The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Elm Wood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and practical discovery shape the nursery at Elm Wood School in West Norwood. This is provision for three-year-olds within the primary school, with Jay Class listed as its nursery class. A class teacher and classroom support staff make up the nursery team. For families, that gives the provision a named class identity within the wider school.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Learning starts with things children can handle, explore and talk about. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development and social skills with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, play and first-hand experience are the main vehicles, alongside books and conversation. The practical implication is that learning involves doing and discussing, rather than simply listening to an adult.
Know me to teach me sets the opening autumn focus: building relationships, sharing preferences and becoming familiar with the equipment in the outdoor and indoor learning spaces. Movement and smaller hand movements support the beginnings of mark making. Celebrations then draws on children's families and festivals, giving them opportunities to explain their own experiences and hear about other people's.
Spring's People who help us explores jobs and helping others, with cooperation and resolving disagreements woven into the topic. Once upon a time uses traditional stories for discussion, acting and putting events in order. In summer, Our wonderful world! turns attention towards nearby nature and caring for the environment, with outdoor exploration supporting observation and questions.
Music adds another form of learning through action. Early years children have a weekly lesson, and a music specialist teaches EYFS using Kodaly and Dalcroze approaches: singing, rhythm, hand signs and movement give children different ways to participate.
In January 2025, children in early years developed knowledge across the learning areas and learnt established routines. Curriculum consistency. The school-wide improvement action concerned some subjects where essential knowledge needed clearer definition and more consistent checking. This was not identified as a nursery-specific weakness, but it gives families a useful question about how learning is planned and revisited.
Settling has a place in the curriculum itself. The first autumn topic gives children time to develop relationships with adults and classmates, rather than treating emotional adjustment as separate from learning. At the January 2025 inspection, the youngest children were found to settle readily and develop listening, sharing and turn-taking skills.
Family communication includes Reach More Parents, an app accessed with an individual enrolment code. For additional needs, the school-wide SEND approach includes early identification, planned support, reviews and feedback involving parents. The inclusion team has a SENCo, and families can contact the team through the school.
Meals are supplied in partnership with Pabulum Catering, whose provision includes dietary needs. The menu follows a three-week cycle and changes twice yearly. Packed lunches are also an option: food containing nuts, sweets, fizzy drinks and glass bottles are excluded, and lunchboxes need the child's name and class. These are practical rules to build into the morning routine.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the e-admissions portal. Treat that application as a distinct step, rather than assuming a nursery place carries forward. The school can help families complete the application.
Full-time and part-time nursery places are offered, with applications made using the nursery application form. General enquiries can go to office@elmwoodprimary.co.uk or 020 8670 1621. The school is on Carnac Street, SE27 9RR.
The EYFS uniform combines a green logo polo shirt and blue logo sweatshirt with grey trousers or skirts and black shoes. Pre-loved uniform opportunities run during the year. Meal payments use ParentPay; contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound eligibility. Young People Matter (YPM) provides breakfast and after-school clubs, accepting nursery children only when they are a few months short of their fourth birthday. That age condition matters when planning care around work.
The nursery provision is for three-year-old children.
Children explore resources, share books and talk about their experiences. Topics include Know me to teach me, People who help us and Once upon a time, connecting relationships, practical discovery and storytelling.
Yes. Lunchboxes should carry the child's name and class. Nuts, sweets, fizzy drinks and glass bottles must be left out.
No. Families must apply separately through the local authority where they live, using the e-admissions portal.
YPM accepts nursery children once they are a few months away from turning four. This condition applies to nursery access to the clubs.
