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Nursery at Jessop 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Seeds, soil and the story of how wheat becomes bread give Jessop’s nursery learning a concrete starting point. Children plant, watch for changes and explain their ideas. This is a school nursery where practical exploration and conversation work together.
The provision sits within Jessop Primary School on Lowden Road, Herne Hill. Its early years rooms occupy the ground floor, with an opening straight onto the Early years playground. Full-time, part-time and flexi-time nursery places give families different attendance patterns. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with care and development. At Jessop, this includes building relationships, learning to express feelings, developing movement and practising language, alongside early mathematics, literacy, creativity and discovery. Counting through songs and stories, sorting objects and looking for patterns make early mathematical ideas tangible. Role play, art and music give children ways to express themselves.
Planting provides a detailed example of nursery activity. Children consider the water, light and soil a seed needs, predict what might happen and follow its growth. Learning about wheat and flour then connects those observations to familiar foods. The point is to investigate and explain, rather than simply remember a fact.
Outdoors, larger equipment supports movement and coordination; cutting, threading and making marks develop smaller hand movements. Direct playground access connects the classroom with outdoor activity.
In January 2024, early years learning placed substantial emphasis on conversation and vocabulary. Adults used discussion to develop children’s understanding, while basic Spanish words introduced another language. Early reading starts in Nursery. Together, these activities give children repeated opportunities to listen, speak and encounter books.
Settling begins before the first regular session. The federation’s admissions policy provides for children to visit with their parent or carer in the preceding term, meeting teaching and support staff. Enrolment information helps staff prepare for the child. Familiar adults and surroundings can make the start less abrupt.
Support needs were identified promptly in early years in January 2024, with focused strategies and resources used to help children participate. For parents with concerns, the class teacher is the first contact, followed by the inclusion team. Children displaying speech, language and communication difficulties are referred to the speech and language therapy service. Those meeting its criteria receive an assessment, language targets and weekly practice with a trained member of staff.
The federation’s SEND arrangements also include appointments with teachers, two parent evenings each year and an annual written update. Medical care plans are shared with the adults supporting the child. Children needing extra help at lunchtime receive mealtime support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lambeth’s normal school admissions process by the applicable deadline. Under the federation’s published arrangements, nursery attendance does not confer priority: allocation instead follows criteria covering looked-after children, siblings, exceptional needs and distance.
Preparation for the next class is a separate matter. The federation’s transition arrangements include time with the next teacher and support staff, explanations of changes and personalised preparation for different routines. Where possible, Reception teachers also visit children in their existing nursery. Familiarity supports the change of class; it does not decide admission.
Jessop offers 15 funded nursery hours each week, with part-time and flexi-time options. Families can book a paid top-up in advance to extend attendance to full time. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access the school’s 30-hour offer, subject to parental employment and income criteria and an online eligibility application. Additional free full-time places depend on the school’s specified care, professional referral or family-circumstance criteria.
Breakfast and After School Clubs extend nursery care from 8am to 5.45pm. For working families, that makes the wraparound option a practical part of the attendance choice. Contact the school office for current charges and place availability.
Personal tours can be arranged through the office. Nursery applications use the school’s application form, alongside a Pupil Information Form. Contact admin@jessop.lambeth.sch.uk or telephone 020 7274 2333 to enquire.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Lambeth, and nursery attendance does not confer priority under the federation’s published arrangements.
Full-time, part-time and flexi-time places are offered, with a paid top-up option to extend attendance to full time.
Yes. Breakfast and After School Clubs extend care from 8am to 5.45pm. Contact the office for current charges and availability.
Early years rooms are on the ground floor and open directly onto the Early years playground. Outdoor learning includes larger equipment for movement and exploration.
Speak to the class teacher first. Further concerns can be discussed with the inclusion team, with specialist referrals arranged according to the child’s needs and the relevant service criteria.
