Cypress Primary School Nursery

Children’s interests shape the starting point at Cypress: nursery teachers build learning around what motivates each child and what matters to them. This gives the provision a recognisable character, with individual interests informing teaching from the outset. The nursery belongs to Cypress Primary School in South Norwood and takes children from two years old upwards.

At the December 2024 inspection, early-years children showed kindness, played cooperatively and helped care for the school dog. These are concrete examples of learning to share responsibility and spend time alongside others.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the starting point for teaching. Its seven areas of learning and development include learning how to be with others: in December 2024, early-years children shared work and play, learnt responsibility by caring for the school dog, and learnt routines and expectations for behaviour. These give children practical ways to participate in nursery life. Planning responds to children’s needs, while their interests help teachers decide how to engage them. For parents, that connects the curriculum to the child rather than treating every learner’s starting point as identical.

In December 2024, the early-years curriculum had a clear sequence of knowledge and skills, allowing new learning to build on earlier understanding. Children also learnt routines and expectations from the beginning of early years, giving them a framework for participating in learning together.

Early writing. Practice in spelling, forming letters and recording writing was too limited for some pupils in December 2024, leaving gaps that affected later writing. This is a relevant consideration alongside the curriculum’s planned progression.

Support for additional needs begins early. In December 2024, children needing extra help were identified from the start of early years. Across the trust, teachers and the Inclusion Manager monitor progress and involve parents when concerns arise. That gives families a role in understanding difficulties and agreeing the next steps.

Pupil Passports describe the additional provision for children who need support beyond the usual teaching. Parents, the child, the class teacher and the Inclusion Manager contribute to the plan. Reviews usually happen each term, making this an ongoing discussion about targets and support rather than a single assessment.

Meals require attention to individual needs too. The trust works with caterer Harrisons to accommodate dietary requirements wherever possible. With advance notice, a suitable lunch can usually be provided, though choices may be narrower. For some potentially dangerous or very specific intolerances, families may prefer a packed lunch. Discussing allergies early therefore matters to the meal arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the 2027-28 admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Croydon Council’s electronic e-admissions process by the closing date. There is no automatic transfer.

School staff cannot decide who receives a place, although office staff can help parents complete the application process. Familiarity with the nursery and the Reception allocation decision are separate matters: choosing Cypress nursery should therefore be a decision about the early-years provision itself.

For nursery enquiries, contact the Cypress office on 020 8653 2618 or email cypressadmin@pegasusacademytrust.org. Studybugs is used across the trust for parent communication and reporting absence, giving families a named channel for this routine contact.

Meal funding. In the 2025-26 academic year, the London primary-school meal funding described by the trust excluded Nursery and Little Cypress Rainbows. Families should distinguish that school-meal arrangement from nursery funding. Magic Booking handles services requiring payment across the trust.