Stillness Infant School Nursery Review

A daily mini mile gives Stillness Infant School’s nursery a distinctive rhythm: warm up, circle the playground track twice, then cool down. Movement has a regular place here. The nursery also has its own outdoor learning space, giving practical activity a physical base within the infant school.

The school describes 30 children attending nursery through a mixture of part-time and full-time attendance. That is an attendance figure, rather than a statement of capacity. The wider site is shared with Stillness Junior School, while the nursery’s outdoor provision is separate from the general playground.

Practical exploration is the clearest feature of the learning described. At the Ofsted inspection on 13 and 14 July 2022, early years provision received a Good judgement, with purposeful activities and exploratory mathematics among its strengths. Children investigated number patterns; hanging clothes on a line was another example of mathematical thinking through an everyday task. These are concrete ways of working with ideas rather than simply hearing explanations.

The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, is represented here by those hands-on experiences. In July 2022, children responded positively to mathematical investigations that allowed different approaches, and some worked systematically. Adults explained information clearly, but did not consistently demonstrate the words and language children were expected to acquire. Language development. This was a specific early-years weakness in July 2022, relevant to families weighing how adults extend children’s talk during activities.

Outdoor activity has a defined routine. The mini mile combines preparation, two circuits of the running track and exercises afterwards. Weather affects participation: ice or snow stops the activity, while very hot conditions prompt a slower pace or walking. Drinking water comes from fountains and children’s bottles.

Values-based Education provides a school-wide framework for everyday interactions. There are 22 selected values, with one taught each month through displays, assemblies and adults’ behaviour. Friendship, patience and kindness are among the named themes. For nursery families, this gives a concrete vocabulary for talking about relationships and choices.

A monthly newsletter explains the value being taught, so parents can use the same theme at home. This is a specific connection between school communication and family conversations, rather than an extra activity children need to attend.

Attending Stillness nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing a nursery place and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Both full-time and part-time nursery attendance are described. Enquiries go through the main school office, which can be contacted on 020 8690 1208 or at admin@stillness-inf.lewisham.sch.uk.

Suitable footwear, including trainers, is encouraged for children’s physical activity. The playground running track and daily exercise routine make footwear a practical consideration for the nursery day.