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Nursery at John Donne Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Number practice, musical stories and experiments with materials give John Donne’s early years provision its character. This is the school’s own nursery for children aged 3 to 4, on Woods Road in Peckham. Families can use a 2.5-day pattern for 15 funded hours, with full-time provision for children eligible for 30 funded hours.
At the Ofsted inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023, early years provision was graded Good within the school inspection. That judgement covers the early years foundation stage, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) brings together learning about the world, creative expression and early mathematical understanding. Here, Maths Mastery supports early years mathematics. In November 2023, children practised number facts to prepare for more complex learning. Repetition has a practical purpose: securing the basics before adding difficulty.
Creative work involves exploring tools and materials, trying out textures and colours, then explaining how something was made. CUSP (Curriculum for Unity Schools Partnership) shapes the school’s art and design approach. Early years music includes dancing, singing and listening to stories with music, giving children several ways to respond and participate.
Technology is tangible too. Early years activities include using a Beebot, taking photographs with a tablet or camera, and investigating mechanical toys or an old typewriter. These make technology something children can handle and explore. Learning about the world includes changes in the weather, journeys and the people around them.
Across the school playground, the garden, Forest Kitchen and Construction Area provide spaces for outdoor activities. These are school facilities, alongside an early years emphasis on exploration and outdoor play.
Nursery staffing includes a teacher, a teaching assistant and nursery nurses. The wider inclusion team also includes an early years SEND role, providing a point of connection between nursery teaching and additional support.
In November 2023, routines from early years onwards helped children cooperate, wait for their turn and show kindness. Story times also encouraged an interest in books from the early years. These everyday habits matter alongside the curriculum: children are learning how to share both activities and attention.
For children learning English as an additional language, the school aims to use visual learning and adapt teaching to their needs. Staff also work with parents, external agencies and the pastoral team to support children facing emotional barriers to learning. Families therefore have support beyond the nursery team when difficulties affect participation.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no admission priority. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s coordinated admissions process, following its normal timetable and deadline. For Southwark residents, the route is Southwark’s online application.
Treat this as a separate family task. Choosing the nursery does not replace the Reception application, even when the preferred school remains John Donne.
The nursery opens at 8:45am and closes at 3:15pm. Its funded attendance model combines the 2.5-day pattern for 15 hours with full-time provision for children eligible for 30 hours. Families can pay to add hours beyond their funded entitlement; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school through admissions@jdacademy.org.uk. Children can join the waiting list after turning 2. To arrange a school tour, call 0207 639 0594. This gives families a practical way to explore the setting before applying.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4. Children can be added to its waiting list after turning 2.
The nursery opens at 8:45am and closes at 3:15pm.
Children accessing 15 funded hours attend through a 2.5-day model. Full-time provision is available for children eligible for 30 funded hours, and families can pay for additional hours beyond their entitlement.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. A separate application must go through the home local authority’s coordinated admissions process.
Apply directly to the school through admissions@jdacademy.org.uk. Call 0207 639 0594 to arrange a school tour.
