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Nursery at Thornton Heath Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Big Climb, Tree Houses and a productive vegetable patch give Thornton Heath Nursery School a distinctly hands-on character. Children garden, climb and turn outdoor spaces into settings for imaginative play. There is plenty to get involved in.
This is a maintained nursery school for children aged two to four, provided by Croydon and run on its behalf by Pegasus Academy Trust. Children join Caterpillars, Bumble Bees, Butterflies or Ladybirds. These are nursery classes within a school devoted to this age group, rather than a primary school with a nursery room.
Child-led play sits alongside focused teaching. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, movement, relationships, books, numbers, the world and creative expression. Small-group activities usually happen twice in each session, often with the child's key person, giving children time to explore independently and time to work with an adult.
The garden is a working learning space. In March 2026, Ladybird Class planted beans against a window in clear bags, making the emerging roots visible, and grew tomatoes and sunflowers. By July 2026, children were harvesting turnips, runner beans and beetroot and making tickets for a Noodle Party. Growing and eating are connected to observation, talk and early writing.
Indoor play has similarly concrete starting points. Ladybird Class used farm animals for counting and sorting in February 2026, while the home corner became a farmer's market. Outdoors, a tunnel and tyres became a pretend fire engine in May 2026. Materials invite children to build their own ideas into play.
Ofsted's inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023 found that conversation, books and songs supported language development, but some activities lacked a clear learning purpose. Counting equipment could distract from the intended mathematical learning, and staff needed further expertise to make curriculum plans translate consistently into secure early learning. That is a meaningful caution alongside the appealing activities.
Each child has an allocated key person who builds a relationship with them and discusses development with parents. Families bring children into the nursery for the start of their session and collect them after the closing story. This creates a direct point of contact for questions and concerns.
The team includes eight Early Years Educators and four Teaching Assistants; both the head of nursery and lead teacher have Qualified Teacher Status. The head is also a qualified special educational needs coordinator. Staffing in the two-year-olds' room is at least one adult for every five children; for children aged three and over, it is typically at least one for every eight to ten.
In October 2023, children settled readily, with sensitive adult help when they needed reassurance. Printed symbols explained what would happen next, simple signing accompanied speech, and targeted small groups supported communication for children with SEND. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection.
Food includes packed lunches, with guidance given to families at admission. The nursery recognises that some children with SEND have restricted diets and works with parents over their lunch choices. Breakfast club includes breakfast. At the October 2023 inspection, children made bread and ate it together.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for Reception through the normal admissions process for their chosen primary school. Treat the next school place as a separate decision from the nursery day.
Older children take on caring roles towards younger children as they prepare to move to primary school. That gives them opportunities to practise responsibility within familiar surroundings.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:30 to 15:30, and full-time sessions from 09:30 to 15:30. An additional paid morning hour starts at 08:30. Early Birds breakfast care and Sunshine Club after-school care extend the options; after-school club runs from 15:30 to 18:00. Nursery term dates follow Pegasus Academy Trust.
The 15-hour funded entitlement starts in the term after a child's third birthday, or second birthday for eligible children. Eligible working families can access 30 hours, subject to place availability. Privately funded and mixed funded-and-charged places are also offered. Extended hours require booking and advance payment through Magic Booking; contact the school for current charges.
Attendance expectations. Children should attend their allocated sessions. Attendance below 95% can lead to withdrawal of a place after the nursery has worked with the family to improve it, so regular attendance matters when choosing a pattern.
Enquiries go to admin@thns.org or 020 8684 0494. Completed application forms can be returned by hand or email, followed by an admission appointment.
Children aged two to four can attend.
Morning sessions are 08:30 to 11:30, afternoon sessions 12:30 to 15:30, and full-time sessions 09:30 to 15:30.
There are 15-hour places and 30-hour places for eligible working families, subject to availability. Eligible two-year-olds can also use funded provision.
Your child's allocated key person is the main contact for development, questions and concerns.
No. You must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process for your chosen primary school.
