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Nursery at Newbridge 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory learning gives Newbridge’s early years provision its character. Children belong to the Lower School, which accommodates the Early Years Foundation Stage alongside younger school pupils. This is specialist provision for children with complex learning difficulties, sometimes accompanied by autism, sensory impairment, physical disability or medical needs.
Newbridge serves children from age two, although that is the school’s entry age rather than a separate nursery age band. The Lower School is at Gresham Drive.
The Lower School’s physical spaces give sensory learning concrete possibilities. Its sensory room includes projected images, lighting effects and a bubble machine, while the soft playroom has padded surfaces for exploration, movement and play. These facilities are at the Lower School.
Outside, accessible areas connect with classrooms. Grass and trees sit alongside bucket swings, trampolines and climbing equipment, creating different settings for physical exploration. The sensory garden adds a sand pit and water access, with plants intended to invite touching, smelling and close observation. There is plenty here to make sensory exploration a physical activity.
A hydrotherapy pool has access by automated hoist or railed steps, with accessible changing and hygiene facilities. The main hall also contains a trampoline for Rebound Therapy, delivered by trained staff or the mobility coordinator. These adaptations make accessibility part of the building’s design.
Astrum’s occupational therapy aims to help children participate more independently in everyday activities. Support can address handling toys and cutlery, dressing, toileting and seating needs. Movement breaks, messy play and sensory aids are among its approaches to regulation. Therapy can take place individually or within classroom activities, and the team works with parents and staff to help skills transfer between school and home.
Families also join the Parents and Friends Association automatically when their child attends Newbridge. Its online meetings take place four times a year, providing a connection with other families beyond the classroom.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes: families need to apply again through the normal route and meet the applicable deadline. Keep the next placement decision separate from the benefits of becoming familiar with school life.
For enquiries, telephone 020 8590 7272. The trust can also be contacted at admin@astrum-mat.org.
The 2026–2027 school calendar includes holiday breaks and staff training closures. For example, pupils are off for half term from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026; Friday 13 November 2026 is also a staff training day. These closures matter when planning family care arrangements around attendance.
It belongs to the Lower School at Gresham Drive, alongside the school’s younger pupils.
Accessible spaces connect to classrooms and include grass, trees, swings and climbing equipment. A sensory garden has a sand pit and water access.
Astrum’s occupational therapy can support everyday skills such as using cutlery, dressing and toileting. The team works with parents and staff to help children use skills at school and at home.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception, and families need to treat the Reception application as a separate process.
Call 020 8590 7272. For trust enquiries, email admin@astrum-mat.org.
