John Locke Academy Nursery Review

Weekly welly walks take early learning beyond the classroom at John Locke Academy, with a playing field and allotment to explore. The nursery also has a large classroom built for its use and its own outdoor space. There is room for learning to move between indoors and outside.

Nursery forms part of the academy’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For the September 2026 intake, children needed to have reached their third birthday by September. The 2026/27 provision comprises 45 morning places and 45 afternoon places, including 30 full-time places. Families can therefore choose between a shorter session and a full nursery day, subject to allocation.

Play and teaching share the day. Children have time to pursue activities they choose, alongside sessions directed by adults and teaching in small groups. A fresh theme each half term brings books, songs, rhymes and practical experiences together, while leaving scope for children’s interests to influence their learning. The theme gives activities a connection; children still have choices.

The EYFS combines early reading and mathematics with creativity and discovering the world. Its foundations are conversation, movement and learning to manage feelings and relationships. Here, adults encourage questions and discussion, help children practise movements large and small, and model ways to make friends and communicate feelings. Independence includes learning to manage personal care.

Learnasaurs give the approach a memorable identity. They introduce habits such as investigating, persisting when something proves difficult, and finding different ways to solve a problem. These are practical learning behaviours rather than simply tasks to finish. Outdoors, the weekly welly walks extend exploration to the field and allotment. Children keep wellies at school, making outdoor learning part of their nursery kit rather than an occasional extra.

Relationships are part of the early-years approach. Adults respond to children’s interests and individual needs, and parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child’s development and learning. That gives families a role in helping staff understand the child behind the activities.

Support for additional needs sits within the academy’s wider SEND provision. The school aims to adapt the learning environment, curriculum and support to children’s needs. Families can contact the SEND coordination team through info@johnlockeacademy.co.uk. This provides a direct route for discussing a child’s needs with the relevant team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at John Locke Academy. Parents must make a separate application to the local authority, including when their child already attends nursery or has a sibling at the school. Familiarity with the setting does not replace that application.

The normal Reception application route is through www.eadmissions.org.uk, with Hillingdon coordinating the process and the academy deciding offers against its admission criteria. Families must meet the deadline for their child’s intake. Keep this application separate from nursery arrangements when planning the next stage.

Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am; the afternoon session starts at 12.20pm and finishes at 3.20pm. Full-time attendance runs from 8.40am until 3.20pm. These are distinct patterns, so the choice affects both the length of the child’s day and family collection arrangements.

There is no nursery uniform requirement. Easily washable, loose clothes are recommended, along with trainers and wellies kept at school. Practical clothing fits a day that includes movement and outdoor exploration.

For nursery applications, contact the main office for a form. Admissions enquiries go to admission@johnlockeacademy.co.uk or 01895 590110. The academy is on Bader Way in St. Andrew’s Park, Uxbridge, UB10 0FW.