St. Anthony’s Nursery Opens

27th September 21

On Monday 6th September, St. Anthony’s Nursery, for boys and girls aged 2 ½ to 4, officially opened.

The St. Anthony’s Schools, comprised of St. Anthony’s School for Girls, NW8 and The St. Anthony’s School for Boys, NW3, are delighted to have begun this new chapter. The Nursery is based at St Anthony’s School for Girls.

St Anthony’s Schools share a reputation for outstanding academic and pastoral provision. In very recent Inspection reports both schools were awarded the highest scores in each category. Children from both schools progress to some of the most highly sought-after schools in the country.

More importantly, the boys and girls of St Anthony’s flourish in an environment which values each of them as a unique and wonderful creation; each child is loved first and foremost for who they are, rather than what they do. Catholic spirituality is the golden thread that unites both schools and provides a context to Wellbeing programmes. The effect is lots of happy children who love being part of a community inspired by timeless values.

The coeducational Nursery is located in Ivy House, the home of St. Anthony’s School for Girls. The magnificent three storey building overlooks Golders Hill Park, boasts spacious classrooms, direct access to outdoor learning spaces, specialist Music, Drama, Art, and Science rooms as well as its multi-purpose hall for dining, assemblies, concerts, dance and gymnastics. It aims to create a unique space to deliver our pre-school curriculum.

The Nursery curriculum will follow the statutory framework set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage which emphasises both adult and child-led activities. Particular focus is given to Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Emotional Development. The key focus will be building knowledge, skills, and confidence so that the children will be equipped to transfer (when the time comes) to full-time schooling.

Within this environment, we at St Anthony’s recognise and value parents as the first educators. Through working in partnership with our parents we can ensure that the girls and boys will thrive. We believe our youngest learners will learn to communicate confidently and engage with both their indoor learning space and enjoy all that the outdoor natural world of Golders Hill Park has to offer.

Priority consideration will be given to parents who wish their sons and daughters to join Reception classes at either the Boys’ or Girls’ Schools.

Families are warmly invited to visit Ivy House to meet both the Headteacher and staff, who look forward to showing prospective parents the facilities, sharing their vision for the Nursery and answering questions regarding this exciting new development for the St Anthony’s Schools.