Our Nursery is a happy, purposeful, and calm setting that provides our pupils with a programme of challenging and exciting learning opportunities, with well-being at the heart of what we do.
'Learning through play' is our key approach, both in our beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and this is enhanced by a weekly enrichment programme that includes Forest School, Music and Mindfulness, Yoga, Gymnastics, Gardening and Dance and Drama for all of our pupils.
Hurlingham Nursery functions as an integral component of the larger Hurlingham School, serving as the foundation of our educational journey for children aged 2-4 years. Located on Gwendolen Avenue in Putney, our nursery provides a convenient option for families seeking high-quality early years education in South West London, including both the Putney and Barnes communities.
There has never been a better time to join Hurlingham.
After our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) judgement of a coveted ‘Significant Strength’ for Early Years provision', we can also proudly announce that we were one of the five finalists in 'Best Pre-Prep School of the Year' category in the 'Independent Schools of the Year' awards 2025'. Our Early Years’ team consists of highly qualified, caring practitioners, all of whom are committed to ensuring that the children have the best possible start to their learning journey.
Our educational philosophy centers around creating an exceptionally friendly and supportive setting where children feel secure and valued. We understand that for many children, nursery represents their first experience away from home, which is why we place such emphasis on creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child can flourish.
The Hurlingham approach is built upon four essential pillars:
- Socialisation - Developing crucial interpersonal skills through collaborative play and group activities
- Confidence - Building self-assurance through encouragement and positive reinforcement
- Literacy - Fostering a love of language, stories, and early reading skills
- Numeracy - Introducing mathematical concepts through engaging, hands-on activities
This balanced approach ensures that children develop not just academically but emotionally and socially, preparing them for the next steps in their educational journey at one of the most respected preschool nursery settings in the area.
Exceptional Facilities at Our Day Nursery Putney
The physical environment at Hurlingham Nursery has been thoughtfully designed to support optimal learning and development. Our day nursery Putney facilities are housed in a beautifully light, airy, and spacious setting that provides an inviting atmosphere for young learners.
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to be cosy and welcoming, creating a homelike environment that helps ease children's transition from home to school. The generously proportioned spaces allow children ample room to move freely and engage meaningfully with peers, supporting physical development and social interaction simultaneously.
Within this carefully crafted physical space, we provide a balanced range of activities and learning opportunities. Our activity selection is curated to offer sufficient variety without overwhelming children, encouraging participation while maintaining a sense of security and comfort.
For our pre-school children, the learning environment extends beyond the classroom to include regular Forest School sessions, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and nature-based learning. This additional dimension to our curriculum separates us from many other nurseries Barnes and Putney have to offer, providing children with valuable experiences in the natural world.
Our Catchment Area: Serving Putney, Barnes and Beyond
Hurlingham Nursery School is ideally situated to serve families from a wide catchment area in South West London. While we are proudly established in Putney, our central location on Gwendolen Avenue makes us easily accessible to families from numerous surrounding neighborhoods.
Guaranteed Pathway to Hurlingham Prep School
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Hurlingham Nursery, compared to other nurseries locally, is the guaranteed educational pathway we provide. All pupils who complete the pre-school year at our independent nursery school are guaranteed an offer of a place at Hurlingham Prep School.
This assurance provides families with educational security and eliminates the stress often associated with primary school applications in competitive London areas. For children who begin their educational journey with us, this continuity creates a seamless progression into formal education.
Throughout the nursery experience, and particularly in the pre-school year, our activities are designed to provide children with the essential tools they will need for more formal education. The increased attendance requirements in the final year (minimum six sessions, working toward full-time) specifically aim to prepare children for the full-time schedule they will encounter in Reception class.
Beyond academic preparation, we focus on emotional readiness for school transition.
Children become familiar with the main school environment and teaching staff during their time at the nursery, building confidence and comfort with the setting they will later join. This familiarity means children are typically happy and confident when moving up to the main school, as they already understand the environment and have relationships with teachers.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Mrs Anna Williams in the Nursery Office who will be happy to answer any questions and arrange a visit.
Our Nursery
Teaching Staff
| Head of Nursery | Mr Richard McLelland BSC (Hons), QTS |
| Deputy Head of Nursery Pre-School Teacher Holiday Club Coordinator | Miss Gemma Kirk-Chan BA (Hons) Early Years Teaching, Dip Childcare [Level 6] |
| Pre-School Teacher | Ms Joanne Cumberbatch CACHE [Level 3] |
| Pre-School Teacher | Mrs Iglika Findolova BA, NVQ Montessori [Level 4] |
| Nursery Teacher Music and Mindfulness Teacher | Mrs Agnieszka Dudek-Graham Montessori Diploma Early Years Pre-School Teacher [Level 4] |
| Nursery Teacher | Mrs Alina Gluch NCFE CACHE in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools [Level 3] |
| Nursery Teacher | Carly Heath Diploma in Early Childhood Education [Level 5] |
| Nursery Teacher | Katie Shirley BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies [Level 6] |
| Pre-School Teaching Assistant | Alice Casula Montessori Education [Level 6] |
| Pre-School Teaching Assistant | Josephine Einarsson BA (Hons) Ed [Level 6] |
| Pre-School Teaching Assistant | Miss Melissa Ng Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) with an OP 7 [Level 2] |
| Nursery Teaching Assistant | Miss Lucy Brisley Early Year [Level 2] |
| Nursery Teaching Assistant | Enna Galono CACHE [Level 3] |
| Nursery Teaching Assistant | Mrs Sarah Howard Montessori Diploma Nursery Foundation [Level 5] |
| Nursery Teaching Assistant | Louise Hyde (Maternity leave Autumn 2024) CACHE Dip NVQ in Early Years Education and Care [Level 2] |
| Nursery Teaching Assistant | Mrs Anna Szarlej NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development [Level 3] |
| Specialist Teaching Assistant | Nikki Adams NVQ [Level 3] |
| Dance and Drama Teacher | Ms Pippa Aston-Browne Prof. Dip. Musical Theatre |
| Forest School Leader | Miss Zuzana Muzilova Level 3 (RQF) |
| Gymnastics Teacher | Miss Nicola Brisley British Gymnastics Cert |
Non-Teaching Staff
| Principal and Director | Mrs Fiona Goulden BA (Hons) |
| Executive Director | Mr Chris Kraft BSc (Hons) |
| School Administrator | Mrs Anna Williams BA (Hons) |
| Head of Admissions and Marketing | Ms Wendy Ratcliff AMCIS Dip in Admissions & Marketing |
| Accounts Administrator | Mrs Julie Syers BEd (Hons) |
| Head of HR and Compliance | Mrs Joanna Fellowes BA |
| Premises Manager | Mr Piers Young |
| Catering | Lexington Independents (lexingtonindependents.co.uk) |
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