Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park

The curriculum of Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park is holistic and aspirational. The nursery curriculum follows the statutory framework set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage which emphasises both adult and child-led activities, enriched with depth and breadth of scope. From the start, particular attention is given to Communication and Language, Physical and Emotional Development. This helps children develop the skills that are foundational to good learning. Once children turn 3 years of age, additional specific areas are added, such as Literacy, Maths, Pre-Science and Expressive Arts.

Teachers and Early Years Practitioners encourage children to praise, listen and take turns. This develops the children’s kindness, honesty and empathy as well as giving them a sense of security and belonging. Throughout, our Early Years practitioners focus on building knowledge, skills, and confidence so that every child is ready to transfer seamlessly to Reception class.

Children’s progress is secured through an individualised learning approach and a good balance between structured and play-based learning. Boys and girls enjoy plenty of daily movement in the school Hall, a double-height room on the ground floor and access the beautiful green spaces of Holland Park and Hyde Park regularly throughout the week.

Parents can opt for half or full days for the little ones (2-3-year-olds), and full days three or five times a week for older children (3-4).

Pastoral Care

We believe that pastoral care is central to each child’s success. The quality of pastoral care has a great impact on a child’s academic, social, emotional and behavioural development.

Pastoral care at Wetherby Pembridge Minors is of paramount importance to us as a school community and is embedded in all aspects of nursery life. We aim to give our students the very best start to their education by creating and happy and secure learning environment. Our pastoral care supports the development of skills for life as children learn to be part of a group while retaining their individuality and developing their resilience.

We believe that all children should be happy, well-rounded and confident learners who are respectful, thoughtful and motivated Wetherby ambassadors. We also believe the qualities of integrity, kindness and good manners are at the heart of what we do.

There are clear expectations in the nursery and we encourage a co-operative approach to all activities showing respect for each other. As well as holding incidental conversations as emotions and circumstances present themselves, we have focussed on adult-led activities to help the children to learn particular skills. Some of these skills are: how to share, how to recognise and name their own emotions and do the same in others. Over the course of their time with us, the children are taught how to solve disagreements and then supported in applying their knowledge. We encourage children to use strategies such as turn-taking or sharing, to discuss what the right thing to do is and how our actions make ourselves and others feel.

Each year the children create their own class charter and set of class rules to follow. These are based on the key principles of being gentle, having kind hands and words, listening well and sharing.

Life at Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park is happy and purposeful. Our nursery offers the option of morning sessions or full days for the younger children. Older children are expected to attend full-time as we believe that this will support their school readiness skills and their transition into Reception. A healthy and varied lunch is cooked daily in our on-site kitchen; healthy snacks are also provided to power the little ones through their busy day.

Morning sessions run from 8.15am to 12.00pm with full days ending at 3.50pm.

Every day is different at Wetherby Pembridge Minors, but our week always includes time outside: an outdoor learning curriculum, physical activity in the Hall and time in the nearby parks all feature in the Little Wetherby weekly timetable. Arts, music and languages also enrich the week on rotation.

Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park prepares pupils for all the Alpha Plus schools in the local area, including Wetherby School (Kensington and Notting Hill), Pembridge Hall and Chepstow House School.

Children may join our nursery in the September after they turn 2. If there is space available earlier, then they may join us the term after they turn 2. Please ask to be placed on our waiting list at the time of registration if you require this option.

SEPTEMBER 2024 ENTRY

Offers will be made on a first come, first served basis.  Please complete the ONLINE registration form which will require payment of a £200 registration fee.  Once this has been received, our Registrar will be in touch to invite you to visit us during our planned Open Mornings.  Dates to be announced shortly.

Offers will be made 15 months prior to joining with a £2,500 deposit payable within 2 weeks of receipt of the offer to secure the place.  Should spaces not be available in your required cohort, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted should a place become available (at which point you will be invited in for a tour of the school.)

SEPTEMBER 2025 ENTRY AND BEYOND

You can register your child at any time after birth and early registration is advised as offers are made on a first come, first served basis.  Please complete the ONLINE registration form which will require payment of a £200 registration fee.  Once this has been received, our Registrar will be in touch to invite you to visit us during our planned Open Mornings.  Dates to be announced shortly once refurbishments are complete.

Offers will be made 15 months prior to joining with a £2,500 deposit payable within 2 weeks of receipt of the offer to secure the place.  Should spaces not be available in your required cohort, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted should a place become available (at which point you will be invited in for a tour of the school.)

GENERAL ENQUIRIES or SCHEDULE A VISIT

For more information please complete the ENQUIRY FORM.

We look forward to meeting you.

Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park
27 Edge Street
London
W8 7PN
Telephone: 0204 553 3260
Email: learn@wetherbykensington.co.uk

NICK WERGAN – CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Nick joined Inspired as Global Education Director in January 2020 and is now the Chief Executive Officer for the UK, based in London. This followed six years as Headteacher at Steyning Grammar School. Nick was elected Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association in 2019, he was appointed National Leader of Education by the UK Department for Education, and he founded the Pavilion and Downs Teaching School Alliance.

Following a successful international career in Investment Banking (leading Emerging European Equity teams at US, UK, and European investment banks, including Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and HSBC), Nick began his career in education following his teacher training at Pembroke College, Oxford in 2004. Presently, Nick is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a winning recipient of the 2007 UK National Teaching Award and holds an MA in Education Studies (University of Sussex). Nick is also a board member of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association.

JEZ PRIOR – SAFEGUARDING GOVERNOR

Jez is the Global Safeguarding Lead for Inspired (role commencing September 2022) and is based in London, UK. Jez was the Head of Safeguarding in Education for West Sussex County Council for six years. Before this position, he served as a senior detective with Sussex Police, leading the county’s multi-agency safeguarding response hub. Jez has overseen many significant investigations and is a highly experienced safeguarding inspection and audit officer. Jez has worked very closely with schools throughout his career, including as Chair of Governors. Jez has lectured nationally and internationally on the development of child protection processes within schools and other agencies. He strives to highlight the importance of placing the needs of the child at the centre of safeguarding procedures.

MARIANNE VALENTINE

Marianne’s training as a classical dancer sparked her initial interest in young children’s creativity. After graduating with a BA in French and History, she completed her postgraduate studies (University of Glasgow). Marianne taught Primary Education for several years at premium independent boarding schools in Edinburgh before moving to Reggio Emilia, Italy. In 2013, she moved into International Education as an Early Years Teacher at the International School of Modena. Reggio Emilia’s unique approach to Early Childhood has informed Marianne’s work as a teacher, parent and researcher for over twenty years. Marianne has collaborated with educational organisations including Education Scotland, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and The Lego Foundation. As the Director of Early Years Education for the Inspired Education Group, Marianne leads the development of outstanding early years practice globally.

MARK SNELL

Mark has worked in education for 30 years. Prior to joining Inspired as UK Education Director in September 2023, Mark was Headmaster of Wetherby School Notting Hill for 15 years, and Deputy Head for 2. With extensive experience in all aspects of academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision, Mark was also Executive Headmaster of Wetherby School Kensington from September 2022 until April 2023. Mark also brings to governance his experience as Head of Mathematics at King’s College Junior School, Wimbledon for 5 years and Head of House, at Westminster Under School and Eaton House the Manor.

Contact our Governing Board:

enquiries@alphaplusgroup.co.uk

Head of School – Ms Liz McLaughlin

Head of Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park – Miss Jemima Jones

How do I register?

You can register your child at any time after birth; priority is given to siblings in Wetherby Kensington and the remaining places are offered on a first come, first served basis.  Registration is through our online system called Open Apply and there is a registration fee of £200.  If there is a waiting list for your chosen cohort, you will only be added once you have registered your child.

Can I visit the school?

Yes. Please join an Open Morning or contact us for a school tour.

At what age can children join Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park?

Children may join our nursery in the September after they turn 2.  If there is space available earlier, then they may join us the term after they turn 2.  Please ask to be placed on our waiting list at the time of registration if you require this option.

Is the nursery co-ed?

Yes, we accept both boys and girls into our nursery.

How is the nursery structured?

Our nursery school is divided into two year groups:

• Wetherby Cubs: for boys and girls aged 2-3 years old
• Wetherby Bears (Pre-Reception) for boys and girls aged 3-4 years old

Can my child do full days?  Do you offer part-time places?

For the Wetherby Cubs (2-3-year-olds), our nursery offers the option of morning sessions only or full days. Morning sessions run from 8.15am to 12.00pm with full days ending with a pick-up window between 3.15pm – 3.50pm.  The standard models are 5 morning sessions or 5 full-day sessions. For families who choose the morning sessions, they are able to opt into additional afternoon sessions provided there is availability.  The sessions must be booked a term in advance.   For Wetherby Bears (3-4-year-olds), students are required to attend full-day sessions 5 days a week.

What are the term dates for nursery?

Wetherby Pembridge Minors follow the same term dates as Wetherby Kensington. Please click here.

What are your teaching ratios? Staff:Pupils

We adhere to the necessary standard requirements as defined by the Early Years Statutory Framework.

Does entry in the nursery guarantee a definite place in one of the Alpha Plus schools?

If you accept a place for your child at Wetherby Pembridge Minors and we are able to meet all of her/his needs as stated in the SEND section of our Admissions Policy, boys will receive automatic entry into Reception at Wetherby Kensington and priority entry into Reception at 4+ at our other local schools, compatibly with that school’s admissions policy.

Where will my son or daughter move on to after attending Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park?

If your child is a girl, she can move to Chepstow House or Pembridge Hall. If your child is a boy, he can stay at Wetherby School Kensington or join Wetherby School Notting Hill, or move to Chepstow House.

Our staff will support you in selecting and applying to your next school. For further information, please consult the admissions policy of your chosen school. Sibling priority will be recognised, in line with our schools’ admissions policies.

What is the curriculum model at Wetherby Pembridge Minors Holland Park?

Our nursery at Edge Street offers the current Little Wetherby Curriculum adjusted to the needs of the children that attend the nursery.

How are places offered?

We offer places on a first come, first served basis and send out our offers 15 months prior to your requested start date.

Do you offer wraparound care?

Our hours are 8.15am to 12.00pm for a half-day option or 8.15am – 3.50pm for a full-day option.   In order to cater to the different end times at each of our APG schools, you will be asked to select a pick-up time of either 3.15pm, 3.30pm or 3.50pm.

Are lunches and snacks included in nursery care?

Yes, lunches and healthy snacks are included if your child attends full-day sessions in the nursery. A morning snack is provided for children attending the morning-only sessions.

Are you a selective school?

We are a non-selective school and places are offered based on the date of registration.  Therefore, early application is advised.

How do I secure my child’s place?

Once your child has been offered a place you will need to pay the deposit of £2,500 which is returnable when your child leaves the school (please see our Terms and Conditions for further details).

Does the nursery offer the Minimum Funding Entitlement?

We access the Minimum Funding Entitlement through our local authority scheme. Children can apply for 15 or 30 hours of funding the term after they have turned 3.

What is your latest inspection outcome?

Wetherby Pembridge Minors is part of Wetherby Kensington and will be inspected with the rest of the school. Please click here for the latest report from January 2023 and here for the most recent Material Change inspection which was carried out in August 2023.

When can I drop off and collect my child?

You can drop off your child between 8.15am and 9.00am and collection can take place at 12.00pm for children that attend in the morning. In order to cater to the different end times at each our APG schools, you will be asked to select a pick-up time of either 3.15pm, 3.30pm or 3.50pm.

How will you keep me informed about my child’s progress?

Your child’s key teachers will provide you with regular updates about your child’s learning. You will receive electronic updates with the teacher’s observations on your child’s progress via a platform called Arc pathway.

Our timetables are carefully constructed to give children time to play and rest, learn and explore. Activities are selected with the aim of building skills and meeting the need of each individual child. Here are sample timetables for a day in the life of a little child at Edge Street.

A Day in the Life….

Wetherby Pembridge Minors, Holland Park is located in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), close to Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Church Street.