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 Abbey 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 book or song can start the week's learning at Abbey's nursery, but children's own interests help determine what follows. Adults combine direct teaching with Planning in the Moment, responding to the activity a child has chosen. That gives the nursery day a balance of shared starting points and independent exploration.
Abbey has nursery provision on its school site in Morden, including Willow Nursery for two-year-olds and provision for children aged three and four. For the older nursery, the September 2026 arrangements provided 39 places per morning and afternoon session: 23 session places alongside 16 places for families applying for the 30 hours extended entitlement. Those figures concern the older provision, rather than Willow Nursery.
Each weekly focus gives adults a starting point for teaching. Children then choose from activities and materials arranged for independent use. With Planning in the Moment, adults watch for an opportunity to develop that interest through conversation, questions or demonstrating a skill. The child has a choice; the adult adds the next step.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links learning with children's development. At Abbey, this includes practising exploration, sustaining attention and thinking through ideas. Resources indoors and outside are selected around children's developmental needs, helping them revisit something familiar while trying something new. Adults model vocabulary throughout the early years, so conversation accompanies the activity rather than being confined to a separate lesson.
An investigation area changes to support exploration through play. Science in the early years connects understanding the world with language and social development: children explore materials while adults help them put their thinking into words. Dedicated story time also takes place daily across EYFS, bringing books into the routine alongside children's independent choices.
Before starting nursery, children take part in drop-in sessions, and staff arrange a home visit to introduce the team. Where appropriate, nursery staff and the SENCO speak with professionals already supporting the child, including speech and language services or the Early Years Inclusion Team. This gives families a way to share existing needs before nursery begins.
A nursery teacher who also leads the phase works alongside an early years educator. Willow Nursery has a separate team comprising a senior nursery practitioner and nursery practitioners. Each EYFS child is assigned a key person, giving the care arrangements an individual point of responsibility.
Seesaw connects home and nursery learning: staff share significant learning moments, and parents can contribute achievements and discuss next steps. For children receiving SEND support, plans are developed with parents and reviewed each term. The school's approach uses assessment, planning, action and review, so support can change as a child's needs develop.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority at Abbey. Parents must submit a separate Reception application. Treat that decision separately from choosing the nursery.
Applications go through the London Borough of Sutton. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline belongs to the completed 2026 admissions cycle.
Transition support is a separate matter. Across the school, a summer introduction programme can include a photographic transition book; some children also visit their next classroom and meet the teacher. These arrangements help with familiarity, rather than changing admission rights.
Morning and afternoon sessions in the older nursery each last three hours. Families can request a preferred session, but that choice is not guaranteed. The 30 hours extended entitlement places provide another attendance option for families applying for that entitlement.
Uniform applies from nursery onwards. Choices include a royal blue jumper or cardigan without a logo and a white polo shirt, so branded clothing is not required for those items.
For enquiries or to arrange a tour, contact the office at office@abbey.sutton.sch.uk or on 020 8254 0862. Tours run regularly and require booking through the office.
No. It gives neither a guaranteed place nor priority. Parents need to make a separate Reception application through the London Borough of Sutton.
Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours. There are also places for families applying for the 30 hours extended entitlement. A preferred session can be requested but is not guaranteed.
Children attend drop-in sessions, and staff arrange a home visit to introduce the team. Where appropriate, staff also liaise with professionals already involved with the child.
Staff share learning moments through Seesaw. Parents can contribute their child's achievements and work with staff on next steps.
Contact the school office at office@abbey.sutton.sch.uk or call 020 8254 0862 to arrange a place on a scheduled tour.
