The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools

When someone creates something purely to respond to a growing need, you can be sure they only have the best interests of everyone involved at heart. That’s why The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools’ unique model of education and childcare continues from strength to strength since it was founded 55 years ago by Maria Keaveney-Jessiman

SCHOOL WITH A DIFFERENCE

Seven nurseries and a prep school – all offering wraparound childcare from 7.30am- 6.30pm, 51 weeks a year – accommodate children from three months to 11 years, with leavers continuing their education at London schools such as King’s College, Dulwich College, Wimbledon High, Emanuel, James Allen’s Prep School, Alleyn’s, Wilson’s and Graveney. “We have a very high staff/pupil ratio in the school. Staff are selected for their unique understanding of the individual needs of their pupils and their genuine love of children,” explains headmistress Eveline Drut, whose mother founded the school.

“At The Eveline Day and Nursery Schools (EDNS), as well as pursuing academic excellence, we believe that the education of the whole child is paramount in helping the children in our care to become well-rounded, purposeful and successful adults,” continues Ms Eveline. “We give children the opportunity to develop different areas of intelligence by experiencing a wide range of learning opportunities within the school and nursery settings, and in the local environment.” At The Eveline Day School (EDS) all children study French from nursery and Spanish from Key Stage Two. Mandarin and Spanish clubs are offered from the age of six. They promote music throughout education, beginning with the nursery, where babies as young as six months old enjoy music, singing, dancing and drama weekly. All children learn an instrument and have knowledge of musical notation from an early age – “every child in Key Stage 2 forms part of our strings orchestra of cello, viola, double bass and violin, and each year they perform at the Royal Festival Hall,” says Ms Eveline proudly.

Sport is also high on the agenda. Each week children take part in a range of physical activities with specialist coaches to develop their love of sport and recreation, in anticipation of life-long participation. Weekly yoga classes take place before class twice a week, teaching the children mindfulness and relaxation. All children swim bi-weekly from Year 2 and inter-school competitions take place on a regular basis in football, netball, cricket, swimming and athletics. Extra-curricular physical activities include martial arts, dance and sports’ leader activities (peer coaching). Theatre also features highly at the school. “We believe speech and drama competitions and exams instil confidence in our children and they learn to listen and observe, perform and develop an appreciation of culture and the arts,” explains Ms Eveline, who has a drama background. Outdoor education through an active Forest School programme and residential trips, plus a sensory garden in the school grounds, give children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, and the school recently won a Gold Accreditation from ‘Transport for London’ for sustainable travel to school.

“WE GIVE CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP DIFFERENT
AREAS OF INTELLIGENCE”

But at the core of the school is the nurturing, pastoral care on offer. The staff and pupils develop strong bonds and EDNS prides itself on their open door policy. “Our children leave The Eveline Day School (some having been within the EDNS group for eleven years) as smart, respectful, happy and polite young adults, ready to face the challenges ahead,” smiles Ms Eveline. “We are very proud of every pupil who has passed through our doors and they will always remain part of our EDNS family.”

www.evelinedaynursery.com