Visit

Still Learning. Celebrating 50 years of St James. Find out more.

About Little Shells Nursery

Opening Times


We are open 48 weeks a year, from 7.30am to 6.00pm.

We will be closed on the following dates:

  • Christmas: 22 to 26 December 2025
  • Easter: 30 March to 5 April 2026
  • Summer: 18 to 31 August 2026

 

Our sessions run as per below:

  • Full day: 8.00am to 6.00pm
  • Morning: 8.00am to 1.00pm
  • Afternoon: 1.00pm to 6.00pm
  • Wrap around care: 7.30am-8.00am
More About Admissions and Fees

A home away from home


Our Nursery offers a calm, steady and happy environment where the children will grow and learn in confidence, while feeling happy and at ease.

Our large open plan layout provides a wonderful space to encourage children to try new tasks and take on new challenges, from mark making that develops early writing, to a creative station to encourage freedom of thought, or an investigation table to evoke the inner scientist.

We have also introduced tailored, short-burst learning sessions, allowing children early access to phonics, maths and literacy skills.

Our dream room is a lovely oasis of calm where children can take naps and relax during the day. The free flow to the outdoor area with a sandpit, mud kitchen, climbing equipment, water trays and scooters, allows the children to run, play and get muddy in the fresh air whatever the weather.

Timetable

1

Our Facilities

Forest School

Outdoor Play Area

Outdoor Play Area

Main Nursery Space, with cosy Dream Room and Book Corner

Main Nursery space and children playong

Prep School Teaching Kitchen

Prep School Library

An individual approach


Developing a strong and personal bond with each individual character is at the heart of what we offer. This bond and understanding provides a solid foundation from which the children can grow in independence to become confident, articulate learners.

Your child is unique and we believe that their learning should reflect their individuality. All children receive individual focus from trained teachers who tailor their programme to reflect the child’s current needs and next steps at any given time.

Every child feels safe and secure knowing that they have someone to talk to if they feel unwell or sad. Just like home, we will notice the small things that matter the most to them as a result of our individual approach.

St James Schools


St James Schools are independent day schools based in London and Surrey. The Nursery, Prep School and Senior Girls’ School are located together in West London, close to Hammersmith and Kensington Olympia. The Senior Boys’ School is located in a 30-acre leafy site in Ashford, Surrey.

Nursery children are part of the St James Prep School community, benefiting from over 50 years experience in delivering an outstanding early years education. They have access to the school’s resources and facilities, such as a fully equipped Teaching Kitchen and pottery kiln, as well as specialist Sports and Performing Arts teachers. Children also attend the Whole School Assemblies twice a week.

We welcome all families to join our close-knit school community and participate in St James Schools events such as our Christmas Market, the Family Fun Run, Quiz Nights and regular coffee mornings.

 

Healthy Eating


St James Schools have been at the forefront of promoting environmental-friendly practices for over five decades.

The decision to create a vegetarian school in 1975 was a reflection of the belief that humans should be kind to themselves, others, and the environment to grow holistically and healthily. This philosophy remains at the core of our ethos and values.

Pupils and staff enjoy eating together and are served nutritious vegetarian food, freshly prepared on the premises using top quality, wholesome ingredients. We also invite nutritionists to talk to the children and hold themed lunches throughout the year which are a real highlight for them.

Learn More About Our Schools

Enquire or book a visit now


Where next?

The Pause

At St James, we feel it is important to introduce our pupils to stillness and allow them to discover how to be inwardly free and deeply at ease within themselves. At the beginning and middle of every day, a short period of quietude takes places, in which pupils may meditate, contemplate or simply be still – according to their own spiritual inclinations.

Learn more