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Nursery at Bird In Bush 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling, early art and support planned around individual needs give Bird In Bush’s nursery its place within this Peckham primary school. The provision forms part of the school’s early years, rather than a separate nursery setting. For parents, the central question is how those learning opportunities translate into conversation, independence and everyday routines.
Early years judgement. Ofsted graded early years provision Requires improvement following the inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. That judgement deserves attention when choosing the nursery, especially the concerns about language, mathematics and children’s participation in learning.
Books provide a concrete starting point. Early years classes have regular story sessions, and each class has a corner for books. This gives reading a physical place in the classroom as well as time in the day. History learning also begins through stories, timelines and vocabulary about the present, future and past, giving children ways to talk about time and change.
Art follows themes across early years, with progression beginning in Nursery. These activities sit within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), whose curriculum spans seven learning areas. The practical emphasis should be on developing children’s skills and knowledge, including communicating with others and thinking mathematically.
In July 2024, children had too few opportunities to extend their language and communication or explore mathematical ideas. Learning across the early years curriculum lacked sufficient purpose and a clear focus on developing knowledge and skills. Those concerns make the substance of activities important: children need opportunities to explain their ideas and build understanding, alongside taking part.
Settling arrangements for children with identified special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) include an Early Years key worker visiting home and any existing setting. Where other professionals are involved, a Team around the child meeting brings together information and strategies before the child starts. A teacher meets parents after settling to discuss initial progress. These are SEND arrangements, rather than a promise about every nursery child’s start.
The school’s 2025-2026 SEND information report describes support selected according to individual needs, including Attention Autism (Bucket Time), LEGO Therapy and Zones of Regulation. A Sensory Room and movement space also feature in that school-wide offer. Parents participate in planning and reviewing additional support; home-school contact sheets and SEND drop-ins provide further communication routes.
Routines and cooperation. In July 2024, early years children did not consistently sustain attention, share turns or work together. Adults were not teaching routines and responses to instructions securely enough. These everyday habits matter because they affect how readily children can join activities with others.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Bird In Bush’s admissions route is through Southwark, following the procedure agreed by the Southwark Admissions Forum.
For children with SEND, transition support includes meetings, visits and sharing records with the next teacher or setting. Social stories and One page Profiles use pictures and symbols to help explain the change. This supports familiarity and continuity of care; it is separate from the allocation of a school place.
Contact the school office on 020 7639 0431 for general enquiries. Prospective families can arrange a school visit by emailing office@birdinbush.southwark.sch.uk or making an appointment through the office.
The school’s collection guidance asks parents to telephone if difficulties arise or someone different will collect their child. Passing that information to the office gives staff advance notice of a changed arrangement.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must apply again through the normal Southwark admissions process.
Early years provision was graded Requires improvement at the inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. This is the school’s early years judgement, not a separate nursery inspection grade.
Early years classes have regular story sessions, and each class has a book corner. Storytelling also contributes to early history learning.
The SEND arrangements include an Early Years key worker’s home visit and a visit to an existing setting. Where other professionals are involved, a Team around the child meeting helps plan support before starting. Parents then meet the teacher after settling.
Contact the school office at office@birdinbush.southwark.sch.uk to arrange an appointment, or telephone 020 7639 0431.
