St John the Divine Church of England Primary School Nursery

Stories, songs and learning to share give this nursery its clearest character. At St John the Divine Church of England Primary School in Camberwell, nursery learning begins with books and the social skills children need to take part in a group. The November 2023 Ofsted inspection rated early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Daily reading starts in nursery with songs, rhymes and stories. These give children several ways into language: listening to a story, joining in familiar words and hearing how sounds fit together. Taking turns and sharing are also taught from early years onwards, so learning includes how to play alongside other children.

The nursery's July 2020 home-learning activities give concrete examples of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach: linking communication, number work, creative activity and exploration through a story. An activity based on Billy’s Bucket asked children to draw sea creatures and try initial sounds. Families were also encouraged to compare water in containers and investigate floating and sinking. The post recalled the nursery's water tray, connecting the suggested home activity with a physical resource used there.

A separate July 2020 activity used Giraffes Can’t Dance to prompt descriptive language, questions about giraffes and a homemade shaker filled with pasta or rice. Children could respond to the same story through talk, movement and music. Paper weaving featured in another home-learning post that month, combining coloured strips, counting and patterns with practice using small hand movements. These are historical examples of learning invitations, rather than a timetable for today's sessions.

In November 2023, staff got to know children from the early years onwards, with respectful relationships contributing to their sense of safety. For a young child, familiarity with adults matters alongside the activities themselves. Learning to share and wait for a turn also makes social development part of everyday learning.

Free school meals extend to nursery children. That is a practical benefit for families whose children eat at school, bringing nursery within the school's meal offer.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline; choosing this nursery should be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Preparing emotionally for the next class is a separate matter. In July 2020, nursery families were encouraged to discuss their child's next school and teacher, what they wanted to learn and what they would miss about nursery. Remembering favourite experiences while talking about the next step gives children concrete starting points for that conversation.

The school is on Warham Street, London SE5 0SX. Nursery enquiries can go through the school office or the admissions enquiry form. Visits can be arranged with the administration team. Contact the office on 0207 735 4898 or email admin@sjtdprimary.org.uk to make an enquiry or arrange a visit.