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Nursery at Hollymount 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An outdoor gingerbread mystery gives a useful picture of Hollymount’s early years: children solving a problem together while adults build their language through conversation. Talk has a clear purpose here. Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 28 and 29 February 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Hollymount’s nursery sits in the Foundation Stage Unit, which also contains Reception classrooms and an outdoor area. There are 26 full-time-equivalent places, divided between full-day and part-time attendance. Children join from age three. Those turning three during the academic year may be offered a part-time place in the following term if space is available.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes concrete form in language, stories and early mathematics. In February 2024, children explored the properties of shapes, giving mathematical ideas something tangible to attach to. Communication teaching was a particular strength: adults extended children’s language through their interactions rather than leaving an activity to carry the learning by itself.
The outdoor gingerbread activity brought those strands together. Children investigated who had eaten the gingerbread man, collaborating to solve the mystery while staff developed their understanding of traditional stories. This was an early-years example from February 2024, and shows how outdoor activity can become a reason to discuss, explain and think together.
Half-day attendance follows a morning or afternoon pattern across five sessions each week. Full-day attendance is also offered. For families, that creates a practical choice between a shorter daily session and spending both parts of the day at nursery.
Settling begins with an All about Me meeting between the family and nursery teacher, followed by a staggered intake. This gives parents a defined opportunity to introduce their child before attendance begins. For the September 2026 intake, home visits began on 4 September and the staggered start for new children began on 14 September.
Fruit and drinking water are offered, with children choosing when to have them; a snack brought from home can also be eaten during the morning routine. Milk is arranged through Cool Milk. Food containing either sesame or nuts must stay out of school, so that restriction matters when packing snacks.
Medical needs and allergies should be entered on Arbor. The school then contacts families to prepare a care plan for the first day. Its SEND policy provides for teaching adapted to children’s needs, early identification and keeping parents informed about progress. These school-wide arrangements also cover children in the nursery.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Hollymount. Families must make a separate Reception application through Merton Council’s central admissions process and follow its application timetable. Treat that as another decision and application, even if your child already attends nursery.
Being based in the Foundation Stage Unit gives nursery a physical connection with the next stage. That location should be kept separate from the admissions question: familiarity with the setting does not secure a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with flexible collection from 3.15pm. The part-time pattern totals 15 hours over five half days. Full-time places run from 8.30am to 3.30pm across five days a week. Eligible working parents can use a 30-hour code; parents who are not eligible can pay a top-up to extend part-time attendance. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go through Merton’s admissions page. Once places have been offered, the school discusses families’ requirements and allocates the attendance pattern. Admissions enquiries can be emailed to schooladmissions@hollymount.merton.sch.uk.
Prospective-parent tours start at 9am in the school hall and last approximately an hour; book through the office on 020 8946 0454. Cambridge Road has school street restrictions from 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 4pm. For collection by another adult, send authorisation through the office and name the person collecting.
Children can join from three. For children turning three during the academic year, a part-time place may be offered in the following term if space permits.
There are morning and afternoon half-day patterns, each comprising five sessions a week, plus full-time places from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Families attend an All about Me meeting with the nursery teacher before their child starts, and entry is staggered.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Merton Council’s central admissions process.
Record medical needs and allergies on Arbor so the school can arrange a care plan. Food containing nuts or sesame must not be brought into school.
