Vanessa Nursery School

About Vanessa Nursery School

Vanessa Nursery School is one of only four nursery schools in Hammersmith and Fulham, and all four are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, so it sits at the very top of the local authority's early years provision. With 79 pupils aged 2 to 5, it is a small, state-funded setting that serves a diverse intake: 17.2% of children are eligible for free school meals, which is a useful indicator of the school's inclusive, community-focused character. There are no headline metrics like Progress 8 or KS2 SATs to compare against the LA average, because the school only covers the nursery phase. But the fact that every single nursery in the borough holds the highest Ofsted grade suggests that families in this area have excellent early years options, and Vanessa Nursery School is very much part of that strong local picture.

The school's most recent graded inspection took place in January 2014, when it was judged Outstanding overall, with Outstanding marks for both leadership and management and early years provision. An ungraded inspection in March 2023 confirmed that the school remains Outstanding, meaning it has held this top rating consistently across two inspections more than a decade apart. The previous graded inspection, in May 2011, also awarded Outstanding across the board. Because the school does not administer SATs or GCSEs, there are no academic attainment or progress scores to report. Instead, the Ofsted judgments focus on the quality of early years education, personal development, and behaviour — all of which have been rated at the highest level. For parents of very young children, this sustained track record of excellence is the most relevant measure of quality.

The school offers a Forest School, art studios, a gymnasium, a dining hall, and even a chapel — an unusually broad set of facilities for a nursery. Sports provision includes gymnastics, and clubs extend to gardening, book club, and eco club. SEND support is available for children with speech, language and communication needs, as well as other difficulties or disabilities. The school is non-religious and mixed-gender, and it does not offer boarding. With only 79 places and a strong local reputation, it is likely to be oversubscribed, so early application is advisable. Vanessa Nursery School will suit families who want a dedicated early years setting with a proven Outstanding rating, a wide range of enrichment activities, and a clear commitment to inclusion and outdoor learning.

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