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Nursery at John Ruskin Primary School and Language Classes
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Counting, sharing and learning to listen give John Ruskin's nursery provision its character. Children can start from their third birthday, subject to space. There are two nursery locations: one within the school grounds and another on the Brandon Estate, so families should distinguish the sites when discussing a place.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 18 and 19 October 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides the framework. Here, its practical meaning includes learning about numbers and developing the social habits needed to learn alongside other children. In October 2023, nursery mathematics included pairing quantities and practising counting. Children work with amounts, giving early number learning a concrete starting point.
Social learning also has a deliberate place. Children in early years learn turn-taking, how to hear another child's contribution and how to share materials. These are useful skills for joining group activities and managing resources together.
Nursery curriculum leaflets cover the autumn, spring and summer terms. They explain the learning topics and suggest ways parents can help at home, giving families something specific to build on beyond the session.
The John Ruskin Nursery staffing structure includes a teacher, a nursery nurse and a teaching assistant. Before starting, families offered a place attend a meeting about the curriculum and complete the enrolment paperwork. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss the learning their child will join.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school's support arrangements involve the class teacher and SEND coordinator. Individual Education Plans set targets, with reviews each term and parental involvement in planning. The practical benefit is a shared set of next steps rather than separate conversations about learning and support.
Starting-school arrangements for children with identified additional needs include an initial visit and contact with their existing setting. Transition visits involve an adult the child already knows. Medical needs can also bring involvement from the nursing team.
The wider school's meal provision includes lunches for pupils. Its SEND information report describes support tailored to children with dietary requirements, allergies or toileting needs, allowing those care needs to be considered alongside participation in class.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application to Southwark Council and meet the normal application deadline. The council allocates Reception places, so choosing nursery should be a decision about the early years experience itself.
Nursery attendance is not included in the school's listed Reception priority criteria. Those criteria concern care status, siblings, exceptional needs, permanent staff's children and distance from school.
Transition support is a separate matter. Under the school's SEND arrangements for changing classes, staff pass records and learning plans to the next teacher beforehand. Children visit their next classroom and meet the teacher; time in the new class before moving is arranged where possible. Familiarity supports the move, but does not alter admission rights.
Full-time and part-time nursery places are offered. The nursery funding offer includes 15 hours each week, with another 15 hours for eligible working parents. Families who do not qualify for the additional funded hours can take a full-time place with a weekly charge. Contact the school office for current charges and place availability.
A Registration of Interest for Nursery form provides an online enquiry route. Families can also visit the office or email office@johnruskin.southwark.sch.uk to discuss either attendance option. For initial enquiries by telephone, the school's contact page gives 020 7703 5800.
Children can start on or after their third birthday, depending on space at the time.
Yes. Both options are offered, with availability discussed through the school office.
The nursery describes 15 hours a week of funded education and an additional 15 hours for eligible working parents. Full-time attendance is also possible with a weekly charge for children who do not qualify for the additional hours.
No. Nursery attendance is not included in the listed Reception priority criteria and does not guarantee admission. Parents must apply separately to Southwark Council by the normal deadline.
Complete the Registration of Interest for Nursery form, visit the school office or email office@johnruskin.southwark.sch.uk. The school lists 020 7703 5800 for initial enquiries.
