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Nursery at Willington 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French, music and PE bring specialist teaching into Willington’s nursery day, with the school hall and playgrounds providing space beyond the classroom. This is an introduction to life in a larger school: children get to know its adults, routines and learning spaces while building friendships of their own.
The nursery welcomes children aged three, usually starting in September after their third birthday. Mid-year entry depends on availability and meeting the admissions criteria. At the February 2026 ISI inspection, the early-years provision included one Nursery class. It sits within Willington School in Wimbledon, on Worcester Road.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, creative activity and exploration. In February 2026, early-years teaching used conversation and questioning to stretch children’s vocabulary and encourage them to explain their ideas. Language then carried into storytelling and play, giving new words a practical purpose. Assessment informed extra help when children needed it, including support with phonics.
Physical play gives children practice in controlling their bodies and managing feelings. The February 2026 ISI inspection described daily activity inside and outside, with climbing and ride-on equipment helping coordination. Handling small tools develops finer control, while adult reassurance and familiar routines support children emotionally.
Nursery children have specialist French, PE and music teaching. Outdoor education takes place twice each term alongside the Pre-Prep, with trips also woven into the year. The Lego Room is used by children across the age groups: its mezzanine, walls lined with LEGO and adaptable work surfaces give construction a dedicated setting. Building, testing and changing a model offer practical ways to explore ideas.
Settling begins before the first term. For families who have contracted with the school, formal events in the Willington Transition Programme include Playtime in the Nursery, where parents and children meet the team, and a New Parents’ Evening covering everyday arrangements and preparation. Once term begins, the Settling-In Programme is tailored with each family. That makes the introduction responsive to the child rather than dependent on a single timetable.
Nursery teaching roles include a class teacher with an education degree. For pastoral questions, the Pre-Prep class teacher is the family’s first contact, providing a clear route for discussing concerns. Children learning English as an additional language receive early-years support through signing, picture cards and visual schedules, helping them understand activities and join in.
Lunch is hot and prepared at school, with a snack supplied each morning. Optional morning fees include both lunch and the snack. In February 2026, paediatric first-aid arrangements were operating consistently in early years. Adults also helped children practise sharing and sorting out small disagreements; discussion of Goldilocks introduced boundaries and the consequences of choices.
Behaviour records. The February 2026 inspection identified a school-wide need for more consistent recording and analysis of minor behavioural concerns. For families, this is a point to weigh alongside the specific early-years findings about routines and emotional regulation.
Willington’s nursery admissions arrangements guarantee progression to Reception except in exceptional circumstances. That qualification matters: families should read the guarantee alongside their Parent Contract when accepting a nursery place.
Everyday familiarity supports the move separately from that admissions promise. Nursery children already know school spaces, staff and routines, and learning is organised as a programme spanning Nursery and Reception. Continuity comes through those shared experiences, rather than an unfamiliar start in a different setting.
For 2026/27, optional mornings run from 08:30 to 12:30, require at least three mornings each week and must be combined with afternoons. Afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 15:30. The funded-only option provides 15 EYFE hours across five afternoon sessions, subject to availability. Additional hours, food and specified activities can be optional charged extras under that arrangement; ask the school for current charges.
Paid wraparound care extends from 07:30 to 18:00, with advance booking required for before-school care. Nursery enrichment on Tuesdays and Thursdays continues until 15:55 without an additional charge.
Enquiries go to admissions@willingtonschool.co.uk. Families can book a midweek visit or an Open Morning that includes the nursery. Compulsory uniform is ordered through Schoolblazer. There is no parking on site, so allow for the walk from nearby parking when planning journeys.
Most children start in September after turning three. A child who has already turned three may join mid-year if a place is available and the admissions criteria are met.
Yes. The 2026/27 arrangement offers 15 EYFE hours through five sessions from 12:30 to 15:30, subject to availability. Optional extras can carry charges.
Willington’s nursery admissions arrangements guarantee entry to Reception unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Families who have contracted with the school can meet the team through Playtime in the Nursery and attend a New Parents’ Evening. An individual Settling-In Programme is then arranged with parents at the beginning of term.
Paid wraparound provision runs from 07:30 to 18:00. Before-school care must be booked in advance.
