Rockmount Primary School Nursery Review

Child-chosen play, daily movement and short bursts of early reading and counting give Rockmount’s nursery its shape. This is the school’s own provision for children from age three, on Chevening Road in Upper Norwood, with morning, afternoon and full-day options.

At the Ofsted inspection on 10 and 11 June 2025, early years provision was graded Outstanding within the school inspection. That judgement covers early years collectively, rather than being a separate nursery rating. The early-years findings give substance to it: children developed independence, enjoyed learning and worked with activities matched to their next steps.

Each session starts with children registering themselves, followed by physical development activities. They then choose play indoors and outdoors, with adults helping them extend what they do. Activities are planned around developmental needs and interests, so choice sits alongside purposeful adult support.

Short daily teaching sessions concentrate on counting, reading and phonics. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities children initiate with those adults direct. In parent terms, the day makes room both for following an interest and for practising a particular skill. Read, Write Inc is the phonics scheme used across EYFS.

Half-termly topics connect the learning. Small-world play and role-play areas provide concrete settings for exploration, while daily mark making and activities involving number, shape and measurement bring early writing and mathematics into play. Learning extends beyond the classroom into the outdoor environment. In June 2025, early-years children engaged readily with the learning resources, and routines helped them concentrate on learning. These are useful foundations for managing a session with growing independence.

Settling sessions have individual dates and times for new nursery children. Families should follow their child’s arrangements rather than assume the general school reopening date applies. Half-termly curriculum letters explain forthcoming learning, important occasions and ways to help at home. A home/school journal also lets children bring drawings, writing or memories of experiences into conversations with staff, with an opportunity to share it each week.

Food has a practical place in the day. For children attending a full day, lunch runs from 11.30am to 12.15pm, and school lunches carry a separate charge. Nursery children can also have a quarter-bagel breakfast portion through the National School Breakfast Programme, delivered by Family Action and Magic Breakfast.

For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCo team also accessible. Staff involve families and other professionals when extra support is needed. Rockmount participates in Croydon Locality SEND Support, which can provide advice, specialist referrals or additional services when support is granted. This gives families a route beyond classroom support where their child needs further help.

A nursery place does not guarantee Reception admission. Families must make a separate application through their local authority. Nursery attendance is not among the listed Reception priorities; the criteria cover looked-after children, siblings, serious medical reasons and distance.

Croydon residents apply using the Common Application Form, with online applications through eAdmissions. Families living elsewhere use their own borough’s form. The deadline given for the 2026 Reception intake was 15 January 2026, a past admissions cycle. Keep the nursery booking and the Reception application as separate tasks. Transition Booklets for Nursery and Reception provide a separate practical resource for preparing for change.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The 2026/2027 arrangements give a full day as 8.30am to 2.30pm, with an optional charged extension until 3.15pm. That distinction matters when planning collection.

The entitlement described is five sessions totalling 15 hours each week, with possible eligibility for 30 funded hours. Additional sessions, school lunch and the optional extension are charged separately. Charges remain payable during sickness, family holidays and other absences, with no charge for inset days or bank holidays. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to Rockmount, and families can retain a waiting-list place if an immediate offer is unavailable. Enquiries can go to office@rockmount.croydon.sch.uk or 020 8653 2619. Chevening Road has vehicle restrictions at certain times during term time, so check the street signs when planning travel.