The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Church Hill Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A sandpit becomes a place to estimate, modelling clay introduces quantity, and the art table turns colour into counting. Play carries the learning at Church Hill Nursery School in Walthamstow. This maintained nursery school serves children aged two to five and belongs to the Federation of Church Hill and Low Hall Nursery Schools. Its provision is nursery education in its own right.
The garden is part of that identity. Wheelchair-accessible paths extend through it, while the entrance and main school areas also accommodate wheelchair users. This makes outdoor access a practical consideration as well as a curriculum feature.
Children can move between outdoor and indoor play, with adults following their interests and extending what they understand. The early years curriculum brings together communication, early reading, mathematics and growing independence through practical activity. For parents, the useful distinction is that play has a teaching purpose: handling materials, talking and making choices become opportunities to learn.
At the May 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that staff used play skilfully to develop knowledge and adjusted their interactions to individual children. Mathematics took place in the sandpit, with clay and around the art table. Children could explore an idea through materials rather than only hearing an adult explain it.
Reading has a clear place too. In May 2022, younger children explored sounds through songs and rhymes, while some older children began joining sounds into words. Storytelling teaching helped older children recognise how stories work and construct their own. Language development ran through these activities, from early phrases to more elaborate conversation.
At the May 2022 inspection, two-year-olds started in a cosy space of their own before exploring the wider indoor and outdoor provision. That gives the youngest children a manageable starting point before they expand their play.
A key person provides a consistent link between child, staff and family. Church Hill’s 2022-23 SEND offer describes this adult helping with settling and maintaining contact about development and learning. Home visits and visits to the nursery allow parents to explain their child’s needs before the start, so staff can plan around familiar routines and individual support.
That document also describes Talk Time language groups, communication support using Makaton and PECS, and a Sensory Room. These give staff different ways to support participation. In May 2022, children’s additional needs were identified early and activities were adapted so they could participate alongside their peers; safeguarding arrangements were effective.
Food and care require some preparation at home. Two-year-olds need a packed lunch. Families supply wipes and nappies when their child still uses them. The admissions form asks about dietary needs, allergies and health requirements, and an Individual Healthcare Plan is required before staff can give medication.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and choosing primary school as separate decisions.
Transition support has a different purpose. Church Hill’s 2022-23 SEND offer describes sharing a child’s needs and successful support strategies with their next teacher. Extra visits can be arranged when families and staff agree they would help, and visits to schools with specialist provision can support children with complex needs. This helps the receiving school prepare for the child; it does not secure admission.
Term-time sessions run from 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm. Fifteen funded hours are offered to all three-year-olds and to eligible two-year-olds from low-income or disadvantaged families. Eligible working families can use a 30-hour pattern: 9am to 3pm across Monday to Friday, or 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday with a Friday morning or afternoon.
Paid hours can extend funded provision or cover attendance without funded hours. Additional hours require bookings on at least two days each week. Breakfast Club and Teatime Club extend the day, with daycare operating on weekdays between 8am and 6pm. Ask the school for current charges.
Additional support and hours. Children needing significant support may be offered only 15 hours. Discuss a longer pattern with the SENDco before relying on it for childcare.
Use the online application form to request a nursery place. For enquiries, contact school@churchhill.waltham.sch.uk or 020 8520 4919. Daycare questions and requests for occasional extra days go to admin@fans.waltham.sch.uk. The admissions form records who may collect your child and an emergency contact.
The recorded age range is two to five. Children cannot start before their second birthday.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon and afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. Eligible working families can use the specified 30-hour patterns, and paid additional hours are offered.
The 2022-23 SEND offer describes a key person who helps children settle and communicates with parents about learning and development. Home visits and nursery visits help staff understand individual needs before children start.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Transition support helps children prepare for their next school and does not secure a place.
Two-year-olds bring a packed lunch. Families provide nappies and wipes for children who still need them, and should give staff details of allergies, dietary requirements and health needs.
