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Nursery at Springfield Community Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A half day of Forest School each week gives Springfield Nursery a clear outdoor identity. Daily time in the grounds adds to that pattern, making exploration a regular part of nursery life rather than an occasional outing. This is the nursery at Springfield Community Primary School on Castlewood Road, London.
Children can start in the term following their third birthday. Classes have around 16 children present at any one time; that is a class-size figure, rather than a total nursery capacity. Springfield aims to build confidence, independence and curiosity through these smaller groups. At the Ofsted inspection on 11 and 12 October 2023, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement, covering the school's early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Building, climbing and investigating sit alongside making things, sharing stories and forming friendships. These activities give children practical ways to explore ideas and interact with others. Language matters too: in October 2023, stories, conversation and play supported children's language development in the early years. For parents, that connects everyday play with learning to express an idea or join a conversation.
The Nursery Classroom and Nursery Garden provide indoor and outdoor spaces, while the woodland extends the possibilities beyond the classroom. A Forest School teacher with a Level 3 qualification leads the weekly half day. Daily access to the grounds means outdoor learning also has a place between those sessions.
Nature provides something concrete to investigate. In October 2023, nursery children used the school forest to explore nature and seasonal changes. Taken together, the garden, woodland and classroom give this nursery a distinctive emphasis on learning through exploration, with storytelling and social play alongside physical activity.
Smaller groups are intended to help staff develop relationships with children and their families. Springfield says it treats each child as an individual and encourages independence and confidence. The practical appeal is continuity between getting to know a child and supporting their participation in nursery activities.
School lunches are available to nursery children, adding a meal option to the day. Springfield describes these lunches as healthy.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hackney's coordinated admissions process and meet the deadline for their application cycle. Treat that application as a distinct step, even when your child already attends Springfield Nursery.
Preparation for the move is a separate matter. In October 2023, nursery children were ready for Reception routines. For the transition into Reception, Springfield works with families and previous settings, offers visits before children start and takes time to get to know each child. Those arrangements concern settling into the next stage; they do not secure admission.
Eligible children can take funded places of 15 or 30 hours. Additional paid sessions depend on availability, so the funded place and any extra attendance are separate parts of the arrangement.
Nursery applications go directly to Springfield. Contact admin@springfield.hackney.sch.uk or 020 8800 9007 for an application form. Families can also arrange a nursery tour using a Google Form, after which the school makes contact. The tour includes meeting the nursery team and seeing classrooms, woodland and outdoor learning spaces, giving parents a concrete view of the environments their child would use.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday.
Around 16 children attend each class at any one time.
Children have daily access to the grounds and a half day each week with a Level 3 qualified Forest School teacher.
Eligible children can access 15-hour or 30-hour funded places, with additional paid sessions subject to availability. Nursery children can have school lunches.
No. Families must apply separately through Hackney's coordinated admissions process.
