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Nursery at Riverside 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Book bags change three times a week, and outdoor PE has two morning slots: Riverside’s Ferries nursery gives families concrete routines to build into home life. The nursery belongs to Riverside Primary School on Janeway Street in Rotherhithe. Its book corner gives children a choice of reading material, alongside books selected from Oxford Reading Tree.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 December 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Children in early years were keen to learn and became comfortable quickly, with language development and early mathematics both strengths.
Reading creates a link between nursery and home. On Fridays and Mondays, children take home an Oxford Reading Tree stage book; Wednesday brings a choice from the book corner. Parents sign the reading record after sharing books, with a minimum of three entries each week. The combination gives children both a structured sequence and room to follow their interests.
Floppy’s Phonics introduces letters and their sounds in steps. Nursery literacy also includes instructions and recipes, while mathematics involves comparing groups of objects to recognise equal totals. These are concrete beginnings: making sense of written directions and noticing how quantities relate.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about the world, creative activity and personal development. Nursery topics include Growing In The Garden, Relationships and Using Fabric. The book corner is a named indoor feature; outside, PE takes place on Friday and Wednesday mornings. Suitable trainers and clothing for the weather matter because these lessons happen outdoors.
In December 2023, early years activities supported children’s spoken language effectively. Shared books, rhymes and songs were part of that work, and children developed early number knowledge securely. Reading and talk have a clear purpose here: they help children build the language they need to understand and join in with learning.
Settling was a strength in December 2023, when early years children became comfortable quickly and showed enthusiasm for activities. Everyday independence also gets attention. Families are encouraged to practise dressing at home before children begin changing for PE, and each child should bring a water bottle daily.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Riverside’s school policy uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Parents contribute to planning support, and their permission is sought before referrals to external specialists. This gives families a role in deciding the next steps.
Teaching adjustments. The December 2023 school-wide findings identified occasions when teaching needed further adaptation for pupils with SEND. Families considering nursery support should keep the fit between their child’s needs and classroom teaching central to discussions. This concern was about the school as a whole, rather than a nursery-specific finding.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through eAdmissions, including when their child already attends Riverside’s nursery. Treat that application as a distinct step in your plans; joining Ferries does not complete it.
Nursery applications go directly to Riverside using its application form. The school can be contacted on 020 7237 3227 or at headteacher@riverside.southwark.sch.uk.
Riverside expects uniform daily. Options include a white polo shirt, navy knitwear and dark grey or navy bottoms; Riverside branding is optional on the polo shirt and knitwear. Label clothing and book bags clearly. Remember the book bag on each exchange day, and send the water bottle every day.
Submit the nursery application form directly to Riverside Primary School.
No. You must apply separately through eAdmissions, even if your child already attends the nursery.
The nursery uses Oxford Reading Tree books and Floppy’s Phonics. Children also choose a book from the book corner on Wednesdays.
PE takes place outdoors on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Children need footwear suitable for outdoor activity and clothing appropriate to the weather.
Contact the school office on 020 7237 3227 or email senco@riverside.southwark.sch.uk.
