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Nursery at Knollmead 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhyme, rangoli patterns and gingerbread give Opal nursery its character: early learning takes practical, playful forms here. Knollmead Primary School’s nursery in Tolworth serves children aged 3–4, with up to 26 morning places. Afternoon capacity starts at 16 and may rise to 24, depending on demand. These are separate session capacities, rather than a single total.
Specialist support also has a physical place within the nursery. Diamond, an assessment resource for children with social communication difficulties including autism, sits within the mainstream nursery class. Its children join nursery activities and use Diamond Room for individual learning. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding on 11 and 12 February 2025; that judgement covers early years within the school.
An example morning moves between children’s own choices and adult teaching. Classroom play comes before registration and carpet time, followed by further periods of chosen activities and focused learning. A snack breaks up the morning, with tidying and a story before home time. The balance gives children opportunities to pursue an interest and to join a shared activity.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning links communication, physical and emotional development with early literacy, number, creativity and understanding the world. In February 2025, early years teaching combined challenge with support: children practised mathematical language and number skills while learning to cooperate, make friends and wait their turn. Social learning matters alongside counting.
Opal’s activities in December 2025 make that combination concrete. Children explored what makes two, practised rhymes and initial sounds, made rangoli patterns for Diwali and baked gingerbread. They also discussed safety around Bonfire Night. Within the specialist provision, TEACCH principles shape structured learning, supported by visual timetables, individual work stations and MAKATON. Those approaches belong to the provision, rather than describing every nursery child’s day.
A qualified teacher leads morning sessions; afternoon staffing comprises a qualified teacher and/or qualified Early Years Practitioners. This gives the two parts of the day a clearly defined staffing model.
For children in Diamond, specialist teaching works alongside speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Therapists are on site each week, and therapy plans become part of individual learning. A daily Home School Diary carries communication between home and the provision, while learning journeys are shared at parent evenings, annual reviews and termly at home. Families can contribute what their child does beyond the classroom.
Lunch offers a practical choice: children staying for the afternoon or Lunch Club bring a packed meal or have a purchased hot school lunch. For concerns about special educational needs, parents can speak with the class teacher; support plans are reviewed with families. That provides a direct starting point for discussing a child’s needs.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the 2026/27 admission criteria. Families must apply separately through their home local authority, online or using its Common Application Form. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026. That was a past admissions cycle, not a deadline for the next intake.
Shared experiences are a separate matter. Additional afternoon sessions take place in the Reception classroom, and nursery children joined Reception and older children for a nativity in December 2025. Such contact offers familiarity with other children and school spaces; it does not alter the application process.
The universal funded pattern is five morning sessions each week, totalling 15 hours. Funded learning and care runs over 38 weeks, with an additional 15 hours available to eligible families. Proof of eligibility is required before additional sessions begin, and eligibility must be renewed during the year. Self-funded afternoons are another option, subject to places.
Additional hours. Afternoon capacity may expand when demand is sufficient, but extra places may differ between days. Families relying on longer attendance should confirm their booked pattern and session times before arranging other childcare.
Contact the school office on 020 8337 3778 for nursery enquiries, or email the school to arrange a nursery tour. Ask the school for current charges for paid sessions and meals.
The nursery caters for children aged 3–4.
Afternoon sessions and Lunch Club are offered subject to availability. Additional afternoons can be government funded for eligible families or self-funded.
An example morning includes child-chosen play, carpet time, adult-led activities, a snack and a closing story.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026/27 criteria and does not guarantee a place. Families apply separately through their home local authority.
Yes. Children attending Lunch Club or staying for afternoon sessions can bring a packed lunch or have a purchased hot school lunch.
