Liberty Primary Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and children’s own ideas shape nursery learning at Liberty Primary in Mitcham. Ash and Oak are the nursery classes, part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The provision has 39 children in each morning and afternoon session. Children can begin in September, January or April after turning three, giving families three entry points across the year.

Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The same inspection highlighted carefully sequenced early learning and staff expertise, with children developing skills and understanding that prepared them well for subsequent learning.

Play supplies the structure for learning. Children choose activities in different classroom areas, while adults support their exploration and extend their thinking through conversation. Indoor and outdoor activities both feature during the day. This gives children opportunities to make decisions, try ideas and solve problems, alongside adult guidance.

The EYFS curriculum connects early reading and maths with creativity, understanding the world, physical development and learning to relate to others. Speaking and listening run through the teaching, and stories introduce topics. Topics also change in response to children’s interests and needs, so their questions can help shape what follows.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery’s Foundations for Phonics approach. Daily practice focuses on oral blending, stories and rhymes: children work with spoken sounds as their language develops. Technology is practical too. Early years children can explore devices and remote-controlled toys through play, making simple technology something they can investigate themselves.

Settling begins with a visit after a nursery place has been accepted. Families meet the nursery team, who explain the settling process. That makes the introduction to staff part of preparing for the first sessions. The staffing structure includes an EYFS phase leader and an assistant headteacher with early years responsibilities.

Fruit is provided across EYFS through the government school fruit and vegetable scheme. The school also describes government-funded milk for children aged three to five, with families asked to speak to the team if their child cannot drink it.

For additional needs, Liberty uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review. A SEN Support Plan records agreed outcomes and provision, with parents involved throughout. School support can include individual work, small groups and classroom equipment; visual timetables and extra processing time are among the adaptations. These provide practical ways to adjust learning around a child’s needs. The SENCO can be contacted through liberty@liberty.merton.sch.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Merton school admissions. The school gives the deadline as the beginning of January, so this application needs its own place in the family calendar.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Each session pattern provides 15 hours a week. Nursery wraparound runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm, accommodating both 30-hour funding and paid provision.

Funded places. The school offers a limited number of 30-hour places on a first-come basis. Eligible families obtain a government code, then take it to the office with their National Insurance number and their child’s date of birth. An offer depends on code verification and availability.

Nursery applications go online to Merton school admissions. For enquiries, contact the school office on 020 8646 5290 or liberty@liberty.merton.sch.uk. Small-group tours with a senior leader include prospective nursery families, giving parents an opportunity to explore the setting before choosing.