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Nursery at Hillcross 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Thinking tools, daily outdoor activity and a snack area children use independently give Hillcross’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own early years provision in Morden, with entry usually in the term following a child’s third birthday. Eligible families can use the Rising 3 offer to start when their child turns three.
At the Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. That applies to the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories and conversation have a clear place in learning. In October 2024, nursery children paid close attention to selected rhymes, songs and stories; across early years, children sustained their concentration and worked cooperatively. These are useful foundations for listening to adults and learning alongside other children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early literacy and maths with physical, language and social development. Hillcross adds its Thinking School approach: nursery children use thinking tools across their learning. Thinking Maps help organise ideas, while Philosophy for Children (P4C) provides opportunities to explore questions together. The emphasis is on children expressing and considering ideas.
Movement is part of the routine. Daily Wake-Up, Shake-Up sessions sit alongside outdoor learning and a Foundation Stage PE lesson. Active learning happens indoors and outside, including opportunities to climb and run. Early years outings have included the library, a farm and the theatre, extending learning beyond the classroom.
Independence extends to refreshments. The nursery’s self-service snack area contains fruit bowls, drinking cups, water jugs and a milk fridge, allowing children to get their own drinks and snacks. Under-fives receive free school milk without registration. Early years children also receive a daily snack through the government’s Fruit and Vegetable scheme.
Families must tell the school promptly about dietary requirements or allergies. Hillcross asks everyone to keep nuts and foods containing them off the site, while acknowledging that a completely nut-free environment cannot be guaranteed.
You Can Do It! recognises positive behaviour through tokens for persistence, getting along, organisation and confidence. This gives young children specific behaviours to practise. For additional needs, the school’s SEND page provides family resources on sensory needs, visual timetables and communication. The SEND team has its own contact email: sendteam@hillcross.merton.sch.uk.
Routine messages to staff go through info@hillcross.merton.sch.uk, with a response expected within 48 hours. Urgent child protection concerns should go directly to a designated safeguarding lead; office staff can help families reach one immediately.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Hillcross. Families must make a separate online application to Merton Admissions, with applications opening on 1 September the year before Reception entry and due by 15 January before entry. Treat that as a separate decision and application, even if your child already attends nursery.
Families can choose different combinations of days and sessions, subject to spaces being available. This flexibility lets parents select a pattern that fits their week.
Uniform is compulsory. Hillcross recommends the casual option for nursery children because it supports active play and independent dressing, with plain black trainers that fasten with Velcro. Label clothing and shoes.
The 2026–2027 calendar gives nursery children earlier term endings than the rest of the school: 17 December, 24 March and 20 July. New starters’ individual September start dates were confirmed through school correspondence. Families should follow the nursery dates when arranging care.
Prospective families can book an open event online. There is also an approximately hour-long option concentrating on the early years classrooms. General enquiries go to info@hillcross.merton.sch.uk or 020 8542 6936. When travelling by satnav, remember that the postcode directs drivers to the Monkleigh Road entrance, which opens only around the start and end of the school day.
Most children start in the term after their third birthday. Eligible families can use the Rising 3 offer for entry as soon as their child turns three.
Yes. Families can choose combinations of nursery sessions and days, subject to availability.
No. Reception requires a separate online application to Merton Admissions. Applications open on 1 September the year before Reception entry and must be submitted by 15 January before entry.
The nursery has a self-service area with fruit, water and milk. Children under five receive free school milk without families needing to register.
Yes. Hillcross recommends its casual uniform option and plain black trainers with Velcro fastenings to support active play and independent dressing.
