Willow Dene School Nursery Review

Communication, curiosity and emotional development give Willow Dene’s early years provision its character. Toucan Specialist Provision for 2 Year Olds sits within this special school in Plumstead, offering an early starting point for children with additional needs. The focus is on the individual child rather than a uniform pace of development.

Ofsted rated early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 2 and 3 November 2022. Teaching drew on each child’s initial understanding, while resources encouraged exploration and sustained attention. That combination matters here: learning starts with what a child can already do, then builds towards the next achievable step.

Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), communication is a practical priority. In November 2022, children were extending their vocabulary and developing their ability to communicate. Activities were planned around individual starting points, giving children a route into learning suited to their development. Resources prompted curiosity and helped children stay engaged for longer.

Music adds another way to participate. Every child in EYFS receives at least one term of music therapy, either individually or with a group. The service aims to support expression and communication through music tailored to children’s strengths and difficulties. This gives children another means of responding, interacting and expressing themselves.

Across Willow Dene, personalised learning can include visual prompts, adapted timetables and specialist equipment. The school building was designed around physical and sensory needs, with accessible spaces supporting participation. These are practical features for children whose access to learning depends on how an activity and its surroundings are arranged.

Progress is tracked through Learning Journeys, Willow Dene’s assessment system. It considers individual starting points alongside wellbeing factors such as sleep, pain and sensory processing. Photos, observations and video help record progress, so small changes in engagement and understanding can contribute to the picture of a child’s learning.

Emotional development received close attention in early years in November 2022. Adults recognised the needs of very young children and used their knowledge of each child to shape teaching. The emphasis gives emotional readiness a place alongside communication and concentration.

Contact with home has concrete channels. Early years children have a home-school contact book, and the EfL Family app lets families and class teams exchange messages, videos and photographs. Parents’ evenings include discussion of settling into class and examples of learning, helping families understand the approaches their child uses.

Feeding needs have specialist support within the school. Speech and language therapists assess children with complex feeding difficulties and develop care plans. Occupational therapy can support dressing, seating, toileting and using cutlery, linking care with everyday independence.

Family support extends beyond the classroom through home visits, help with referrals and assistance with forms. The weekly Speakeasy coffee morning gives parents an opportunity to exchange experiences and ask questions about services.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must arrange Reception separately through the appropriate admissions process. Willow Dene’s placements are considered by the local authority’s SEND panels following referral through its SEND Assessment & Review department.

Transition support is a separate matter. Across the school, children can meet new adults and visit their next classroom where needed. Additional visits, photographs and social stories can help make a change more familiar.

For enquiries, contact Willow Dene on 020 8854 9841 or email willowdene@compassps.uk. Visits can be arranged by appointment through the administration office. A visit provides an opportunity to share information about a child’s needs and discuss how the specialist setting would fit them.