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 Sherwood Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Seeds to grow, objects to investigate and a Learning Garden give Sherwood Park’s nursery a practical flavour. This is the school’s own provision for children aged 3 to 4, with 26 places and attendance during term time. Children can join from the term following their third birthday and remain until they begin full-time schooling.
The nursery aims to develop curiosity through play, with discovery and investigation alongside learning to share and value differences. An EYFS lead oversees the early years. The emphasis is on preparing children for their next stage through persistence, problem solving and willingness to try.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides children’s development here. In parent terms, learning brings together exploring the world, communicating, moving, creating and managing relationships. Children’s development is tracked against this framework, rather than treating play as time apart from learning.
Practical science gives that approach substance. Children grow plants from seed and care for them, observing what changes. The Learning Garden and Forest School provide opportunities to explore living things outdoors. Indoors, an Investigation Station and Curiosity Cube use objects and pictures to prompt exploration and questions. These give children something concrete to examine and talk about.
Personal, social and emotional learning receives emphasis during the autumn term. Stories, adult examples and circle time help children build friendships, handle feelings and look after personal needs. The purpose is to establish the social foundations children need to take part in other learning.
Music also forms part of early years learning, with songs, instruments and headphones available for independent exploration. Art activities let children experiment with materials and explain their creations. At the June 2023 inspection, early years teaching supported children’s language development and understanding of number through carefully planned approaches.
Additional needs are identified from the beginning of Nursery. In June 2023, leaders recognised these needs promptly and equipped staff with information to adapt learning. For families, that places attention to support at the start of the nursery experience.
Parents can raise learning concerns with their child’s teacher, with the SENCO providing a further contact. The school uses an assess, plan, do and review cycle for SEND support, making review part of the process rather than a single decision.
Children who join while wearing nappies can attend; parents supply both nappies and wipes. That is a useful practical arrangement for families whose child is still developing toileting independence.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. For September 2027 entry, applications are handled by Bexley’s admissions team and close on 15 January 2027.
For the September 2026 intake, the oversubscription criteria did not include nursery attendance. That position belongs to that admissions cycle. Keep the Reception application separate from the decision to choose this nursery: familiarity with the school is not an allocation of a place.
For 2026–2027, the full-time pattern is 8.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, providing 30 hours. An optional paid extension runs until 3.15pm. The 15-hour pattern means five mornings, 8.30am to 11.30am, or five afternoons, 12.15pm to 3.15pm. These are fixed daily patterns, so families should match them to their working week.
Full-time places are limited, and applicants seeking 30 hours receive priority up to that limit. Eligible working parents may qualify for the additional funded hours; families using the 15-hour entitlement can pay for extra hours. Contact the school for current charges. Forest School and access to facilities such as the music room and iPads carry no additional charge.
Nursery applications use the school’s own form, obtained from the office. Tours can be arranged by calling 0208 303 6300 or emailing admin@sherwood.bexley.sch.uk. Nursery uniform consists of a logo green tracksuit, trainers and a white polo shirt.
Children can join from the term after they turn 3. The provision serves children aged 3 to 4 until they begin full-time schooling.
For 2026–2027, full-time attendance runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, with an optional paid extension until 3.15pm. Part-time attendance consists of five mornings, 8.30am to 11.30am, or five afternoons, 12.15pm to 3.15pm.
No. A separate Reception application is required. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027 and Bexley’s admissions team processes applications.
Yes. Parents must provide nappies and baby wipes.
Contact the school office on 0208 303 6300 or admin@sherwood.bexley.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
