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 Sacred Heart Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two nursery contracts shape Sacred Heart’s September 2026 offer: school terms only or care across 48 weeks, with extended hours reaching from 7.30am to 6.00pm. This is nursery provision for children aged two, three and four within Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in New Malden. The practical appeal is clear: families can choose a school calendar or a longer childcare year.
The admissions page gives 12 places in the room for two-year-olds and 26 places per morning or afternoon session for children aged three and over. Catholic values shape the setting, while applications are welcomed from families with any faith background or none.
The September 2026 offer describes an expansion into separate rooms for younger and older nursery children, each with access to its own outdoor learning space. Outdoor refurbishment is also part of the 2026 plan. Those age-specific spaces give the provision a different shape from a single room serving the whole nursery age range.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for early learning and development. Qualified early years teachers and practitioners form the team, and teachers plan experiences around individual children and what they can already do. Little Wandle is the named phonics programme, with teaching beginning in nursery and following a sequence that builds on earlier learning. That gives early reading a defined place in the day.
Music brings another regular focus: nursery children have a weekly lesson with a specialist teacher. The new nursery offer also includes specialist PE during term time. For religious education, Lighting the Path is scheduled across all year groups from September 2026, bringing the nursery into the school’s new programme.
In March 2023, Ofsted described early years activities that developed children’s social and emotional skills, including expressing feelings and thinking about other people’s views. These are useful foundations for participating in a group, alongside the nursery’s focus on preparation for the next stage of education.
Meals fit around attendance. Breakfast is served to children present between 7.30am and 8.00am, with cereal, toast and fruit among the choices. Children staying for lunch can bring a packed meal that follows the allergy policy, or have a hot school meal during term time. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon; drinking water remains accessible, and light tea is served at 4.30pm. Children eat seated at tables.
Support for additional needs follows the school’s assess, plan, do and review process. Parents contribute to Pupil Profiles, with targets checked each term. Concerns start with the class teacher and can progress to the SENDCo; virtual meetings provide an alternative to attending in person. School newsletters arrive by email on Fridays at 6pm, giving families a regular connection with wider school life.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s admissions system, following its normal deadline. Merton residents use Merton’s Common Application Form; residents elsewhere apply through their own authority.
The school also asks for a Supplementary Information Form. It is optional, but omitting it prevents the governing body from fully assessing an application against the faith criteria. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Term-time contracts cover 38 weeks. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons include lunchtime and run from 11.30am to 2.30pm. The full term-time day is 8.30am to 2.30pm. The usual minimum is five morning or afternoon sessions each week, although families can request a pattern over two and a half days or split funding with another setting. Extended hours for term-time children depend on availability.
The published universal entitlement is 15 funded hours a week after the child’s third birthday; 30-hour funding depends on eligibility. Either can be stretched over the 48-week contract. Food, consumables, activities beyond delivery of the EYFS and hours beyond the entitlement fall outside funded provision; extras are optional and itemised. Consult the school’s current fee schedule for charges.
Apply online through the nursery page or request a form by email or post. The Admissions Team uses admissions@sacredheart.merton.sch.uk, including during holidays. Small group tours can be booked, with alternatives arranged when scheduled dates do not suit.
From September 2026, nursery uniform includes a blue Sacred Heart sweatshirt, red polo, navy jogging bottoms or another garment suited to toileting, and footwear for physical activity. Collection changes must be notified to the office so children leave with an authorised adult.
The September 2026 offer covers children aged two, three and four, with separate rooms planned for younger and older nursery children.
Yes. The nursery offer extends from 7.30am to 6.00pm. Term-time children can add extended sessions subject to availability, and a 48-week contract is also offered.
Yes. The published universal entitlement is 15 funded hours a week after the child’s third birthday; 30-hour funding depends on eligibility. Hours can be stretched across 48 weeks. Optional extras and additional attendance are outside the funded entitlement.
No. You must apply separately through your home local authority. The school’s optional Supplementary Information Form enables full consideration against its faith criteria.
Children staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch that complies with the allergy policy. A charged hot school meal is offered during term time.
