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Nursery at Alderbrook 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Short teaching sessions and time to choose their own activities shape nursery life at Alderbrook. Literacy and maths lessons last no more than 20 minutes, leaving room for children to pursue interests with adult support. This is a school nursery with a recognisable teaching rhythm.
Children can join from age three. The nursery belongs to Alderbrook Primary School on Oldridge Road in Balham, with a dedicated Early Years Unit. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 31 January and 1 February 2024; that judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A group greeting and handwriting begin the early years timetable, followed by phonics in smaller groups. Children move to choosing activities by 9:30am. Adults work alongside them individually or in groups, helping them practise existing skills or attempt something new. The balance is between direct teaching and learning through children's own choices.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here through play, stories, early literacy and maths. Phonics starts in Nursery, using Alderbrook's own scheme, which draws on Letters and Sounds. Reading and writing also enter everyday activities: children can label things they have built, write letters and use picture-and-word labels on resource boxes. Print has a purpose beyond the phonics lesson.
Story-based play, occasional dressing-up days and visitors add variety. The full early years day closes with a shared story, a snack and a chance to discuss successes. These recurring activities give children a predictable framework around their choices.
In January and February 2024, early years children experienced affectionate, attentive exchanges with adults and learnt routines, turn-taking and sharing through teaching. Those social habits matter alongside early reading and number work. The staffing structure includes a nursery class teacher and a nursery nurse.
Settling starts before the first school day. Families are invited to induction events before the summer term ends, giving children time to become familiar with the setting and parents an opportunity to meet other families. Home visits are among the ways staff get to know a child's interests and concerns, helping them prepare activities for the start.
Lunch can be a packed meal or an on-site dinner prepared by Harrison Catering. There is a choice of dishes, and catering accommodates religious and other dietary requirements. Nursery dinners require advance payment through Arbor; families receiving Income Support or certain other benefits may qualify for free meals. The office handles those enquiries.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is based on identified needs across all ages. Teachers and teaching assistants provide targeted help. Where progress remains a concern, parents meet the class teacher to agree support; referrals to an educational psychologist or speech and language therapist require parental consent. Families therefore participate in decisions about further help.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home borough, following that admissions process and its deadline. Wandsworth residents can use the borough's online admissions route.
Application timing. For the 2026 admissions cycle, the stated Reception deadline was 15 January 2026. That date has passed. Keep the Reception application separate from the nursery place when planning your child's next step.
Full-time places sit alongside a part-time option of three hours each weekday morning. The early years day allows a start between 8:35am and 8:55am, with collection at 3:15pm for the full day. The morning option means attendance across five weekdays rather than choosing individual mornings.
Nursery applications go directly to Alderbrook using the downloadable form or a copy from the office. Contact the office on 020 8673 4913 or email info@alderbrook.wandsworth.sch.uk. Small-group school tours can be booked, and alternative tour times can be arranged by email. For current meal charges, contact the school.
Children can join from age three. The school described possible January and April 2026 starts for children who had turned three in the preceding term, subject to limited spaces. Contact the office about future entry options.
Alderbrook offers full-time places and part-time places consisting of three hours every weekday morning.
No. Reception requires a separate application through your home borough. Wandsworth residents can apply through the borough's online admissions route.
Yes. Harrison Catering prepares dinners on site, with dietary adjustments available. Nursery dinners are paid for ahead of time through Arbor, although families receiving Income Support or certain other benefits may qualify for free meals. Packed lunches are also permitted.
Families are invited to induction events before the summer term ends. These introduce the setting and other families; home visits are also among the school's settling arrangements.
