Immanuel and St Andrew Nursery Review

Language, friendships and familiar routines give this nursery its character. At Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School in Streatham, children aged 3–4 can attend part time or full time, with capacity for 60 children. It is the school's own nursery, so the experience sits within a primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Talking and learning to interact with other children are central to the early years experience. In July 2025, staff gave attention to communication, early language and social development, helping children develop skills they could carry into later learning. For a parent choosing a first group setting, that emphasis matters alongside the length of the day.

Indoor learning is complemented by outdoor play areas. The early years environment supported children's interest and exploration in July 2025, while familiar routines helped them settle promptly. The balance is practical: children have spaces to explore and a predictable framework for their time there.

The standard full-time nursery day runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm. An extension takes it to 3:15pm. Part-time attendance follows a split-week pattern, with two longer days and a Wednesday morning or afternoon, rather than five short daily sessions. That makes the weekly rhythm an important part of choosing a place.

If a child finds nursery difficult, staff meet with their parents to discuss an appropriate individual care plan. This can include temporarily shortening attendance. The arrangement gives families a way to adjust hours around how their child is coping.

Nursery monitoring involves the EYFS teacher, SENDCo and headteacher when concerns arise. Staff work with parents and relevant agencies to identify needs and arrange targeted help. Start discussions about special educational needs and disabilities with the class teacher; the SEND team is the next contact if concerns continue. Referrals to outside professionals require parental consent.

School lunches are a charged extra. For children using wraparound care, the 2021–2022 Breakfast Club and Afters booklet describes hot or cold breakfast choices and a warm snack later in the day. Its Early Years Afters model uses the Early Years building and playground, with food served in the Nursery space and activities planned for younger children. Check current charges with the school before booking.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. The 2026–2027 admission arrangements explicitly separate the two processes: families must submit a fresh application through their home local authority's Common Application Form, naming the school.

For that admissions cycle, the deadline was 15 January 2026. Applicants seeking a faith-based Foundation Place also needed the school's Supplementary Information Form. Those dates belong to a past application cycle.

Preparation for the move is separate from allocation of places. The nursery transition policy includes visits to the next classroom during the year and communication between nursery staff, EYFS teachers and the SENDCo. Children with SEND may have additional visits or a phased move, allowing preparation to reflect their individual needs.

Funded places follow 15-hour and 30-hour models during the school's 38-week year. The shorter pattern combines Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday. The longer pattern runs Monday to Friday. Extensions beyond funded hours carry charges, as do lunches; paid full-time places are also offered for children without entitlement to 30-hour funding.

Children can start at three, but attendance before their funding eligibility begins is charged. Eligibility confirmation for a 30-hour place must reach the nursery before the child starts. Applications go through the school's online nursery form, and changing or cancelling sessions requires four weeks' written notice, with fees remaining payable throughout that period.

Contact the school office at admin@isaprimary.school for nursery enquiries. The site entrance is on Northanger Road. Families using wraparound care should confirm arrangements against the older booklet, which specifies Nile Gate for Breakfast Club drop-off and Effra Gate for nursery Afters collection.