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Nursery at Woodlands Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dinosaur swamps, fairy houses and minibeast searches give Woodlands Academy’s nursery its outdoor character. The Owls nursery class sits within the school’s Early Years Unit in Ealing, serving children aged 3–4. This is school-based provision with a choice of morning, afternoon or full-day attendance.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 15 and 16 May 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and exploration shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. In practice, children explore patterns and shapes, enjoy rhymes and books, make marks, paint and try role-play. Sharing and taking turns are learning too.
An individual Early Years Profile helps teachers select activities around each child’s development. Cultural celebrations introduce children to traditions from around the world, with the nursery aiming to build belonging and understanding. Cooking is a regular activity, adding a practical task to the play and creative work.
Outdoors, the nursery has access to climbing equipment and uses the outdoor area whatever the weather. Raincoats and Wellington boots therefore belong in the everyday kit. The Forest School area extends that experience: children make dens, experiment with rope bridges and swings, search for minibeasts and create fairy houses or a dinosaur swamp. These give exploration something concrete to work with. Older pupils sometimes help the younger children during these sessions.
Settling starts before the first session. A teacher visits the child at home, giving parents time to discuss interests, dislikes, health and wellbeing in familiar surroundings. A nursery social story offers another way to prepare. Parents stay during settling until both family and staff agree that the child can remain independently, so families should allow time for this stage.
The nursery teacher also holds EYFS leadership and a deputy safeguarding role. Communication continues through termly parent consultations, appointments with the class teacher and class email. Parents can request their child’s EYFS progress records with a week’s notice, giving conversations a written reference point.
Fruit and milk are provided in the morning and afternoon. Full-day children can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school lunch. Nuts and peanut butter are prohibited throughout the school because of severe allergies.
For additional needs, the school can use individual interventions, small groups and external agencies. Its flat site has wheelchair access and accessible toilets; the Sensory Room provides space for regulation, relaxation and interventions. These are school facilities within the wider support arrangements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application directly to Ealing Council by 15 January. Applications arriving after that deadline are treated as late and considered after national offer day. Familiarity with Woodlands should therefore sit alongside a separate, timely application.
Sessions run Monday to Friday in term time: mornings are 8:30am–11:30am, afternoons 12:00pm–3:00pm, and full days 8:30am–3:00pm. The school offers 15 funded hours and a 30-hour option for eligible families. Additional attendance beyond funded hours is charged, and lunch is excluded from the full-time attendance charge. Contact the school for current charges. A voluntary contribution supports cooking ingredients and play dough supplies.
Nursery children may also apply for charged breakfast and after-school care, allowing attendance between 8:00am and 6:00pm. Club bookings use School Gateway. This requires a separate application for a club place.
Uniform is required, with unbranded dark green jumpers permitted. The nursery expects children to be toilet trained before starting; manageable clothes, spare clothing and shoes with Velcro or slip-on fastenings help with changing and outdoor play.
Nursery gates close ten minutes after a session starts, and late arrivals go through the office. Collection must be by an adult, with staff told about any change of collector. For enquiries or a visit, contact the office on 020 8998 2479 or office@woodlands.ealing.sch.uk.
The nursery serves children aged 3–4.
Yes. Full-day attendance runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm during term time. Morning and afternoon sessions are also offered.
The school offers 15 funded hours, with 30 hours for eligible families. Extra attendance is charged, and the full-time attendance charge excludes lunch.
No. You must apply separately to Ealing Council by 15 January. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place.
Call 020 8998 2479 or email office@woodlands.ealing.sch.uk to arrange an appointment through the school office.
