Harris Academy Chobham Nursery Review

Songs, stories and conversation during play give Chobham’s nursery its character: early reading preparation begins here, alongside clear routines and learning with other children. This is the nursery within Harris Academy Chobham, a state all-through school. For the September 2026 intake, children needed to be three before September.

Capacity is 52 full-time equivalent places, with 52 children accommodated in each session through a combination of full-time and part-time attendance. Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language has a practical place in the nursery day. Children take part in rhymes, hear stories and sing songs as preparation for learning to read. The emphasis starts with participation: joining in gives children a way to engage with language before formal reading begins.

During play, adults introduce vocabulary connected to what children are learning. Conversation is part of the teaching. In May 2025, early years children settled readily and could learn both independently and alongside their peers, giving the day a balance of individual activity and shared learning.

Clear routines are another defining feature. Adults expect a great deal of children and help them understand the routines they follow. For parents, this means an early years experience where play, spoken language and learning how to work together all matter.

Settling was a strength in May 2025: early years children adjusted quickly and enjoyed learning. That is a useful indication of how children responded to the environment and expectations at that point.

The team structure includes a Nursery Manager and an EYFS Phase Leader. Within the primary team, an Assistant Principal combines responsibility for inclusion, special educational needs coordination and safeguarding. These are distinct roles for nursery leadership and wider support, relevant to families considering how their child’s needs fit into school life.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through their local authority, even when their child already attends Chobham’s nursery.

Newham residents apply through eAdmissions; families living elsewhere apply through their home borough and name Chobham as a preference. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions, and apply by the deadline for the relevant intake.

Morning attendance runs from 8.15am to 11.30am, afternoons from noon to 3.15pm, and full-time attendance from 8.15am to 3.15pm. Full-time places require attendance on five days each week, so this is a fixed weekly commitment.

The funding patterns are 15 eligible hours across five days at three hours a day, or 30 eligible hours across five days at six hours a day. Parents who are not entitled to the additional 30 funded hours can choose a paid full-time place. Payment is due before each half term; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery uniform requires a polo shirt and sweatshirt, plus a book bag. Enquiries go to info@harrischobham.org.uk. To arrange a nursery visit, email primaryinfo@chobhamacademy.org.uk. Nursery applications go directly to the academy: completed forms must be handed to the Primary reception desk with original identity and address documents, rather than emailed.