The Willow Primary School Nursery: story-rich early years on an inclusive campus

Broadwaters Children's Centre gives The Willow's youngest children a distinct early-years base within the wider Adams Road campus. Nursery and Reception together form the school's Early Years Foundation Stage, but the nursery has its own Forest and Garden classes. The school record starts at age three; families should ask the centre which class, attendance pattern and start date fit their child.

This is a provision with a clear identity. The website puts stories, imaginative play, talk and exploration at the centre of learning, while the shared campus places the children's centre alongside the primary school and specialist provision.

The curriculum follows the seven EYFS areas, turning the statutory framework into practical experiences rather than miniature school lessons. Communication comes through conversations, rhymes, poems, role play and daily encounters with books. Early literacy develops through Read Write Inc., while mathematics includes counting, patterns, shape, space and measures. Children also use paint, blocks, chalk and collage materials, and the programme names trips to parks, libraries and museums.

A new outdoor learning environment extends that work beyond the classroom. The school's curriculum page describes adults following children's interests, adding vocabulary and creating back-and-forth conversations. That matters because play becomes a route into language, confidence and knowledge rather than simply free time.

Ofsted's March 2023 inspection specifically included children in the early years. Inspectors reported that early-years children were introduced to many subjects and substantial content within each one. Reading begins from a child's first day, supported by regular stories, prose and poetry.

Meals are part of the learning routine. Lunch and tea are freshly prepared on site, a vegetarian alternative is available, and the centre says it can cater for specific dietary needs. Children eat family-style with a familiar adult and are encouraged to serve themselves. This combines food with independence, conversation and learning about healthy choices.

Families should ask how their child's first sessions are paced, who will be their consistent contact and how the nursery supports additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at The Willow. Families must apply again through Haringey's normal Reception admissions process and meet its published deadline. The archived material does not establish any admissions priority for nursery children, so parents should not treat familiarity with the campus as an allocation advantage.

Educational continuity is a different matter. Nursery and Reception share the EYFS curriculum, giving children a recognisable progression in learning. That can support transition, but it does not alter the separate admissions decision.

Applications to Broadwaters Children's Centre are accepted throughout the year and placed on a waiting list. The school provides an electronic registration form and asks families to return it to the children's centre. Monthly nursery tours are also advertised, giving parents a chance to ask about current availability, funded entitlements and the precise Forest or Garden class pattern.

Forest-class after-school care is published from 3.30pm to 6.00pm, with art, gardening, cooking, storytelling and a tea. Children using funded Forest places need to book this separately with the administration team. The Garden Room also has three published early-closure days for staff development in the 2026-27 year, when collection is required by 5.00pm. Confirm current sessions, closures, meals, uniform expectations and any charges directly before accepting a place.