Petts Hill Primary School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning continues through rain and snow at Petts Hill: this nursery gives exploration a place alongside classroom learning. It forms part of the school's Foundation Stage in Northolt, with children's interests helping shape activities rather than every child following an identical starting point.

At the March 2023 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. Children developed confidence and enthusiasm, supported by established routines. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children's choices and adult guidance both shape the day. Staff plan around interests and developmental stages, combining activities children initiate with experiences adults lead. Observations inform the next steps, so the starting point is what a child can already do. There are daily opportunities to gather and share experiences, giving individual exploration a social dimension.

Development Matters guides the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. In parent terms, this brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Playing, persisting with a challenge and developing ideas are part of the approach. The emphasis extends beyond completing a task to learning how to tackle one.

Learning happens inside and outdoors across the curriculum, including in wet and snowy weather. The school's shared play provision uses the OPAL Primary Programme, with a muddy kitchen, construction and den building among its play opportunities. These give children different ways to experiment with materials and use their imagination.

In March 2023, teaching helped children extend their understanding from the early years onwards, although sequencing needed greater precision in some subjects across the school. At whole-school level, governors also needed to challenge leaders more closely about educational quality. These concerns qualify the wider school context; they are not separate nursery judgements.

Parents contribute to assessments of their children's development, and staff share the next learning steps with families. Family learning days, workshops and meetings provide opportunities to take part. ParentMail carries messages by text and email, as well as forms, keeping practical communication alongside conversations about learning.

Support takes account of different developmental needs. In March 2023, teaching was adapted for children with SEND within early years, helping them establish foundations for later learning. The school's support model can involve individual work, small groups or help within the class, with parents involved throughout.

A daily fruit or vegetable snack and drinking water are provided for all children. Familiar expectations also make the social side of nursery explicit: children practise sharing, listening to others and helping to tidy away. These are everyday steps towards managing a group setting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal council route and meet the applicable deadline. Ealing residents can contact Ealing Council Admissions Team on 020 8825 5511. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, while the afternoon runs from 12.20pm to 3.20pm. All-day places run from 8.45am to 3.20pm, with limited spaces for families holding a 30 hour code. That condition matters when planning a longer day.

Lunchtime supervision carries an additional charge for all-day attendance; contact the school office for current charges and details. Nursery applications go to admin@pettshill.ealing.sch.uk after completing the application form. For enquiries, call 020 8422 4095. Wellies and waterproofs are encouraged in wet or snowy weather, a practical match for learning outdoors throughout the year.