Bonneville Primary School Nursery Review

Screws, wheels and bolts give Bonneville’s nursery learning a practical edge: children build, share materials and practise taking turns. This is the school’s own nursery on Bonneville Gardens in Clapham, with an additional teacher working across the early years phase. It sits within a primary school, giving its youngest children a place in the wider school community.

Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 22 and 23 May 2024. That judgement covers the early years phase rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning connects stories, conversation and making things. In a nursery topic called On your Marks…, Real SuperHeroes prompted discussion about people who help others and possible future jobs. Children considered work as postal workers, cleaners, police officers and pilots, while extending their vocabulary with words for other occupations. Familiar roles give new language a concrete meaning.

Maths is similarly practical. Children have explored shapes in their surroundings, describing flat shapes through their corners and sides and solid shapes through their faces. Cylinders, cones and cubes feature in this work. Building with wheels, bolts and screws gives children another way to explore how objects fit together, alongside the social task of sharing equipment.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning includes both independent activity and working with other children. Listening develops through stories; some children also revisit sounds and words they have learned. The May 2024 early years findings described children managing themselves well and persisting with activities. Important ideas are revisited so that learning has time to stick.

The nursery has planned discussion of transitions and feelings. Children’s learning also includes waiting for a turn and sharing, so social development happens during practical activities as well as through discussion.

In May 2024, children in the nursery, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), were learning successfully alongside their peers. Bonneville’s approach to SEND includes adapting teaching, identifying and assessing needs, and making adjustments for disabled children. Families can discuss social or emotional concerns with the Assistant Head Teacher for Inclusion.

Support for parents extends beyond classroom conversations. The school’s Outreach HLTA can meet families confidentially and help them contact outside support. Letters, meetings, telephone calls and newsletters provide several routes for communication between home and school.

Attending Bonneville’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lambeth Council’s admissions service. Nursery enrolment and a Reception application are distinct steps, so choosing the nursery should be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

The nursery has planned discussion of transitions and feelings, giving children an opportunity to talk about change. This learning is separate from the Reception admissions process.

Part-time and flexi-time places are offered, with a paid top-up option to extend to full-time attendance. Children have a 15-hour weekly funded entitlement. A 30-hour flexible childcare offer for three- and four-year-olds depends on the employment income of parents or their partners. Free full-time places are also subject to separate eligibility criteria. Ask the school office for current top-up charges.

To apply, complete the Bonneville Nursery Application and return it to the office. For enquiries, telephone 020 8673 1183 or email admin@bonneville-primary.lambeth.sch.uk.

Term-time open mornings start at 9:30am and can be booked using the attendance form. Registration confirms the booking automatically; an email is sent if the morning is cancelled. These visits give families a chance to see lessons and ask questions about the school and nursery.