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 Beecholme 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A large classroom and a very large outdoor space give Beecholme’s nursery its defining shape: learning takes place inside and outside, with play alongside teacher-led activities. Orange Class is on the primary school site. There are up to 26 morning places, and children are eligible to join from the term following their third birthday.
Five mornings each week form the core provision during school terms. Afternoon sessional care can extend the day, but spaces are limited and depend on staffing. That distinction matters when planning regular childcare.
The morning runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; children staying all day finish at 3:00pm. Within the classroom, separate learning areas support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, children develop knowledge and understanding through play, alongside focused teaching from an adult. The combination gives them opportunities to explore and time for direct instruction.
Learning opportunities extend indoors and outdoors, giving the very large outdoor space a place in the nursery curriculum.
In October 2024, Ofsted found that phonics began when children entered early years, with opportunities to rehearse sounds and begin reading books. Children needing extra help received support and caught up quickly. Early years number learning also received a positive assessment, with children supported to build their understanding of numbers. These findings concern early years across the school.
Morning classes have a full-time teacher and a teaching assistant. For sessional care, management sits with the Early Years Leader; a Level 3 teaching assistant staffs the provision, with an overall ratio of 1:8. Families using the longer day therefore need to distinguish the morning teaching arrangement from afternoon care.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Additional support plans are created through Edukey, and parents receive a copy with a review timeframe. Reviews take place three times a year, with parents invited to contribute. Concerns can be raised first with the class teacher, with the SENDCo involved where needed.
For children joining nursery with identified SEND, the SENDCo or Early Years Lead gathers information about their needs and existing support. Where needs are high, preparation may include visits to the previous setting, meetings with families and agencies, and a detailed Transition Plan.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate application through the London Borough of Merton, completing the council’s common application form and naming Beecholme as a preference. Apply through the normal admissions round by the council’s closing date.
Allocation follows the school’s admission criteria. A sibling attending only the nursery does not qualify a child for sibling priority. Teacher-led nursery activities help prepare children for the move to Reception, but that preparation carries no admissions advantage.
The 15-hour government entitlement covers the Monday-to-Friday morning pattern in term time. Afternoon care is requested separately and depends on staffing; it can be accessed through the 30-hour government entitlement, childcare vouchers or paid sessions. Ask the school office for current charges.
Lunch club runs from 11:45am to 12:30pm. It is a chargeable additional service, subject to availability, as are additional afternoon sessions. Confirm these arrangements before relying on a longer day.
Nursery applications go directly to the school office, either as a completed paper form or an email attachment to Office@beecholme.merton.sch.uk. There are September, January and April intakes. For SEND enquiries, families can contact senco@beecholme.paceacademy.uk.
Children are eligible from the term after their third birthday. Intakes take place in September, January and April.
Mornings run from 8:45am to 11:45am. All-day nursery runs from 8:45am to 3:00pm, with afternoon spaces limited and subject to staffing.
The 15-hour entitlement covers five term-time mornings. Afternoon sessional care can be accessed through the 30-hour government entitlement, subject to staffing and availability.
No. Nursery attendance gives neither a guarantee nor priority. Families must apply separately through Merton’s common application form and name Beecholme as a preference.
Speak to the class teacher first. The SENDCo can also be contacted at senco@beecholme.paceacademy.uk.
