Our Story — Strawberry Fields Nursery School

Origins — why Strawberry Fields?

Maureen Turner started the school with her own two children in mind. She had previously been teaching in maintained schools as well as performing as a professional singer. When it came to thinking about a name she wanted something child-friendly and colourful but that also suggested her musical background. She thought of Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles.

Although she didn't know it at the time, John Lennon had been partly inspired by a Liverpool children's home known as Strawberry Field in whose grounds he played as a child. It was his place of refuge, innocence and imagination.

What a perfect name. It suggested a place of colour, fun and fruitfulness — where growth was encouraged, delight was experienced and music was heard. The strawberry has since become the school's recognisable symbol: from the bright red fruit on sweaters to the sophisticated gold strawberry of its latest design.

The Building

An enchanting learning environment.

Maureen Turner established Strawberry Fields in Notting Hill in September 1986. It moved to its present location in 2007. Located in the heart of Notting Hill, the nursery occupies two remodelled floors in the wing of a landmark church.

Decorated and equipped to the highest standards, the property combines the latest in educational design and state-of-the-art technology with original architectural features. Children, parents and carers are welcomed by the entrance garden — created especially by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Andy Sturgeon.

A beautiful photographic gallery of pupils past and present lines the walls of the entrance hall, alongside stunning art canvases and ceramics created by the children. The classrooms are spacious and bathed in natural light. The ground floor also houses the school office and a large, modern kitchen used by the children for cooking. The extensive church hall serves as our space for sports, dance, performances and events.

Vision and Values

We teach, they learn. They teach, we learn.

Because each child is a unique individual who will learn in a different way and at a different pace, the education we provide is personalised. We do not seek to impose but to value the thoughts and ideas the children express, and use these to inform the way they learn and develop. Learning is a collective process in which teachers and pupils build knowledge together in a challenging environment.

Behaviour

Through the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum we promote good social skills and encourage our children to become responsible, confident and independent. We ensure they develop self-esteem along with consideration and respect for others. High standards of behaviour are always modelled and encouraged.

We aim to further children's understanding of their world by fostering respect for different religions, cultures and ways of life. We actively promote British Values: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

The SF Golden Code

Kindness, courtesy, patience, hard work, and an eagerness to learn.

The Early Years curriculum at Strawberry Fields is underpinned by the Strawberry Fields Golden Code — encapsulated in a short acrostic that helps the children remember these values:

Say thank you and say please
Take time and wait for your turn
Read as much as you're able
Always be ready to learn.

Work as hard as you can
Be kind to all in the school
Enjoy sharing with others
Respect the Strawberry Rules.

Remember, by keeping them all
You can achieve any goal.

Each class may add to the Code.

Strawberry Fields Forever.

Origins — why Strawberry Fields?

An enchanting learning environment.

We teach, they learn. They teach, we learn.

Behaviour

Kindness, courtesy, patience, hard work, and an eagerness to learn.

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