Atwood Primary School Nursery

Kindness, independence and learning to understand feelings give Atwood’s early years a clear character. In November 2023, adults helped children recognise their emotions and consider the effect of their behaviour on others. For a young child, that makes learning to live alongside classmates part of the educational work.

The nursery belongs to Atwood Primary School on Limpsfield Road in Sanderstead, within the Pegasus Academy Trust. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework, with seven areas of learning and development. Pegasus uses this framework as a starting point for planning around children’s needs. The practical implication is that learning challenges and support should take account of the child, rather than treating everyone’s starting point as identical.

Mathematics is taught daily across the Trust using the EYFS curriculum for younger children. Books have a place too: children have access to reading materials, giving them opportunities to become familiar with texts alongside their mathematical learning.

For children needing adaptations, teaching can use sensory experiences, practical activities and help with language or communication. These are concrete ways of making participation possible. The Trust’s approach also includes helping children manage feelings and take part safely, connecting their social development with their learning.

Getting to know children is an important part of care here. In November 2023, adults’ understanding of children’s individual needs, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), enabled support to be matched to them from the early years.

Within Pegasus, the class teacher and Inclusion Manager monitor concerns together, involving parents early. A Pupil Passport records additional support for a child who needs it. Parents help develop the plan, and reviews usually take place each term, giving families a recurring opportunity to discuss targets and the support being used.

Food allergies need advance discussion. Across the Trust, catering arrangements can usually accommodate dietary needs with sufficient notice, although choices may be reduced; some families may prefer a packed lunch for a child with a specific, potentially dangerous intolerance. Agreeing a suitable meal arrangement matters more than assuming every option will suit every child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate application through Croydon Council’s e-admissions process by the normal closing date. There is no automatic transfer.

For entry in 2027-28, children attending the nursery must meet the school’s admission criteria alongside other applicants. Familiarity with Atwood therefore needs to be kept separate from the decision about a school place. School office staff can help families complete the application process, but cannot influence allocation.

Contact Atwood’s office on 020 8657 7374 or email atwadmin@pegasusacademytrust.org for nursery enquiries. Pegasus uses Studybugs for parent communication and reporting absence, so families have a shared channel for these routine messages.

Meal funding. In 2025-26, the London primary meal funding arrangement described by Pegasus excluded nursery children. That exclusion matters when planning childcare costs. Contact the school for current charges; services requiring payment use Magic Booking.