The Livity School Nursery Review

Play follows the child at The Livity School: early learning starts with individual interests, with communication and movement built into the activities. This is nursery provision within a primary special school in Streatham whose age range begins at 2 and extends to 11. Children's needs include complex medical conditions and learning difficulties that are severe or profound and multiple. Many pupils also have autism.

Individual development shapes the early-years experience. Children follow an adapted Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning organised around what they need next. For families, the defining feature is that a child's interests and developmental stage determine the work, rather than a fixed subject sequence for everyone.

The EYFS here means learning through play, with an individual purpose behind each activity. Children have room to pursue ideas of their own, while adults support the next stage of their discoveries. Planning begins with things that interest each child. That gives adults a starting point for encouraging engagement rather than expecting every child to respond to the same activity.

The day is divided into learning periods that children can manage. Predictable routines are intended to help them feel secure and gradually sustain attention for longer. Each lesson combines work on communication, movement and social or emotional development, so forming relationships and learning to express a need belong alongside play.

Total Communication is the school's approach to helping children express themselves. Photos, Makaton signs and symbols are among the tools used across the school. Speech and language therapists train staff, connecting communication support with everyday teaching. Zones of Regulation is also used to help children develop ways to manage their emotions.

The physical environment has a history of specialist provision. In spring 2016, the school had two soft play rooms and two sensory rooms, alongside a small hydrotherapy pool accessible by ceiling hoist. Ramps and lifts provided access for children with physical disabilities. Early-years outdoor provision has included a roof garden, where play equipment was funded following a fundraising ride in June 2013. These spaces illustrate the school's provision for sensory and physical needs, separately from the individual activities planned for each child.

Educational speech and language therapy and occupational therapy use a three-tier structure: specialist, targeted and universal support. Every pupil receives help either directly or indirectly. This makes therapy part of the support structure, while the level of input depends on individual need.

In spring 2016, early-years settling could include a key person's visit to the child's home or existing provision. Parents attended the first day and could stay longer, both to help their child settle and to allow staff to learn specific care requirements. A subsequent meeting with the class teacher reviewed learning and progress. These arrangements brought family knowledge into the start of school life.

Food can be adapted too. Lunch is prepared at school, with pureed and soft alternatives offered daily for children who need them; children requiring packed lunches may bring them. The texture options matter for families managing feeding needs. Beyond the classroom, the Family Group welcomes carers and relatives, while a separate Wellbeing Group meets each half term.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Discuss the next placement and any application requirements with the relevant SEN department. All admissions to The Livity School go through Lambeth SEN, and every child admitted must have an Education, Health and Care Plan. Families living in another London borough must ask their own SEN department to consult Lambeth SEN and the school.

Class transition and admission are different matters. In spring 2016, moves between classes included passing information to the next teacher beforehand and inviting parents to meet that teacher before the move or as the new term began. That supports continuity of care; it does not establish an entitlement to a place.

For enquiries, contact admin@thelivity.lambeth.sch.uk or telephone 0208 769 1009. Prospective pupils and their parents or carers are invited to a visit during the school day as part of the placement process, giving families an opportunity to discuss whether the provision matches their child's needs.

Uniform orders go through the office, with ParentPay available for payment and items sent home in the child's school bag. A second-hand uniform swap also operates through the Inclusion Coordinator. Families bringing children themselves are responsible for punctuality, which protects the start-of-day routines that the school considers important.