.
A special feature of our Nursery wraparound care is that it is led by Reception and Nursery Teaching Assistants, offering a familiar and comfortable environment for the children.
Outdoor Learning
Nursery children enjoy twice weekly outdoor learning sessions, locally in Kew, with our Head of Early Years. These sessions provide the children with an enriching educational experience outside the classroom. Through outdoor learning, children develop key skills including confidence, exploration, socialisation, supported risk taking and resilience. These fun and interactive sessions, which also continue in Reception, will set Nursery children up perfectly to become inquisitive, independent, confident learners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children join Kew College Prep Nursery?
Children can join Kew College Prep Nursery from their third birthday, with rolling admissions throughout the year (subject to availability). This flexible approach allows families in Kew, Richmond and the surrounding South West London area to find a start date that works for them, while ensuring each child settles in at the right pace.
What does a day in our Nursery look like?
A typical day in our Nursery is carefully balanced to support both learning and enjoyment. Children take part in a mix of structured, teacher-led activities, play-based learning and exploration and outdoor learning in our playground and at Priory Park in Kew. Alongside this, children benefit from specialist-taught sessions in sport, dance, French, ICT and music, helping to build confidence and enthusiasm across a wide range of subjects from an early age.
Our days are designed to develop key early skills such as communication, independence and curiosity, creating strong foundations for later learning while ensuring every child feels happy, secure and engaged.
What specialist lessons do Nursery children receive?
Nursery children benefit from a wide range of specialist-taught lessons, helping to build confidence from an early age. These may include:
- Music
- French
- Physical Education (PE)
- Dance
- ICT (Computing)
Introducing specialist teaching at this stage helps children develop skills, enthusiasm and self-belief, while broadening their experiences beyond the core curriculum.
How does our Nursery support the transition to Reception?
We place a strong emphasis on ensuring a smooth and confident transition to Reception and all children are guaranteed a place in our Reception class. Children are supported by highly qualified teachers and teaching assistants through:
- A gradual increase in independence and routine
- Early development of phonics, communication and early maths skills
- Close collaboration between Nursery and Reception staff
- A familiar, nurturing environment within the same school
This continuity means children move into Reception feeling secure, prepared and ready to thrive, both academically and socially.
What wraparound care is available for Nursery children?
We offer flexible wraparound care to support busy families in Kew, Chiswick and Richmond. This includes:
- Morning care from 7.30am
- After-school care until 5.30pm
Children are cared for in a safe, familiar environment, with a mix of structured activities and opportunities to relax and play, giving parents peace of mind alongside flexibility.
Where is Kew College Prep Nursery located?
Kew College Prep Nursery is located on Cumberland Road in Kew, Richmond (TW9), in South West London.
We are:
- A short walk from Kew Gardens Station (District Line, Overground)
- Easily accessible from Richmond, Chiswick and surrounding areas
- Well placed for families across South West London
Our central location, combined with our warm community feel, makes us a convenient and welcoming choice for local families. We run a school minibus service to and from Chiswick, which is available to Nursery children.
