Peter Hills Nursery Review

Storytelling, making and early number work give Peter Hills nursery its character. The provision belongs to Peter Hills with St Mary's and St Paul's CofE Primary School in Rotherhithe, within an early years unit on the school grounds that participates in school life. This is a school-based start, with nursery learning connected to a wider community.

The admissions policy for 2025/26 set a September nursery intake of 27 children. That is an admission limit for that cycle, rather than a count of children attending now. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 19 and 20 July 2022; this judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children have opportunities to choose activities as well as join learning directed by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, physical development and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning to listen, manage feelings and handle materials sits alongside learning about words and numbers. Activities are adapted around children's interests and learning needs.

There is concrete substance to that approach. A March 2026 update for the combined nursery and Reception group described retelling Goldilocks and the 3 Bears and recognising landmarks in London. These connect a familiar story with the world children know. The EYFS design and technology programme also includes constructing with chosen materials, using tools safely and preparing food, giving children practical ways to explore ideas and practise care with equipment.

Reading and language deserve separate attention. In July 2022, children in early years enjoyed books, rhymes and stories, while counting practice and making basic maps formed part of their learning. Spoken language. Staff were not consistently developing children's talk further, despite teaching ambitious vocabulary. For families, the distinction matters: introducing new words and helping children use them in longer conversations are different tasks.

A class teacher and an early years educator make up the teaching team serving nursery and Reception. The educator's qualifications include an NNEB. Families therefore have both teaching and early years care roles within the unit.

Settling arrangements can be adapted for children with identified special needs, with changes agreed with parents at a Team Around the Child meeting. A key person may visit home or an existing setting. Advance meetings with staff and a review after settling give parents opportunities to explain what helps their child.

The school's SEND arrangements include a SENDCo, parent involvement in support planning and termly reviews. Visual timetables and Now and Next boards can make routines easier to understand. A school Nurture/Sensory Room provides another physical support space, although it should not be read as a nursery-only facility. Toileting support can involve picture sequences and social stories; medical care plans are developed with parents and the school nurse.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Under the 2025/26 admission arrangements, it also carried no oversubscription priority. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority's Common Application Form, naming Peter Hills among their preferences. Applications under the church criteria additionally require the school's supplementary form.

For September 2026 entry, the on-time deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Transition support is a separate matter: for children with SEND changing classes, information goes to the next teacher, a planning meeting takes place and a transition book or card is copied for home. Familiarity supports the change; it does not determine admission.

Part-time and full-time nursery places are offered. The part-time model links 15 funded hours to five sessions, while additional sessions are charged and paid for in advance. Eligibility matters for the 30-hour funded option. Refer to the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, using a downloadable form or one collected from the office. Enquiries can be made through office@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk. The EYFS uniform includes a white polo shirt, giving families a practical starting point when preparing clothing.