FAQs

At least 1 year before your child’s 3rd birthday

50% of families live within walking distance of the school

– 1:8
– 1:5 in the Nursery years

We offer a 10% discount on fees for 2nd and 3rd siblings

Yes of course

– Bank: Nat West
– Sort Code: 60-00-01
– A/C No: 95604464
– A/C Name: Dallington School Limited
– Iban/Swift Code: NWBKGB2L
​- Iban No: GB75NWBK60000195604464

We know that for some children, Dallington will be their first experience of nursery, having spent time at home with their family.  We are very supportive of children being eased into a full week and our staff will help you decide how best to settle your child into our nursery.  Some children do mornings with some afternoons, gradually building up to a week of full days.  If you keep an open dialogue with your child’s teacher of how he or she is getting on, this will ease the settling in period.  Please note that, financially, we only offer full-time places at Dallington.

Our experienced practitioners are working with, observing and recording the progress of the children all the time through a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated activities. We use a software platform called Early Essence onto which we save photographic evidence and comments written by your child’s key worker and attributed to the Early Learning Goals as laid out in the EYFS Curriculum. Parents are given a login to this portal and are encouraged to not only follow their child’s progress but to also contribute to this digital scrapbook, by adding photos and events from home life.

We actively encourage parents to be involved in their child’s education. The vibrant Friends of Dallington, of which you are automatically a member on joining the school, organises lots of activities and parties for the children, and acts as a conduit between school and home. Spending time with a class, sharing your profession, your knowledge and skills with the children, can be a great way to become involved.

We provide bowls of fresh fruit in each classroom for children to help themselves during the day. All children bring their own healthy packed lunch, or you can sign up for a packed lunch provided by the school.

We are keyholders to the playground on Seward Street (a 5 minute walk around the corner, off Goswell Road) where we have a kitchen, bathroom and storage rooms for our sports equipment and nursery trikes, scooters and building materials. Experienced lunchtime play assistants encourage the children to play games and keep a close eye on them.

Each group has about 1 hour in the playground each day. Outdoor Forest school learning gives them a further afternoon in the outdoors, and there are weekly walks to the library, as well as trips to museums, galleries etc.

We use our playground, King Square, Finsbury Leisure Centre, Ironmonger Row Swimming Baths and in the summer term, older children learn to kayak at Shadwell Basin.

We are aware of the National Curriculum, and loosely follow its structure: however we aim above this level and approach teaching and learning slightly differently. We also give more time to the Arts and Sports, as well as outdoor learning.

We know how anxiety-inducing entrance exams can be for children, and so in year 5, we have conversations with each child to gauge their emotions, and start sessions in preparing them in exam technique as well as building confidence for interviews. We also offer a Study Skills club, with special training in exam preparation.

Children can wear whatever they wish, we want them to be able to express their individuality, therefore there is no uniform.

Dallington School stands out as a family-owned, truly independent school, offering a progressive educational experience that celebrates childhood. Founded by Mogg Hercules in 1978, our school is built on the belief that education should be a journey of self-discovery and understanding, emphasising the importance of knowing one’s own worth and appreciating the differences in others. We nurture an environment where relationships are at the core of learning, fostering a community where each child is appreciated and supported. Behind the scenes, a robust structure provides the stability needed for children to freely discover, explore, and develop their unique personalities. We are committed to unearthing the gifts and talents inherent in every child, offering personalised guidance and diverse opportunities to explore their interests and passions. This holistic approach not only supports academic achievement but also encourages personal growth and self-awareness, preparing our children to navigate and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

At Dallington School, mixed classes offer significant benefits, enhancing our educational environment. This approach allows for a flexible curriculum that caters to all learning needs, from children who need an extra challenge to those who may require additional support. Children collaborate in varied groups, fostering teamwork, communication skills, and empathy. By interacting across ages and abilities, they develop social awareness and learn to support each other. Mixed classes also create opportunities for peer mentoring, where older students reinforce their understanding by assisting younger ones. This dynamic setting boosts confidence and nurtures academic growth and personal development, preparing students for real-world scenarios in an enriching and inclusive atmosphere.

At Dallington School, we don’t believe in a binary approach to education where schools are either academically or pastorally focused. We encompass both. Our children are challenged appropriately throughout their time with us, and we take pride in their achievements. Our approach ensures that children reach their educational goals without unnecessary pressure, balancing academics and wellbeing as equal priorities.

Outdoor learning is a vital component of our educational approach at Dallington School. We are committed to providing our children with daily opportunities to engage with the outdoors, as we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom walls. As keyholders to a nearby playground, our children enjoy access to facilities equipped for play, sports, and physical education, fostering physical development and well-being. We also make extensive use of local parks, offering our children a chance to connect with nature and explore diverse outdoor environments. Our in-house forest school teacher plays a crucial role in instilling the values of outdoor learning, guiding children through activities that promote environmental awareness and a love for the natural world.

Children from Dallington School transition to a variety of secondary schools. We guide parents through this process, ensuring that children apply to schools where they will thrive. Our Head maintains strong connections with numerous secondary schools and visits as many as possible to provide informed guidance. Click here to find out more.