The Sherwood School Nursery Review

Child-chosen topics, farm trips and a visiting minibeast zoo give Ladybird Class its character. The nursery at The Sherwood School serves children aged three and four in Mitcham, with a place within the school's EYFS unit. Its curriculum combines children's interests with activities guided by adults, so choosing what to explore sits alongside learning to listen, communicate and work together.

Families can choose morning or afternoon attendance under the universal funded entitlement, while eligible working parents have a longer attendance pattern. That choice changes how much of the day children spend here.

Play and practical activity shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, language and relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Children move between activities they choose, carpet sessions, work in small groups and individual teaching. Adults support and extend learning across these different formats rather than relying on one style of lesson.

Indoor and outdoor learning spaces change as children's needs develop. The aim is to help children use them independently, with adult support where needed. Daily planning includes designing, building and drawing; art activities connect with a theme or story. These give children concrete ways to explore ideas and express themselves.

Language and books also have a regular place. Nursery phonics uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised each day. Classes can borrow books through weekly visits to the school library, giving families stories to share beyond the session. In July 2023, Ofsted found that early-years activities developed children's understanding of number and provided foundations for later subject learning.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through visits to the common, farms and museums. Firefighters and the community police team are among the visitors invited into school. These experiences connect children's questions with people and places beyond their usual surroundings.

Settling starts before attendance begins, through visits to children's homes and sessions attended by parents and children together. This creates opportunities for families and staff to get acquainted before the new routine starts. Friends and Family Fridays, a teddy bears picnic and a cultural food day provide further occasions for families to participate in EYFS life.

For additional needs, parents can speak with their child's class teacher or arrange contact with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator through the office. The school's SEND approach uses individual support plans, with targets reviewed each term. Outside professionals may become involved with family consent. Boogiemites and Pegs to Paper are specifically identified among its EYFS interventions.

Emotional support extends to parents of children aged three to eleven through Merton Education Wellbeing Service. Individual sessions can address worries, confidence and routines at home. Parents can obtain an application form from the office, giving families a practical route to early help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Merton's admissions service at www.merton.gov.uk/admissions. The annual deadline is 15 January for entry in September.

Preparation for that change is a separate matter. During the summer term, nursery children have a session in the Reception classroom each week and spend time in their next playground. Families also have an opportunity to meet the next class teacher. Familiarity with those spaces and adults can help children prepare for a different routine; it does not secure admission.

The universal 15-hour option for three- and four-year-olds consists of five mornings, 08:45 to 11:45, or five afternoons, 12:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday. For eligible working parents, the 30-hour pattern runs 08:45 to 15:30 from Monday to Thursday, then 08:45 to 11:45 on Friday. Families must send their eligibility code to the office in the term before starting.

Paid additions cover afternoon attendance for children with the 15-hour entitlement, or Friday afternoon for those with the 30-hour entitlement. Allocation follows the order of requests, with a waiting list used if necessary. Invoices are issued each half term; contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries, email adminoffice@sherwood.merton.sch.uk or telephone 0208 764 5100. School tours can be arranged on request, and an EYFS virtual tour is also offered.