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Nursery at Churchfields Infants' 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 enchanted woodland garden and a first attempt at riding a balance bike give Churchfields’ nursery a character of its own. This is the nursery attached to Churchfields Infants' School in South Woodford, with outdoor exploration and play forming part of children’s learning.
The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 July 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery’s woodland garden, supported by PTA fundraising, gives its youngest children a dedicated outdoor feature within the wider school grounds.
Children’s interests help shape activities. In July 2024, early years staff had detailed knowledge of the children and planned experiences that extended their understanding as well as their existing interests. For parents, that means learning can begin with something a child already wants to investigate.
The wildlife garden provides a concrete example. Early years children explored plants and small creatures together, using conversation to investigate what happens in nature. A stick insect losing its skin became a link back to learning about snakes during an Epping Forest visit. These experiences connect observation, language and memory rather than treating outdoor play as a separate break from learning.
Physical exploration has a place too. The Churchfields Pledge includes attempting to ride a balance bike in Nursery, giving children a specific movement challenge. Across the school, the pledge also includes dance, poetry and performance experiences, with activities recorded as children complete them during the school day.
Art follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with Kapow informing the school’s adapted teaching plans. Here, the early years framework appears in creative learning as well as outdoor investigation. The school also uses a Values Based Curriculum: children explore ideas such as kindness and thoughtfulness through play and classroom discussion. Its aim is to help children consider their choices and other people.
Stay and Play sessions have brought parents, grandparents and carers into the nursery to play alongside children. This gives families a shared experience of nursery life, rather than relying only on conversations about what a child has done.
School support includes an Inclusion Manager whose role incorporates SEN coordination. Children identified with special needs have their progress followed through Individual Plans, and parents take part in regular reviews. Educational Psychology and Outreach teachers are among the external services supporting this work. These arrangements provide a route for discussing a child’s needs and reviewing the help they receive.
For day-to-day communication, the school uses Marvellous Me to share children’s achievements with families. It also operates an open-door approach to parents’ concerns, encouraging discussion before worries become more urgent.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make a separate application through Redbridge’s online eAdmissions route. The annual application window runs from 1 September to 15 January before the child starts school. Treat that application as a separate task, even when your child already attends nursery.
The funded pattern is 15 hours each week, organised as five three-hour sessions across 38 weeks. Some families qualify for 30 funded hours. Children attending for 30 hours take both sessions, separated by lunch; lunchtime supervision carries an additional charge. Families choosing 30 hours without qualifying for that funding pay for the extra 15 hours as well as lunch supervision. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school through admissions@churchfieldsinfants.redbridge.sch.uk. For the September 2027 intake, the application period is 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. Applications can be returned electronically or handed to the main school office.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Redbridge’s online eAdmissions route, within the annual window from 1 September to 15 January before school starts.
The 15-hour pattern comprises five three-hour sessions each week for 38 weeks. Some families are eligible for 30 funded hours, covering both sessions with a lunch break.
Lunchtime supervision is charged for children attending 30 hours. Families who choose 30 hours without qualifying for that funding also pay for the additional 15 hours. Contact the school for current charges.
The nursery has an enchanted woodland garden, and the Churchfields Pledge includes trying a balance bike. In July 2024, early years children also investigated plants and creatures in the school’s wildlife garden.
Apply directly to the school between 1 September 2026 and 31 January 2027. Return the application to the main office or email admissions@churchfieldsinfants.redbridge.sch.uk.
