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Nursery at Norfolk House School
Last reviewed: September 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School, specialist music and specialist drama give this Muswell Hill nursery a clear identity: early learning is built around outdoor discovery and creative work, not preparation worksheets. It takes children from age two and operates at the school's Princes Avenue site, alongside the younger school years.
The latest inspection evidence counted 45 children across three Nursery classes in June 2025. The school calls its two-year-old group Little Cadets and its three-year-old groups Mates and Mariners. This creates a visible progression between age stages while keeping nursery children together on the younger site.
The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. In parent language, that means communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development come first; literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts then build on those foundations.
Forest School is an integral part of the published curriculum, using outdoor learning to develop movement, resilience, relationships and interest in nature. Drama and music are taught by specialist teachers. Together, these strands give children several ways to communicate: through talk, imaginative play, movement, rhythm and time outside.
The school publishes separate morning and afternoon patterns. Little Cadets mornings run from 8:20 to 12:30 and include lunch, with afternoons from 12:30 to 15:00. For Mates and Mariners, mornings use the same times and afternoons finish at 15:30. A longer 8:00 to 18:00 pattern is also published for both age groups.
Lunch is built into the morning session, which avoids a handover in the middle of the meal for children attending through lunchtime. The archived material does not give enough detail to make claims about menus, sleep routines or a named settling system, so families should ask how these work for their child's age and attendance pattern.
Safeguarding has an explicit early-years line of responsibility. ISI's June 2025 monitoring inspection found that the safeguarding team included a designated lead practitioner for early years, that staff received regular training, and that concerns were recorded and followed up methodically. The same inspection found the relevant safeguarding, welfare, health and safety standards considered on that visit were met.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families should ask the admissions team how current nursery children are considered for Reception, whether a new application is required and what timetable applies.
The shared Princes Avenue setting may make the physical move familiar, but familiarity is not an admissions advantage. Parents should not plan on priority unless the school’s published admission arrangements explicitly confirm it.
Term-time Little Cadets attendance starts at two mornings each week. Mates and Mariners attend at least five mornings, with afternoon sessions selected as needed. The school also publishes a 48-week option with two, three or five full days each week. This gives families a choice between a school-term rhythm and a longer-year pattern, but the minimum booking commitment differs by age group.
Universal early-years funding is accepted for eligible three- and four-year-olds, with an optional consumables arrangement. Families should ask the school for current charges and confirm how funded hours are applied to their chosen pattern.
Applications go directly to the school. Nursery applicants are not required to attend a taster session, although the school says a play session can be arranged. The nursery is at 5 Princes Avenue, Muswell Hill, and nursery-specific enquiries can be directed through the school's admissions or nursery contact routes.
The school admits children from age two, with Little Cadets for two-year-olds and Mates and Mariners for three-year-olds.
Published options include term-time morning and afternoon sessions plus longer days across a 48-week year. Exact finish times and minimum attendance depend on the child's age group.
The EYFS curriculum covers communication, physical and personal development alongside literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts. Forest School, drama and music add named outdoor and creative strands.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families should ask the admissions team whether current nursery children need a new application.
Families apply directly to the school. A tour can be booked, and nursery applicants do not have to complete a taster session.
