Nursery at Greenacres Primary School and Language Impairment Unit

A bug hotel, a digging area and lettuce grown for soft-cheese wraps give this nursery a practical, outdoorsy character. Cherry Tree Nursery is the school's nursery provision, alongside Blossom Tree for two-year-olds, in Eltham. Places include funded and fee-paying options, with provision for two- and three-year-olds.

Language development is a clear thread. A qualified teacher leads Cherry Tree, and the nursery employs staff with specialist knowledge of children's language needs. That puts communication alongside play as a central part of the day. In April 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to be at the Expected standard; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Children choose some activities themselves and join others guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework shapes play involving early number work, reading and writing, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Learning follows children's developmental stages, giving them opportunities to build on skills they have already begun to acquire.

Space supports different kinds of play. A large indoor area has an open-plan layout, while two outdoor areas offer contrasting experiences. One accommodates climbing, bike riding and construction. The other centres on nature, with a sandpit, den building, a bug hotel and a substantial digging area. Children also use a designated Forest School site each week. There is room for both physical activity and close investigation.

The Big Gardening Project gives that exploration a tangible purpose. Blossom Tree grows pea shoots for cream-cheese cups, while Cherry Tree grows baby leaf lettuce for soft-cheese wraps at Kids Cafe. Growing a crop and turning it into food connects care for living things with preparation and making. Nursery children also take part in Big Outcomes, projects that involve children in planning and sharing their learning with families.

During April 2026, adults helped children explain their ideas and expand their vocabulary through activities indoors and outside. Reading had a central role, although work to strengthen phonics was only beginning to have an effect. Children generally progressed from their individual starting points.

Families can approach an inclusion lead and SENDCo covering Nursery to Year 1, while the nursery also employs language specialists. The April 2026 early years findings give practical substance to that support: provision was adjusted for disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and extra help involved specialist teachers and close contact with families. Staff considered children's existing skills and emerging needs when responding. Children were comfortable settling and keen to participate.

Blossom Tree places emphasis on relationships, familiar routines and sensory exploration. Across early years, adults help children recognise and understand their emotions, supporting play together and increasing independence.

For children using the six-hour funded patterns, a packed lunch accompanies the place. School lunch and additional hours carry separate charges. Families should obtain current charges from the school when arranging attendance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Royal Greenwich: the school organises nursery admissions, while Royal Greenwich manages Reception admissions. Treat this as a fresh application through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline.

The nursery aims to prepare children for their next stage through communication, social development and growing independence. These learning aims are separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Both nursery provisions operate during term time, opening at 8.30am and closing at 3.30pm. There are 15-hour places across Monday to Friday and 30-hour places for two- and three-year-olds; childcare codes are accepted for the latter. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The 30-hour patterns run from 8.30am to 2.30pm or 9.30am to 3.30pm, with an additional charged hour allowing an 8.30am to 3.30pm day.

Nursery applications are handled by the School Office. To arrange a visit, call 020 8857 4965. Uniform includes a green jumper or cardigan, white shirt or polo shirt and grey bottoms; nursery children may wear plain grey tracksuits. Mark clothing with the child's name to help keep belongings together.