Quest Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, rhyme and listening give Discovery Class its character. Quest Primary School’s nursery in South Croydon has an Early Years Educator, with an Assistant Principal responsible for EYFS and Key Stage 1. It sits within the primary school, giving families access to school-wide support as well as nursery learning.

Children can begin from the term following their third birthday. At the inspection on 28 February and 1 March 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good.

Reading starts with listening and talking. Nursery children follow Read Write Inc, beginning with rhyme, alliteration and listening skills, then practising how to join spoken sounds together and separate them. These are practical foundations for reading: children work with the sounds they hear before tackling written words.

Books bring more than phonics. Adults share poetry, stories and factual books, choosing material connected with children’s interests or their learning. Regular storytelling includes Book Club, with opportunities to discuss and interpret what children hear. In February and March 2023, adults in early years used carefully modelled language and purposeful conversations to develop children’s vocabulary. That makes talk part of teaching rather than simply an accompaniment to activities.

Imaginative play also has a place. In March 2024, nursery children explored space through stories, creative play and spacesuit dressing up. It is a concrete example of a topic becoming something children can act out and investigate. Physical learning across EYFS develops coordination through both larger movements and finer movements. Together, these activities show early learning extending beyond books to movement, language and exploration.

For children with SEND, preparation can begin before nursery starts. The SENDCO or early years staff contact the previous setting to understand the child’s needs and existing support. More significant needs may require formal transition meetings and detailed arrangements; early years staff also undertake home visits. This gives the team information to plan support before a child joins.

Parents have a clear route for concerns: speak first with the class teacher, then the SENDCO if concerns continue. Personal SEND Support Plans consider strengths alongside difficulties, and parents are invited to review them at least three times a year. Outside-agency referrals require parental consent. Support therefore includes family involvement in decisions as well as classroom adjustments.

Medical needs can be addressed through an individual Health Care Plan developed with the Health Service and parents. Across the school, ramps, wide doorways and two adapted toilets provide concrete access features. These arrangements matter for families considering how their child will participate in school life.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application using the Common Application Form administered by Croydon Local Authority or their home borough. The deadline falls in January; the local authority sends the offer directly to the family. Treat this as a separate application, even if your child is already settled in nursery.

For children with SEND, moving between classes involves staff sharing information with the receiving teacher. Where appropriate, children can meet the new teacher and visit the classroom; extra visits or a Social Story may also be used. These are practical ways to prepare for a change of class, separate from the allocation of a place.

Nursery applications are accepted throughout the year. Enquiries go to the school on 020 8657 4722, and families can arrange a visit through the office. The school is on Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 8HD.

For public transport, Gravel Hill Tram Stop provides an approach via Conker Alley. This gives families a specific route to consider when planning the journey.