Ashmount Primary School Nursery Review

A teacher-led nursery within Crouch Hill Park gives Ashmount its distinctive starting point: early learning on a school site beside the Parkland Walk. Children aged three and four join the school's nursery class, with a nursery teacher and an Early Years Education Worker listed on the team. This is provision within Ashmount Primary School, rather than a separate nursery setting.

At the Ofsted inspection on 17 and 18 May 2023, early years provision received a Good judgement. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

Learning belongs to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, that includes creative activities linked to physical development and expressive arts, alongside opportunities to explore technology. Children can try simple computer programmes and interact with software suited to their age. These are practical ways to develop skills through doing.

Music brings a regular specialist element to the week. Nursery children receive a weekly lesson from specialist teachers, while early years art activities develop the skills children will later use in school subjects. The arts curriculum uses KAPOW Primary, with EYFS activities planned around its early learning areas.

Crouch Hill Park and the neighbouring Parkland Walk give the school a concrete outdoor resource. The school incorporates the Parkland Walk into curriculum planning and seeks parental permission for children to use it. This connects the school site with learning beyond the classroom.

In May 2023, early years activities and children's choices were planned carefully. There was also a curriculum caveat: sequencing in some foundation subjects needed clearer development from early years onwards. Checks on existing understanding in a few foundation subjects also needed improvement across the school. Families should weigh the early years judgement alongside those curriculum concerns.

Lunch is included with the nursery's 15-hour place. The admission paperwork asks families about dietary requirements, allergies, medical conditions and medication, giving staff information needed to plan a child's care. For additional medical needs, the school's healthcare planning process involves families and relevant health professionals.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Teachers and the SEND coordinator work with parents to agree support and revisit its impact. The EYFS provision map includes Box Clever, WelComm and Attention Builders, alongside options such as movement breaks and sensory resources. These are support options matched to need, rather than activities promised to every child.

For children receiving SEN support, communication can include home-school books or daily conversations, with review meetings held at least three times a year. Children with identified needs may also have a home visit and a transition plan before joining nursery. Managed visits, pictures or a transition book can make the change more understandable.

Attending Ashmount's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application online through Islington Local Authority and meet the deadline for their child's application cycle.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND changing classes, arrangements can include meetings with the next teacher, visits and visual materials. Transition books can go home during the holidays, giving families a way to prepare together. These practices help with the change of class; they do not secure admission.

The 15-hour offer is organised across Monday to Friday, with morning sessions from 9am to noon or afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.15pm. A two-and-a-half-day pattern is not offered. Children who meet the eligibility criteria can take a funded 30-hour place, attending Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.15pm.

Families can add paid sessions to a funded 15-hour place, with charges assessed according to means. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go to the school office using the application form; enquiries can be sent to info@ashmount.islington.sch.uk.

Collection takes place from the nursery classroom. Notify the office if another person will collect your child. School tours run on Thursdays at 9.30am and are booked by emailing the office, providing an opportunity to look around and meet a senior leader.