Wayside Nursery

Sensory tuff trays, daily makaton signing and a soft play corner give Wayside Nursery a recognisable character: children have different ways to explore, communicate and join in. Based in Fieldway, New Addington, it combines a dedicated area for younger children with outings to the library, shops and market place. The emphasis is on practical experiences close to home.

At the 16 January 2026 inspection, Ofsted awarded inclusion Strong standard, assessed achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare, curriculum and leadership at Expected standard, and confirmed that safeguarding standards were met. These are separate report-card judgements rather than an overall grade.

Wayside accepts children aged 20 to 60 months and has 50 places in total. It operates during term time, with flexible attendance and wraparound packages among its arrangements.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, that means learning through play, conversation and practical tasks, with physical development and emotional understanding woven into the day.

A large play area lets children choose their activities, while the dedicated under twos area gives younger children their own space. The soft play corner adds another physical play option. Tuff trays are used for sensory exploration, giving children materials to investigate rather than relying entirely on adult-led activities.

Daily makaton signing, which uses signs to support communication, encourages children to learn another way to express themselves. This sits alongside themed activities, festival celebrations and outdoor play. Communication is part of the ordinary day, rather than confined to a separate lesson.

In January 2026, children investigated how toy cars travelled down ramps and discussed what made them move. Other activities involved making play dough and adjusting the mixture themselves. Both examples put decisions into children's hands: they could test an idea, see what happened and try something different.

Construction interests also shaped learning that month. Children moved from stories about buildings to drawing designs and trying them out with blocks; staff brought counting and comparisons of tower sizes into the activity. A pestle and mortar gave children another opportunity to practise hand movements after their early attempts with tweezers. These are concrete examples of learning developing from something children already wanted to do.

Outdoor and Community Life

Local outings take in the library, shops and market place, connecting nursery experiences with familiar community places. Outdoor play is also part of the offer. For families who value learning beyond the nursery's play area, those everyday destinations are a useful part of its character.

In January 2026, trips included parks, gardens and other community spaces, alongside regular library visits. Additional funding helped children needing extra support experience public transport and unfamiliar surroundings. The practical value was participation: those experiences extended beyond activities within the setting.

Relationships and Communication

Settling begins with support for both the child and their parent. Families have time to meet the keyworker and share information, giving staff a starting point for understanding the child's routines and needs. Wayside also makes time for conversations with parents, keeping that relationship part of everyday care.

In January 2026, changes between rooms involved opportunities to spend time in the new room with new peers before moving. Books and learning packs went home, including activities about recognising emotions. This connected nursery experiences with conversations families could continue at home.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At its January 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that support for children with SEND combined prompt referrals, individual assessment, visual routines, Makaton signing and close work with other professionals. The detail matters more than a broad assurance: staff adapted activities and used shared targets during the day, rather than leaving support separate from ordinary play.

In January 2026, emotional support included a worry monster that children could use to express fears. Some children had space before joining group activities, while strategies such as bouncing or weighted blankets helped with regulating emotions. Rest arrangements included clean beds and regular checks. These were specific responses to children's needs at that time.

Home-cooked dinners are prepared on site, with shared mealtimes forming part of the day; families are also asked to label lunch boxes and drinks. Wayside has a no nut policy and discusses dietary requirements with families.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is 21 Wayside, Fieldway, New Addington, Croydon, CR0 9DX. Opening hours are 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Flexible hours and wraparound packages allow different attendance arrangements within that offer.

Enquiries can be made on 07747 827842 or 01689867842. During settling, parents can meet the keyworker and exchange information about their child, making the introduction a shared process rather than simply a change of routine for the child.

Funding and Paid Extras

Funded childcare is offered through the setting, alongside paid childcare. Paid places are charged on a pay-for-place basis, with invoices issued at the start of each half term and payment due within two weeks of its beginning. Families should obtain current prices in a written quotation from the nursery.

Parents supply nappies or pull-ups, wipes and creams, together with seasonal sun lotions. Labelled spare clothes, a drinking container and outdoor clothing are also requested; a sleep sheet or blanket is needed where applicable. These preparations matter for children who need changing, rest or different clothing during the day.

Getting There

Parking becomes busy near session endings and around 3pm. Allowing extra time for collection is a practical consideration for families travelling by car.

• Independence. In January 2026, adults sometimes stepped in before children had enough time to finish tasks themselves. On a visit, ask how staff now give children room to manage everyday tasks independently.
• Physical development. The January 2026 priorities included adjusting furniture and resources to support posture, coordination and balance. Look at how equipment fits the children using it, especially during seated and physical activities.
• Term-time attendance. Wayside opens during term time and offers flexible hours and wraparound packages. Ask how a proposed weekly pattern would fit your family's routine and what arrangements you would need during holidays.
• Food and allergies. On-site dinners sit alongside instructions for lunch boxes, and the nursery has a no nut policy. Before joining, clarify the meal arrangement and charges for your attendance pattern, and confirm current allergy practice where relevant.

Wayside suits families seeking term-time childcare through flexible hours or wraparound packages, with sensory play, daily signing and local outings giving the day its shape. The dedicated younger children's area and practical settling support are useful features for families making an early move into nursery care.

The January 2026 priorities give parents concrete points to weigh: opportunities for children to do things themselves, and equipment that supports their physical development. Consider those alongside the communication methods, community outings and individual support described here when deciding whether Wayside fits your child.