Children join Orchard House Nursery, in Chiswick, the September after they turn three. This is the school’s main entry point, with pupils automatically progressing into Reception the following academic year, subject to the standard admissions process.
It’s never easy saying goodbye to your little ones on their first day of nursery.
At Orchard House School, our newly built nursery in Chiswick follows the same learning frameworks as the rest of the school – just adapted for smaller individuals. When you entrust your children with us, you can expect physical, intellectual, emotional and social development in a safe, happy setting.
Orchard Nursery School is a co-educational, ISI-inspected independent nursery school for children aged 3-4, located on Rupert Road in Chiswick, W4. The revamped space provides an exciting and secure learning environment, with both generous outdoor space and an indoor climbing frame, and where young children can not only enjoy themselves but start to build the foundations for a bright future.
As part of both Orchard House School and Dukes Education, children joining our nursery can receive something not many nurseries in London can offer: a guaranteed progression path through to Reception and onto senior school. Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework provides a bespoke curriculum and specialist teaching from age 3, meaning no progression or development is lost from year-to-year, and priority entry into Dukes Education 11+ senior schools means you can rest assured that your child’s learning can continue to grow.
Nursery at a Glance
| NURSERY QUICK FACTS | DETAILS |
| Ages | 3–4 years.
Entry in the September following your child turning 3 |
| Location (Early Years site) | 2 Rupert Road,
Chiswick, London, W4 |
| Hours & sessions | Arrival: 8:30 am via side gate on Rupert Road
Registration: 9 am Pick-up: 12 pm or 3.30 pm via Rupert Road playground |
| Sessions | Minimum 5 sessions per week (mornings or afternoons) |
| Fees | From £4,123 per term for 5 sessions/week (VAT-exempt, includes a hot home-made lunch) |
| Curriculum | EYFS statutory framework, delivered through The Learning Orchard curriculum with Montessori-inspired provision |
| Progression | Guaranteed pathway into Reception and Orchard House Prep School (ages 3–11), with priority entry to Dukes Education senior schools at 11+ |
Our Approach to Early Learning
At Orchard House, our unique Learning Orchard curriculum ensures that your child’s academic potential is fulfilled, but we go well beyond this. We inspire, motivate, nurture and care, so your child has every opportunity to grow and prosper in an engaging, supportive learning environment, with the quality time and attention they need each day to build confidence and self-esteem.
We follow the statutory EYFS framework, which shapes our programme around seven areas of learning:
- Three Prime Areas. Communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development.
- Four Specific Areas. Literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
Children also benefit from many aspects of the Montessori curriculum and philosophy. Each day begins with Montessori apparatus and specialist Early Years resources to build basic skills in language, physical development, creativity, literacy and mathematics. Alongside this, children have topic-based lessons throughout the week including PE, music, computing, Eurhythmics and French, taught by specialist staff and teachers, plus phonics lessons in ability groups several times a week.
Our aims and values of Excellence, Honesty and Kindness underpin daily life in Nursery, from treating each child as an individual to fostering a friendly, welcoming environment where courtesy, respect and teamwork are valued from the very start.
The Nursery Day & Facilities at Rupert Road
Our spacious and innovative centre for Early Years provides a safe, dynamic home to our Nursery and Reception classes, with generous classrooms, access to the Pre-Prep library just down the road at Priory House and outdoor play areas on site.
Nursery children benefit from free flow between the indoor classroom and outdoor provision, with the timetable becoming gradually more structured each term in preparation for Reception. Exploratory play is encouraged outdoors throughout the day, and children have access to our outdoor areas each morning and afternoon, weather permitting. We place real value on outdoor learning as a crucial part of how young children develop.
Settling In & the Move to Reception
We understand that starting nursery is a big step for children and parents alike, which is why settling in is built into our process from the outset. Before the summer term, our Head of EYFS and Head of Nursery contact each child’s previous nursery to discuss their transition. All new EYFS children are then invited into school for a Tea Party, giving them the chance to meet their new teacher and peers before they start. Parents may also book a curriculum talk and see how Orchard House School builds potential.
Children’s progress is monitored through ongoing observation and online assessments. These assessments, known as EYFS profiles, are built from our accumulated observations and in-depth knowledge of your child, and parents are invited to contribute too. Parents also meet their child’s key teacher each autumn and spring term, with a full school report sent home at the end of the summer term.
Because Nursery is our main entry point, offers come with a guaranteed pathway into Reception the following September. Parents can also choose to defer a Nursery offer to Reception entry, subject to availability, and children joining Reception are invited to a moving up day at the end of the summer term to prepare for September. Our admissions team give priority to siblings of current pupils and to children joining us from other Dukes Education nurseries.
Fees
We charge our fees so your child can have the best preparatory experience possible and receive a truly personal education. With your generosity, we have been able to provide better facilities and opportunities for our pupils, such as the new Early Years Rupert Road location.
As such, we believe in transparency so you can know exactly how much you will have to pay for your child to attend. Before we go through the Nursery fees, please know there is a non-refundable £100 registration fee, plus a £3000 acceptance deposit that is payable upon your child’s approved admission. This is refunded to you when your child leaves the school (Please refer to our school’s Terms and Conditions)
| FEES PAYABLE PER TERM | |
| NURSERY (Minimum 5 Sessions) | (Mornings or Afternoons) |
| 5 sessions each week | £4,123 |
| 6 sessions each week | £4,940 |
| 7 sessions each week | £5,764 |
| 8 sessions each week | £6,587 |
| 9 sessions each week | £7,411 |
| 10 sessions each week | £8,234 |
| One-off Nursery session | £82 |
School fees are charged per term, with three terms per year. All our nursery fees are VAT-exempt, so what you see here is what you get.
Sibling Discount
We offer a 10% Sibling Discount automatically deducted from the termly invoice to encourage families to choose to join us. You must be fully fee-paying to be eligible. For families with two or more children attending the school, a 5% discount will apply to the tuition fees of the third child and a 5% discount to subsequent children.
Financial Support
15-Hour Free Childcare is available thanks to government funding. If you are a working parent of a child aged 3-4, you may be eligible for an additional 15 hours of funding, which we will deduct from your termly fee.
Monthly payment schemes are also available. For more details, please contact the Finance Team: fees@orchardhs.org.uk.
Accreditation & Inspection
As part of an independent school, Orchard House Nursery is regulated under the statutory EYFS framework and inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted. Our Early Years provision was named a particular strength in the school’s most recent ISI inspection:
“Children in the early years thrive due to a well-structured curriculum and stimulating environment, which balances academic and social development. Adults model language effectively and support children’s social and emotional growth. Children learn to co-operate, take turns and explore new ideas with increasing confidence. They are well prepared for the next stage of education.”
All our Early Years staff attend regular training days and INSET sessions, and every member of staff is trained in Paediatric First Aid, with Designated Safeguarding Leads overseeing welfare across the setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start at Orchard House Nursery?
Where is Orchard House Nursery located?
Orchard House Nursery is based at 2 Rupert Road, Chiswick, London, W4 – the school’s dedicated Early Years site, which also houses Reception. Children arrive at the side gate on Rupert Road, with staff and CCTV present at all arrival and departure times.
How many sessions per week can I book at Nursery?
We welcome Nursery pupils for a minimum of 5 sessions per week, with the option to choose mornings or afternoons. Additional sessions, up to 10 per week, can be added, and occasional one-off sessions are also available.
How much does Orchard House Nursery cost?
Nursery fees start from £4,123 per term for 5 sessions a week and rise according to the number of sessions booked, up to £8,234 for 10 sessions. Nursery fees are VAT-exempt and include a hot home-made lunch and most excursions.
Does Orchard House Nursery accept government-funded childcare hours?
Yes. We accept the 15-hour free childcare entitlement for eligible 3- to 4-year-olds, which is deducted from your termly invoice, and manage the application on your behalf. Working parents may also be eligible for an additional 30-hour funding allowance.
Will my child automatically progress from Nursery into Reception?
Nursery offers include a guaranteed pathway into Reception. Parents can also choose to defer a Nursery offer to Reception entry, subject to availability, as Reception places are extremely limited each year.
What curriculum does Orchard House Nursery follow?
Nursery follows the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, delivered through Orchard House’s own Learning Orchard curriculum and Montessori-inspired provision, alongside specialist lessons in music, French, computing and PE.
Is Orchard House Nursery inspected by Ofsted or ISI?
As part of an independent school, Orchard House Nursery is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted. The Early Years provision was identified as a particular strength in the school’s June 2025 ISI inspection.
Can I visit Orchard House Nursery before applying?
Yes. During term time we offer small group tours every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 am (booking required), along with private visits by appointment and two Open Mornings a year. We recommend visiting during term time to see the Nursery in full action.
How do I register my child for a Nursery place?
Registration is via the online Nursery Registration Form. Once submitted, your child is added to the waiting list for the relevant year group, and you will receive email confirmation. We encourage parents to register as early as possible, ideally soon after birth.
Visit our Nursery
If you are considering putting your child into Orchard House School (and we hope you are!), the best way to start the process is by coming to one of our Open Day tours.
📍 Priory House, Priory Avenue, Chiswick, London, W4 1TX 🏫 Early Years site: 2 Rupert Road, Chiswick 🏫 Prep site: 16 Newton Grove, Chiswick📞 020 8742 8544