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Nursery at Hill Mead 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily maths, story-led play and plenty of outdoor time give Hill Mead’s nursery its character. Children can join from age three, with a Nursery class within the primary school on Moorland Road in Brixton. Full-time places are free for every child, including those who do not qualify for funding. That makes the provision worth considering for families seeking a school-based nursery day.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024. This judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children were developing confidence and learning to cooperate, with productive exchanges between Nursery children and adults.
Play and planned teaching sit alongside each other. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Development Matters framework, organising the knowledge and skills children develop and revisit as they learn. In June 2024, early years teaching followed a clear sequence, helping children develop their learning across the curriculum. Nursery staff also helped children maintain their attention.
Maths begins with daily teaching in nursery. Children handle practical materials to explore counting, how numbers fit together and simple calculations. Mathematical vocabulary is taught too, giving children words to explain their ideas rather than simply finding an answer. Extra teaching outside these lessons supports children who need further practice.
Themed spaces for pretend play and resources children can choose independently make room for their own ideas. Outdoors occupies a large part of the day, with Natural Thinkers principles woven into the early years approach. This gives outdoor learning a regular place alongside indoor exploration.
Talk Through Stories combines discussion, acting and creative work as children explore stories and put events in order. New vocabulary is introduced each week. Read Write Inc. phonics runs daily from Nursery, with assessments each half term used to regroup children according to their reading development. Together, these activities connect speaking, storytelling and early reading.
An Early Years Lead and a Learning Support Assistant form the Nursery team. Speech and language support has a specific structure: early years staff use Wellcomm Assessment to identify needs, guide additional support and make referrals. The team has received an Enhanced Award from Evelina London for its early years speech and language provision. These arrangements give communication needs a clear place in day-to-day planning.
In June 2024, activities in early years were planned to include children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), helping them progress through their learning. Families also take part in termly reading cafes, where staff share ideas for enjoying books at home. Festivals, performances and trips create further opportunities for family involvement.
Lunch is prepared in the school’s own kitchen and is free for Nursery children. Families choosing packed lunches must exclude nuts because some children have serious allergies. All school staff have completed level 2 safeguarding training, making safeguarding a responsibility shared across the team.
Separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Lambeth, which allocates Reception places centrally. For a September start, applications must be completed by the January before. Keep that application separate from arrangements for nursery attendance.
Hill Mead aims to prepare children socially, physically, emotionally and academically for starting school. Its early years work on independence, managing emotions and confidence supports that preparation. These are developmental aims, rather than an admissions advantage.
Full-time nursery attendance is available from age three. Email parents@hillmead.org to enquire, apply or arrange a visit. The school is on Moorland Road, Brixton, SW9 8UE.
Uniform includes a white polo shirt, school jumper and grey trousers or skirt, worn with plain smart black shoes and grey socks or tights. Nursery children do not need a PE kit. Uniform purchases go through the Arbor App account, keeping this part of preparation in one place.
Children can attend from age three.
Yes. Full-time places are free for every child, including children who do not qualify for funding.
No. A separate application through Lambeth is required. Applications for September must be completed by the January before.
Nursery children receive free meals prepared in the school kitchen. Packed lunches must not contain nuts because some children have serious allergies.
Email parents@hillmead.org to arrange a visit, ask about the nursery or apply for a place.
