Owls Nursery School at Hawksmoor Primary

Ballet storytelling and holiday visits to a school library give Owls Nursery School at Hawksmoor Primary a recognisable character. In June 2026, children practised movement through ballet and explored books in the attached school's library: experiences that connected physical activity, imagination and preparation for school.

The nursery has 51 places for children aged 9 to 60 months, at Hawksmoor Primary School on Bentham Road, London. At its 16 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to meet the Expected standard and safeguarding standards to be met. The practical strengths came with clear priorities: mathematics during everyday play, children's independence and personalised visual support.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing play, communication and physical development into their day.

In June 2026, preschool children explored counting and patterns with shaped tiles. Younger children experimented with water, filling and emptying containers, while sand utensils gave them opportunities to investigate what happened when they mixed or strained materials. Outside, a slide, bicycles and chalk provided different ways to move and make marks.

Ballet involved following actions and using movement to tell stories. Play dough and drawing tools also gave children practice using their hands. These were concrete learning experiences, although mathematics was less consistently developed beyond the preschool activities. Leaders were reviewing the curriculum's design to make the progression in children's learning clearer.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found warm relationships with key persons and support tailored to children's individual needs, including plans developed with parents and work with other professionals. That gave families several routes for discussing development and support.

In June 2026, staff used pictures of emotions and conversations about feelings to help children express themselves. Personalised visual aids for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were still an improvement priority. A key-person buddy arrangement supported staff changes and parent handovers.

Mealtimes included adults sitting opposite children to supervise eating, with attention to allergies and food preferences. However, the organisation of snacks and access to utensils sometimes reduced children's chances to serve themselves. Younger children rested when tired, and staff followed safer-sleep guidance.

The address is Hawksmoor Primary School, Bentham Road, London, SE28 8AS. Opening hours are 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays.

In June 2026, attendance times were agreed with families, and children visited the attached school's library during school holidays. The school setting offered an opportunity to become familiar with that environment. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Everyday mathematics. In June 2026, number work was stronger in preschool activities than across everyday play. Families should weigh that improvement priority alongside the practical counting and pattern work already taking place.
• Independence and individual support. The June 2026 priorities included better access to snack resources and personalised visual aids. These matter for children learning to manage tasks themselves or communicate their needs.
• Attendance arrangements. June 2026 practice included mutually agreed attendance times, while the opening window spans the working day. At a visit, what booking pattern and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family?

Owls suits families seeking a nursery on a primary-school site, with an inspection-era emphasis on movement, storytelling and relationships. Its broad opening window is useful for working parents. The June 2026 picture is balanced: children had practical learning experiences and individual support, while everyday mathematics, self-help opportunities and visual communication remained priorities to examine.