Norwood Green Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Forest School, percussion instruments and playdough tables give this nursery day a practical character. At Norwood Green Infant and Nursery School, children learn through play within the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) department, with access to shared outdoor resources and specialist support through the Centre for the Deaf.

The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds, with entry in September after a child's third birthday. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2025. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

Children's own choices sit alongside activities organised by adults. The EYFS brings together movement, relationships and language with early reading, maths, creative work and learning about the world. In everyday terms, children can investigate materials, make something, discuss their ideas and practise working with others.

Construction spaces, tables for playdough, cooking activities and models made from discarded materials give children things to test and change. Adults encourage them to explain their creations and how they assembled them. Maths also grows out of practical experience: water and sand play, building, finger games and noticing patterns in everyday routines. In April 2025, early years children regularly rehearsed basic number skills, while staff extended children's vocabulary and helped them become independent, cooperative learners.

Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised introduces Foundations for Phonics in Nursery. Music adds another kind of listening: early years children sing each day, explore percussion and have a weekly lesson with a specialist teacher, using games and songs to explore speed, rhythm and loudness.

Outdoor learning has a named approach too. Nursery children take part in Forest School, with activities continuing through changing seasons and weather. The programme begins in the familiar Reception outdoor space before progressing to the Forest area. Early years children can also use the dedicated Reception field area for large movements. These shared spaces make outdoor activity part of learning, rather than simply a break from it.

A snack punctuates both the morning and afternoon sessions. Children are offered fruit daily, with milk, water or both offered to drink. Families must tell staff about allergies and dietary requirements; juices and milkshakes should stay at home. The school prohibits nut products, so food brought onto the premises needs checking too.

Tapestry records nursery learning and lets parents see what their child has been doing. Class teachers can help families access their account. A drawstring bag containing spare clothing, underwear and socks supports the practical business of changing when needed.

For Deaf nursery children supported by the Centre for the Deaf, most learning takes place in their mainstream class with Centre staff support, supplemented by focused sessions in the Centre. Communication can combine speech, sign-supported English and British Sign Language according to the child's needs. The Centre contains two teaching rooms and a room for speech therapy, all with acoustic tiling. This gives specialist work a dedicated physical setting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions route. For September 2027 entry, the school directs families to Hounslow Primary School Admissions and gives 15 January 2027 as the deadline.

Preparation is a separate matter. The school's Starting Reception resource gives families a guide to practising everyday routines and physical skills at home. Familiarity with shared school spaces can support that preparation, but it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 15-hour entitlement is organised as five sessions of three hours each week. Working parents meeting the government's criteria can apply for up to 30 hours. Claims must be registered one term in advance. September starters must provide their eligibility codes to the school before the end of the summer term.

Nursery applications go directly to the school with identity and address documents. For enquiries, contact the office on 020 8574 1456 or office@norwoodgreen-inf.hounslow.sch.uk. School visits can be booked through the office, and there is a Nursery Tour video.

Uniform is optional. Nursery clothing options include grey or black tracksuit bottoms and a white polo shirt with the school jumper; non-branded clothing is accepted. Name clothing and bags clearly. Families with older children should drop off the nursery child first, and collect them before heading to the Junior school.