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Nursery at Grafton 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two age groups, two named settings: Grafton’s early years provision pairs The Owl and the Pussycat 2+ Centre for two-year-olds with Rainbow Class for children aged three and four. The younger children attend part time; Rainbow has both shorter sessions and a full-day option. That gives families different patterns as their children grow.
On Eburne Road in Holloway, the nursery occupies the main school’s ground floor, while the 2+ Centre has a separate single-storey building. Ofsted rated early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 November 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
Songs, rhymes and books shared with adults give the nursery’s early reading work a concrete shape. In November 2023, these were the nursery activities highlighted in the reading findings. Children also learn established routines from the beginning of early years, giving their sessions a predictable framework.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covers seven connected areas. In parent terms, learning includes communication, relationships and emotions, movement, number work, reading and writing, understanding the world, and creative expression. The focus therefore extends beyond early literacy to how children communicate, manage themselves and explore ideas.
For two-year-olds, play, social experiences and relationships with other children shape learning at The Owl and the Pussycat. These are the centre’s stated ways of developing independence and confidence. The school grounds include a wildlife garden, a formal garden and a large pond. These are features of the wider school site, rather than a description of a dedicated nursery playground.
Partnership with parents is part of the 2+ Centre’s approach. For children with identified special educational needs or disabilities, the school’s September 2023 SEND policy sets out work with families and relevant partners before starting. This gives staff information about a child’s needs before attendance begins.
Support planning involves the class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator. A Support Plan combines a one-page profile with actions and goals, so families have something specific to discuss and review. The policy also allows staff to help administer medication when health professionals recommend it.
Food rules apply across the school: packed lunches should favour wholemeal bread and fruit, while nuts, sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks are excluded. Families preparing lunch need to follow those restrictions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by its normal deadline. Grafton’s school admissions follow Islington Council’s determined arrangements for community schools; choosing nursery should therefore remain a separate decision from securing a school place.
For children with SEND, transition preparation includes transferring records, working with parents and contact with the receiving staff. The school’s policy provides personalised transition programmes for children with an EHCP and other especially vulnerable children. This is support for the change of class, rather than an admissions advantage.
Rainbow’s weekday sessions run from 9am to noon or 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Families can also agree a bespoke 15-hour pattern with the school. The full-time offer runs from 9am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. All these offers operate in term time.
At the 2+ Centre, mornings run from 9am to noon. The afternoon pattern is 12.30pm to 3.30pm, but may not be available. That qualification matters when planning care.
All three- and four-year-olds can take the 15-hour funded offer from the term after their third birthday. Eligible working families can access the 30-hour offer; eligibility codes require renewal every three months, and losing eligibility reduces the place to 15 hours. Additional hours from 15 to 30 can be charged. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school throughout the year. Request an application form through the office on 020 7272 3284 or email graftonschool@grafton.islington.sch.uk.
The Owl and the Pussycat 2+ Centre caters for two-year-olds, while Rainbow Class is for children aged three and four.
Rainbow’s full-time pattern is Monday to Friday, 9am to 3.15pm, during term time. The 2+ Centre offers part-time sessions.
Yes. Rainbow offers a bespoke 15-hour timetable by agreement with the school, alongside its weekday morning and afternoon patterns.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. School places follow Islington Council’s determined community-school arrangements.
Contact the school office for an application form. Nursery applications are handled directly by the school and accepted throughout the year.
