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Nursery at Tufnell Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Free movement between indoor activities and the outdoor Foundation Stage play area gives this nursery its character. Children can stay with an interest rather than interrupt their play for a scheduled outdoor slot. Both nursery classes have outdoor access for most of each daily session.
Chamaeleon is the two-year-old provision, with 16 places divided equally between morning and afternoon sessions. Cepheus has 26 places and serves the three- and four-year-old nursery provision. The classes work closely together within Tufnell Park Primary School, while retaining different patterns of attendance and learning.
Choice comes first in Chamaeleon: children select activities independently at the beginning of a session. Play they initiate themselves sits alongside work in small groups and activities guided by adults. Cepheus adds brief whole-group sessions. Tidying up receives time and attention in both classes, giving children a part in looking after their learning space.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) becomes practical here through activities that develop movement, conversation and relationships alongside early reading, number, creative expression and exploration of the world. Chamaeleon gives initial emphasis to physical development, communication and social and emotional learning. Cepheus plans across all seven areas, combining independent exploration with focused tasks supported by adults. Small groups give staff opportunities to respond to children's different learning needs.
Named topics show what that can look like. Cepheus's People Who Help Us work included making emergency vehicles from recycled materials and a visit from local police. Chamaeleon's Traditional Tales activities included dressing as book characters, a spring walk and an Easter egg hunt in Foxham Gardens. These are examples of past learning, rather than a timetable of future events.
At the October 2022 inspection, Ofsted identified an organised approach to understanding children's initial skills and purposeful early-years activities. Books supported learning about repeated language and rhyme, while equipment and practical activities helped children explore number. The same inspection identified a school-wide concern about the order and precision of learning in some subjects; that concern was not specifically attributed to the nursery.
Learning the nursery routine formed part of Chamaeleon's Ourselves topic. Children explored facial features and different skin tones, linking the new routine with learning about themselves and others. In everyday sessions, adults guide some tasks while leaving others open to independent exploration. That gives children opportunities both to seek help and to make choices.
Food also appears as learning: the wider EYFS activities include exploring healthy foods and cooking independently. This describes an activity, rather than the nursery's meal arrangements. Beyond the classroom, the PTA's annual book gift includes nursery children, giving families another opportunity to share reading at home.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Tufnell Park Primary School. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception process by its deadline. The nursery admissions page explicitly warns that a nursery offer does not secure entry to the main school and directs families to the Reception admissions route. Plan for that separate application when choosing nursery attendance.
Attendance is term time only. Two-year-olds have 15-hour places, attending either mornings or afternoons across Monday to Friday. For three- and four-year-olds, the 15-hour pattern covers either Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. The 30-hour option runs Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.25pm. These fixed patterns make the choice consequential for a family's weekly arrangements.
The nursery offers funded 15-hour provision for eligible two-year-olds and for all three- and four-year-olds; working families may qualify for 30 hours. Funding requires a Parent Declaration Form, with an eligibility code where applicable. Additional hours can be paid for under the Islington Early Years Childcare Charging Policy; contact the school for current charges.
For enquiries, use the school's contact form or telephone 020 7607 4852. Visits to the three- and four-year-old nursery can be arranged through the school office.
Chamaeleon is the two-year-old nursery, while the nursery admissions arrangements also cover three- and four-year-olds in Cepheus.
Chamaeleon has 16 places, eight in each morning and afternoon session. Cepheus has 26 places.
Yes. Both classes use the outdoor Foundation Stage play area, with outdoor access for most of each session every day.
Two-year-olds attend mornings or afternoons, Monday to Friday. Three- and four-year-olds can attend a first-half or second-half weekly pattern, or the 30-hour option from 9.00am to 3.25pm, Monday to Friday. All these patterns are term time only.
No. A nursery place does not ensure admission to the main school. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal process by its deadline.
