Bessemer Grange Primary School Nursery

Singing, storytelling and choices in play give Bessemer’s youngest children a starting point for learning. Little Stars caters for children aged two to three. Children are considered for the older nursery from age three plus one term, subject to available spaces. Both belong to Bessemer Grange Primary School on Dylways in London.

The school’s early years approach centres on exploration and children’s interests. Children are encouraged to choose activities and develop independence, giving them an active part in their learning rather than simply following instructions.

Little Stars combines play chosen by children with activities in a group. Songs, stories and opportunities to talk and listen give language development a place in the day. Indoor movement sessions also take place during the week, allowing children to practise physical skills. Children use spaces both outside and indoors.

For the two-year-olds, the curriculum puts its greatest emphasis on communication, movement and personal development. In parent terms, that means learning to express themselves, control their bodies, build relationships and handle feelings. These are treated as foundations for other learning.

Across Bessemer’s early years provision, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. Alongside those foundations come early reading and writing, mathematical ideas, exploration of the world and creative expression. Activities include working with numbers and shapes, role-play, dance and music. Play has a purpose.

Art brings concrete materials into that mix. Early years children try collage, printing and mixing colours, and make three-dimensional work with salt dough and clay. Drawing from observation and experimenting with shadows and light give children different ways to explore and express an idea.

Adults track development through observation and assessment, using the EYFS framework alongside Birth to 5 Matters. This connects children’s everyday activity with an understanding of how their learning is developing.

Support includes the school’s Inclusion Team, which works with teachers and senior leaders to identify emerging needs. Information can come from parents’ concerns, screening and other services, alongside assessment. Staff receive training to adapt teaching and provide individual or small-group interventions. For families, this creates a route for sharing concerns about their child’s development.

Food arrangements include school-wide rules for packed lunches. A main food item should be accompanied by fruit or vegetables and a further snack. Water is the only drink permitted in everyday packed lunches; nuts and nut products, grapes, sweets, crisps, cakes, sweet biscuits and chocolate bars are excluded. Families sending food need to follow these restrictions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Southwark Council’s website, including when their child already attends Bessemer’s nursery. Children do not move into Reception automatically. Treat the next application as a separate decision and process.

Little Stars has both government-funded and non-funded places. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office at bessemer@gemfed.co.uk or on 0207 274 2520.

School tours begin at 9:15am and take approximately 45 minutes. Booking is through a form, with limited spaces; parents provide their child’s year group so the tour can focus on the relevant areas. This offers a practical way to see the classrooms and meet staff.