Churchfield Primary School Nursery Review

Goats, ducks and rabbits give Churchfield’s early years provision a distinctive backdrop. The nursery is integrated into Churchfield Primary School on Latymer Road in Edmonton, with 60 places and children joining from age three. Sunshine is the morning group and Rainbow the afternoon group; the early years team also includes Nursery Full Day provision.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 22 and 23 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children’s interests help shape activities and the learning spaces. This gives their own curiosity a role in what they explore, alongside adult planning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes learning about numbers, measurement and shape through play: stories, nursery rhymes and pretend play bring these ideas into both outdoor and indoor activities.

Letters and sounds begin in Nursery. In November 2022, early years children were learning counting and shape names quickly, while also practising routines and sharing turns. These are useful foundations for learning with other children as well as for later classroom work.

Outside, the grounds include a field, substantial play spaces and a school farm. Sheep, chickens and guinea-pigs join the goats, rabbits and ducks, and the early years team uses these facilities for experiences on site. Children can encounter living things as part of their learning, rather than only through pictures or stories.

Play and stay sessions help staff learn about children joining EYFS. For children identified with additional needs, extra sessions and an individual settling plan are offered. A visit to their preschool or an additional home visit with allocated individual support can also form part of that preparation. Settling can therefore be tailored to a child’s needs.

An EYFS leader and learning support assistants form part of the nursery team. Families receive photographs of learning through Facebook, with translation helping parents who do not speak English follow what their children are doing.

For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents can raise concerns with the teacher or Inclusion Team. Individual Educational Plan targets are reviewed each term with families. Medical needs involve a care plan developed with the Welfare Officer, parents and School Nurse; dietary requirements are discussed, and relevant staff receive allergy information. These arrangements give families a defined way to share needs that affect daily care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Enfield primary admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The Nursery and Reception teams coordinate learning so that the next stage builds on earlier experiences. For children moving between classes, staff share information at handover meetings; some children receive a transition book about their next teacher and class to use at home over summer. This supports familiarity with change, rather than creating an admissions advantage.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, with afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These are three-hour blocks, so the choice affects the family’s daily timetable.

Funded hours. Access to 30 hours of funded education depends on eligibility and space. Speak to a staff member about eligibility and availability before relying on the longer pattern.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 020 8807 2458 or by emailing churchfield.office@churchfield.enfield.sch.uk. A visit offers a chance to see the provision before deciding whether its session pattern suits your family.