William Morris Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, singing and learning through play give Holmes class its character. This is William Morris Primary School’s nursery on Recreation Way in Mitcham, within the BeDifferent Federation. A class teacher and teaching assistant form the nursery team. Children begin exploring their feelings, building independence and finding words to describe their families and surroundings.

Play carries the learning. Adults join in to demonstrate ideas and help children take their understanding further, while shared stories, dance and singing give them opportunities to use language together. Holmes class introduces a different topic each half term; its opening project, What makes me, me?, puts children’s own identities at the centre of discussion.

The BeDifferent curriculum uses themed projects alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, that means learning stretches beyond early reading and numbers: movement, creativity, relationships and understanding the world also belong in the day. Children’s interests help shape teaching, so their questions contribute to what they explore.

At the March 2022 inspection, Ofsted described an ambitious early-years curriculum and daily phonics practice from the point children joined. Phonics means learning how sounds work in words. Regular staff meetings also checked what early-years children understood and remembered, giving adults a way to review learning beyond the activity itself.

Starting away from family receives practical attention. The September 2026 intake had nursery home visits and staggered starts. In March 2022, early-years children settled successfully as staff introduced familiar routines promptly. Those repeated expectations gave children a predictable basis for learning.

Food has a clear place in the day. Under BeFed Differently, kitchen staff cook lunches on site. Children can choose a hot meal with a vegetarian alternative, or a filled jacket potato, and have salad available from the salad bar. Meat-free Mondays include vegan choices. The Foundation Stage timetable places lunch in the hall, with EYFS teachers staying for the opening 15 minutes to help children with eating.

Allergies require direct communication with the office and completion of a special diet form. Individual menus can accommodate dietary needs, with meals provided where the school considers this safe under its procedures. That condition matters for families planning school lunches.

SEND support. The March 2022 findings included a school-wide concern that some pupils needed more individual help during whole-class teaching. This was not identified specifically as a nursery weakness, but families whose children need additional support should consider how that help will work during group activities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. The local authority allocates school places. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions, even when you hope your child will remain at William Morris.

Contact the school office at office@williammorris.merton.sch.uk or 020 8764 9765 for enquiries. School visits take place on Thursday mornings at 10am and require advance booking. A Foundation Stage virtual tour also includes the William Morris nursery, giving families another way to explore the provision.

For calendar planning, the 2026/27 autumn half term runs from 26 to 30 October, and the school is closed on 6 November. These closures matter when arranging care around work. Contact the school for current meal charges.