Nursery at Vita et Pax
Where Every Little One Begins to Flourish
Give your child the very best start. Our Nursery offers a warm, nurturing environment where children aged 2–4 discover the joy of learning through play, guided by our exceptionally caring and qualified team.
A Nurturing Start
Founded in 1936, Vita et Pax is a Catholic preparatory school with a proud heritage — warmly welcoming children of all faiths and backgrounds. Our Nursery is the heart of our Early Years provision, offering exceptional care and education for children from age 2.
With one of the lowest staff-to-child ratios in North London (1:4), every child receives the individual attention, encouragement and support they need to thrive. Our Nursery is not just childcare — it is the beginning of an outstanding education.
- Freshly prepared hot lunches included daily
- Morning and afternoon snacks provided
- Full EYFS curriculum delivered by qualified staff
- Outdoor learning and play every day
- Wrap-around care from 8am to 6pm
- Government funding accepted (2, 3 & 4 year olds)
- Small groups — no child gets lost in the crowd
- Catholic foundation, welcoming all faiths
Our Curriculum
Early Years Foundation StageWe follow the statutory EYFS framework, nurturing children's development across all seven areas of learning. Through play-based and adult-led activities, children explore, discover and build the foundations for lifelong learning.
Communication & Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social & Emotional
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts & Design
Specialist Teaching in Nursery
Even in Nursery, children benefit from specialist-led sessions that enrich the EYFS curriculum and give them a head start in key areas.
Music & Movement
Daily singing, rhythm activities and physical play develop language, coordination and confidence.
Physical Education
Structured PE sessions build gross motor skills, balance and a love of activity from the very start.
Outdoor Learning
Our garden and outdoor play area give children daily access to fresh air, nature and adventurous play.
A Typical Nursery Day
Structure, routine and plenty of fun
Sessions & Pricing
Nursery FeesWe offer flexible sessions to suit your family. Fees are charged monthly. Government funding is accepted for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds — we'll help you navigate what you're entitled to. All nursery fees are VAT exempt.
Full Day
8:30am – 3:30pm
Core nursery session including lunch and snacks. Minimum 3 days per week.
Extended Day
8:30am – 6:00pm
Full day plus extended care until 6pm. Snacks provided throughout.
Breakfast Club
7:30am – 8:30am
Early morning care with a healthy breakfast. A great start to the day.
2-Year-Old Fees (Monthly)
For children aged 2. Government 15-hour funding available for eligible families.
| Days/Week | Full Day (till 3:30pm) | Extended Day (till 6pm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | £221 | £295 |
| 4 days | £295 | £672 |
| 5 days | £508 | £922 |
3 & 4-Year-Old Fees — 15 Hours Funding (Monthly)
All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 free hours per week. Fees shown are net of funding deducted.
| Days/Week | Full Day (till 3:30pm) | Extended Day (till 6pm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | £401 | £641 |
| 4 days | £641 | £963 |
| 5 days | £776 | £1,130 |
3 & 4-Year-Old Fees — 30 Hours Funding (Monthly)
Eligible working families can access 30 free hours per week. Fees shown are net of the enhanced funding deducted.
| Days/Week | Full Day (till 3:30pm) | Extended Day (till 6pm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | £239 | £319 |
| 4 days | £319 | £640 |
| 5 days | £493 | £846 |
Not sure what funding you qualify for? We're happy to help you work out your entitlement. Get in touch and we'll talk you through it.
Wrap-Around Care
Flexible ChildcareWe understand that family life is busy. Our wrap-around care provision means you can drop off from 7:30am and collect any time up to 6:00pm — with your child in safe, caring hands throughout.
Breakfast Club
7:30am – 8:30am
Start the day right with a healthy breakfast in a relaxed, friendly setting. Children enjoy a choice of cereals, toast, fruit and drinks before heading to their classrooms ready to learn.
- Healthy breakfast included
- Supervised activities and free play
- Smooth handover to class teacher
Late Club
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Our late club provides after-school care with a light snack, homework support and a range of fun activities. Perfect for parents who need a little extra time at the end of the day.
- Light snack provided
- Homework support available
- Indoor and outdoor activities
Wraparound Care
3:30pm – 6:00pm
Our extended wraparound care offers everything in late club plus additional time until 6:00pm. Children enjoy a fuller programme of activities including arts & crafts, sports, games and quiet time.
- Extended hours until 6:00pm
- Full programme of activities
- Snack and refreshments included
- Qualified, caring staff
Our Nursery Environment
Purpose-Built SpacesOur Nursery occupies a warm, purpose-designed space within the school grounds, giving children a dedicated environment that is entirely their own.
Outdoor Play Area
A safe, stimulating outdoor space where children can run, climb, dig and explore every single day — whatever the weather.
Purpose-Built Nursery Space
Our dedicated Nursery room is bright, welcoming and fully equipped for EYFS learning, with reading corners, creative stations and sensory areas.
Dining Room
Children eat together in a sociable setting, enjoying freshly prepared hot lunches cooked on-site by our kitchen team each day.
School Grounds
Nursery children have access to wider school facilities including the library and hall, giving them a feel for the whole school community from day one.
What Parents Say
From Our Nursery Families"We have been attending Vita et Pax playgroup since Oct 2024 and my daughter loves it. The staff are incredibly friendly, welcoming and engaging. The activities available are brilliant for the little ones. Highly recommend!"
— A A, Mother"My little one grew unhappy in her previous nursery so I moved her to Vita and she is thriving. The teachers here are kind and really understanding regarding the children's needs and circumstances. All my 3 children have been really happy here."
— Erina S, Mother"Just wanted to say a big thank you to all for making my child have a lovely time at nursery. He has had lots of fun and his confidence has come on so much."
— G C, MotherNursery FAQs
Common QuestionsEverything you need to know about our Nursery provision. Can't find your answer? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.
What age can my child start nursery?
Children can join our Nursery from the age of 2. We welcome children aged 2–4 into our EYFS provision in Southgate, North London. Places are subject to availability — we recommend enquiring early as demand is high.
What are the nursery hours?
Our core nursery day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm. We also offer an extended day until 6:00pm, plus a Breakfast Club from 7:30am. Wrap-around care is therefore available from 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Do you accept government funding for nursery places?
Yes. We accept government funding for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Eligible 3 and 4-year-olds can access 15 free hours (universal entitlement) or 30 hours per week for working families. Eligible 2-year-olds can access 15 funded hours. Our admissions team will help you claim your full entitlement.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in the nursery?
We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio — one of the lowest in North London. This means every child receives generous individual attention and care from our qualified, DBS-checked nursery team.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes. A freshly prepared hot lunch is included every day, cooked on-site by our kitchen team. Children also receive a morning and afternoon snack. We cater for dietary requirements and allergies — please discuss your child's needs with us.
How does the EYFS curriculum work?
We follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, covering seven areas of learning: Communication & Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts & Design. Learning is delivered through a rich balance of structured and child-led activities.
Can my child attend part-time?
We ask that children attend a minimum of 3 days per week to ensure continuity of care and learning. Sessions can be arranged as full days (8:30am–3:30pm) or extended days (8:30am–6pm). We will work with your family to find an arrangement that suits you.
Is there wrap-around care available?
Yes. We offer a Breakfast Club from 7:30am and After-School Care until 6:00pm, giving families a full 10.5-hour window of care. Wrap-around care is staffed by our familiar nursery team, so children are always in known, caring hands.
How does my child transition from Nursery to Reception?
Children in our Nursery have a seamless pathway into our Reception class — no reapplication is required. They already know the building, the staff and their friends. We run dedicated transition activities in the Summer term to prepare every child for their move up.
Do you accept children who aren't potty trained?
Yes, we warmly welcome children who are still toilet training. Our nursery team is experienced and supportive, and we work closely with families to manage this in a kind, unhurried way. Please speak to us during your visit and we will put your mind at rest.
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Ready to Find Out More?
Come and see our Nursery for yourselfWe'd love to show you around. Book a personal visit and let your child explore our Nursery while you meet the team and ask any questions you have.
