Tidemill Academy Nursery Review

Play, conversation and early reading shape Tidemill’s nursery: children investigate together, develop their own ideas and begin phonics within the school’s early years provision. This is the nursery at Tidemill Academy in Deptford, with places for children aged 3 and 4. Families can choose a 15-hour part-time place or a 30-hour full-time place.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 9 and 10 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery-specific findings give it substance: children settled promptly and became familiar with expectations through supportive teaching.

Indoor and outdoor learning are planned together, with equal importance given to each. Children take part in individual and group play, sometimes following an adult’s activity and sometimes pursuing their own interests. That gives them opportunities to explore independently as well as practise working with other children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Here, activities include construction, dance, music and art. Vocabulary and social development receive deliberate attention, so learning involves explaining ideas and cooperating as well as acquiring knowledge.

Development Matters helps staff plan learning alongside topic knowledge organisers. Topics change each half-term, starting with Ourselves and familiar family experiences before broadening towards the local area and the wider world. A chosen text connects the week’s activities, giving children repeated opportunities to encounter related ideas and vocabulary.

Early reading begins in Nursery. In November 2022, phonics was taught daily from this starting point. The school uses Little Wandle, Letters and Sounds revised for its phonics teaching. This gives early reading a named teaching sequence alongside the opportunities for exploration through play.

Settling involves both classroom staff and family support. In November 2022, teachers and teaching assistants helped nursery children understand expectations through encouraging reinforcement; early years children sustained their attention for extended periods. For families, this offers a concrete picture of how adults supported adjustment to group learning.

Once a child has a place, the Family Liaison Officer works with the family to support their move into the school. For additional needs, the school’s SENCo oversees provision and monitors interventions. School-level support includes Colourful Semantics, sensory circuits and speech and language therapy groups. Parents can discuss their child’s needs with the SENCo through the office.

Attending Tidemill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process: Lewisham Local Authority handles applications, submitted electronically through www.eadmissions.org.uk, usually by mid-January. Keep that application separate from arrangements for the nursery place.

Nursery applications go directly to the school. Enquiries can be made by telephone on 0208 692 3470. The part-time and full-time options give families different attendance patterns to consider.

Additional lunchtime charge. For children eligible for 30 hours, a daily charge covers an additional 45-minute lunchtime period. Families whose children are not eligible for extended hours can pay to top up. Ask the school for current charges before committing to the full-time option.

Travel and collection. There is no parking at the school. Secure cycle racks are in the school playground, making cycling an option to consider when planning the nursery journey.