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Nursery at Side By Side 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning together is the defining feature here: children with special educational needs and children without them share Side By Side’s integrated nursery, for ages 2 to 5. With 69 children across six nursery classes, this is a substantial part of the school at the Ronson, Wohl, Esfandi Campus on Avigdor Mews. Its purpose-built premises provide the physical setting for that shared education.
The nursery’s Jewish character shapes daily learning as well as celebrations. Class composition depends on children’s needs, with no fixed balance between children with SEND and their mainstream peers. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection of 1 to 3 July 2025. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
Choice and guided activity both have a place in the day. Children select tasks and practise finishing them, while adults introduce experiences through groups of different sizes. Outdoor play also combines children’s choices with activities led by staff, giving movement and exploration a place alongside classroom learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the developmental framework: learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, and develop physical skills, alongside early reading, numbers, creativity and understanding the world. Kodesh, the Jewish studies curriculum, runs alongside it. Planning uses New Development Matters 2020. The nursery aims to link play to Jewish family experiences and festivals. Davening is part of the daily routine; each class also has a weekly Shabbat party.
Learning proceeds in manageable steps. In July 2025, early years children were becoming familiar with letters, stories and rhymes, while routines helped them develop concentration. These are foundations for participation as well as literacy. Experiences extend beyond familiar classroom tasks: in April 2026, early years pupils met the Air Ambulance team, explored equipment and asked questions about emergency work.
An allocated key worker helps each child settle and works with parents on their needs and interests. The first session is deliberately short: parents stay for at least half an hour, then return after another half-hour. Families must remain contactable for at least the first six sessions, and a more individual schedule can be agreed if settling proves difficult.
Communication has several forms. Parents receive weekly activity updates, while a link book may carry updates about particular therapy or personal care programmes. For children with additional needs, a meeting after about 6–8 weeks brings parents together with the team. A Pupil Support Plan combines classroom strategies with therapeutic targets.
Every class has allocated speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy support. Before an EHCP is received, direct individual therapy sessions are excluded because of funding constraints, but class and group support remains available. This distinction matters when considering a child’s support needs. The nursery also aims to include staff qualified at Level 2 and Level 3 in each class.
Food comes from home. Parents supply snacks and packed lunches, with Parev or Milchig lunches permitted and meat excluded. Children eat together, making meals a social part of the day; Friday lunch takes place only when finishing at 1pm. Parents must tell staff about allergies.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately, following the receiving school’s normal application route and deadline.
Preparation for the next setting is a separate matter. Side By Side supports moves into mainstream education, including for some children with EHCPs. Continuing specialist education involves an EHCP and local authority approval of the school placement. Familiar staff and surroundings should therefore never be treated as an admission entitlement.
Sessions begin at 9am, Monday to Friday. Half days finish at 12.30pm; full days end at 3.30pm from Monday to Thursday. Friday collection is earlier: noon in winter and 1pm in summer. Those seasonal changes affect the family’s weekly timetable.
Request an application form from the school office on 020 8880 8300 or at school@sidebyside.org.uk. Completed forms can be returned to admissions@sidebyside.org.uk or handed to the office. Charges must be agreed before a placement is confirmed; contact the school for current charges. Collection must be by an authorised adult, with parents responsible for punctual pick-up.
The integrated nursery caters for children aged 2 to 5, with and without special educational needs.
Parents stay for at least the first half-hour and collect their child after a further half-hour. They must remain contactable for at least the first six sessions. An individual schedule can be agreed where needed.
Parents provide packed lunches and snacks. Lunches may be Parev or Milchig, with meat excluded. Friday lunch takes place only when the nursery finishes at 1pm.
Class and group support is available through allocated speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy staff. Direct individual therapy sessions are excluded before an EHCP is received because of funding constraints.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must make a separate application through the receiving school’s normal route.
