The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overie Nursery

Name writing starts the morning; stories and songs bring it to a close. Cathedral School’s nursery combines a recognisable school-day rhythm with play and activities guided by adults. It serves three-year-olds within the Church of England primary school on Redcross Way, Southwark.

Ofsted’s inspection on 7 and 8 December 2022 graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The typical day runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm. After practising their names, children gather for registration and phonics, before an English activity led by an adult alongside free flow learning. Fruit and milk follow at 10.15am, with a maths focus at 10.30am. Stories and singing precede lunch in the school hall at 11.45am. The afternoon returns to group time, another learning focus and free flow, then tidying and more stories before home time.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is taught through a mixture of play, carpet sessions and activities in smaller groups. Individual interventions and booster groups add support where needed. This gives children several ways to take part, rather than relying on whole-class teaching throughout the session.

Phonics begins with Phase 1: listening carefully, developing vocabulary and speaking to others. Phase 2 sounds follow when children are ready, usually during Autumn 2. Little Wandle pronunciation videos help parents practise the sounds at home. Expectations include recognising roughly ten letter names and sounds, attempting to retell a book and writing a recognisable name.

Maths has equally concrete aims: counting objects, identifying shapes, making simple patterns and comparing sizes. Families can reinforce these ideas through counting games or helping to cook. The nursery also participates in performances, with opportunities to speak, sing and act. These give children a reason to use their developing language beyond a learning activity.

For children with SEND, preparation can begin before their nursery place starts. Staff work with parents and, depending on the child’s circumstances, may visit the family at home or meet the child in an early years setting. The purpose is to prepare for their needs before entry.

In December 2022, children with SEND in the early years had their needs recognised promptly, with individual support and teaching adaptations enabling participation alongside their peers. The school’s Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle involves families in agreeing and reviewing support.

Communication has several routes. Staff can speak briefly at the beginning and end of the day; longer conversations are arranged through the office. A weekly nursery blog explains recent learning, while SeeSaw shares pictures, videos or work every couple of weeks. Classroom folders can be viewed at parents’ evenings.

Fruit, milk and lunch in the hall structure the day. Children bring a filled, named water bottle, but food, snacks and juice should stay out of their bags. Spare named uniform, underwear and socks belong on their peg. Parents are asked to ensure children are toilet trained and encourage independence with clothing. Staff assist with changing after accidents.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home borough’s online admissions service by the deadline for their child’s intake. Applications for a foundation church place also require the school’s supplementary form.

The Reception admission policy for the September 2026 intake gives no priority for attending this nursery. A familiar school setting therefore does not replace the application process.

For children with SEND moving between classes, information and intervention targets pass to the next teacher. A planning meeting usually takes place, and a classroom visit may be arranged according to the child’s needs. This supports continuity of care; it confers no admissions advantage.

Two attendance options are offered: part time for 15 hours a week and full time for 30 hours. The part-time entitlement covers three-year-olds during term time, without eligibility criteria or a separate entitlement application. Eligible working families must register through Childcare Choices for the funded full-time option. Children whose families do not qualify can attend full time with a top-up charge; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery application forms are returned to the school office. General enquiries go to school.admin@csmo.org.uk or 0207 407 2600. At drop-off, parents are asked not to bring their child into the classroom.