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Nursery at Heavers Farm Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Little Gems gives Heavers Farm’s nursery its own identity within this South Norwood primary school. A nursery class teacher appears in the 2023/24 staffing structure, while families can choose between morning, afternoon and full-time attendance. Those patterns make the length of the day a central practical choice.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 14 and 15 June 2023. This covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and conversation work together here. In June 2023, adults joined children’s play to help them develop vocabulary and use unfamiliar expressions. Activities followed a planned sequence across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework guiding children’s early learning and development. The intention was to build understanding step by step, with resources supporting those learning goals.
Language development. Adult interaction was uneven: some opportunities to demonstrate and introduce language were missed. For families, the useful distinction is between having a language focus and making every conversation count. Consistency in those exchanges was an improvement priority.
Outdoor learning also appears in the school’s October 2024 pupil premium strategy, which included additional resources for nursery classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, alongside trained teaching assistants and early years interventions. These were planned support measures, rather than evidence of their eventual impact.
Preparation for starting nursery is practical. Families are encouraged to talk through the new routine, practise managing coats and clothing, and anticipate tiredness while children adjust. Familiar adults taking children into their classroom are part of that preparation. Building independence with clothing gives children something concrete to practise before starting.
Food arrangements depend on attendance. Full-time nursery children can have a school lunch or bring a packed lunch in a named lunch box. Packed lunches must exclude nuts, sweets and chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks, and sandwiches containing jam or chocolate spread. Nursery children receive fruit during the morning break, and milk is supplied at lunchtime. Bring a named water bottle for refilling at the water coolers; flavoured water and fruit drinks are prohibited.
For health concerns, the nursery guidance provides for qualified first-aid staff, written notification after treated head bumps and telephone contact when there is serious concern. Medication requires a completed Individual Healthcare Plan from the office. Quick questions can go to the class teacher around the beginning or end of the day; longer conversations need an appointment.
The 2022/23 SEND information report directs nursery speech and language referrals through Chaterbox, with concerns raised first through the class teacher and SENCo. It also describes ramps at the school’s main entrances and a lift serving the lower floor, useful physical access features for families with mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.
Separately, the school’s 2022/23 SEND information report describes meetings between teachers, opportunities for children to meet incoming staff and transition sessions before the new academic year. Additional Support Plans and Pupil Passports are shared as part of that handover. These arrangements support continuity of care; they do not establish an admissions advantage.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon pattern is 12.10pm to 3.10pm. Full-time attendance runs from 8.45am to 3.10pm.
Nursery uniform includes the navy Heavers Farm tracksuit, trainers, a Heavers Farm book bag and a water bottle. Dresses and skirts are excluded to allow freedom of movement during play. Label clothing and belongings clearly.
Direct enquiries to the school office on 020 8653 5434 or email office@heaversfarm.croydon.sch.uk. The school is at 58 Dinsdale Gardens, London SE25 6LT.
Morning attendance is 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoon attendance is 12.10pm to 3.10pm, and full-time attendance is 8.45am to 3.10pm.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
Yes. School lunches are available to full-time nursery children. A packed lunch is also an option, subject to the school’s food restrictions.
The compulsory items include a navy Heavers Farm tracksuit, trainers, a Heavers Farm book bag and a water bottle. Dresses and skirts are excluded.
Start with the class teacher, who can contact the SENCo. The school’s 2022/23 SEND information report gives Chaterbox as the referral route for nursery children.
