Acorns Nursery at Hamsey Green Primary

Whole-day attendance or a morning or afternoon session: Acorns Nursery gives families three ways to shape their child's time at Hamsey Green Primary. It opened in September 2020 on the school's lower site in Warlingham. The provision includes children aged two, making this an early introduction to education within a primary school setting.

Acorns belongs to the school, with its SEND arrangements covering the nursery too. That gives families a school team to involve when a child's development needs closer attention, alongside the nursery's early education and social time.

Stories, rhymes and children's own attempts at writing give language learning a concrete starting point. At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that early-years children, including two-year-olds, enjoyed these activities, with staff extending their vocabulary through them. The emphasis is on using language, with children's responses to stories becoming opportunities to learn new words.

Number learning is practical too. In June 2025, early-years children sorted objects into groups, counted them and discussed sets containing equal amounts. They used mathematical language with increasing confidence. For parents, this gives a useful picture of early learning: handling objects and talking about quantities, alongside listening to stories and making their own marks.

Additional needs are addressed through a cycle of assessment, planning, putting support into practice and reviewing its effect. Teachers and the SEND coordinator agree adjustments with parents, including the outcomes they are working towards and a review date. Support can change as a child's needs change.

Communication continues through meetings in person, phone calls and email when SEND support is ongoing. Parents can contribute their concerns and observations, so decisions draw on what happens at home as well as in the setting. Where necessary, the school involves outside specialists, including speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

Physical access is part of the arrangements: buildings have access ramps, and there is one wheelchair-accessible toilet for children and adults. Families seeking a place for a child with mobility difficulties are advised to approach the school well ahead of entry, allowing time to discuss adjustments.

Attending Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local-authority route and meet the normal deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the school-place decision as separate commitments.

Familiarity is built through contact with the next teaching team. Reception teachers spend afternoons at Acorns, learning about the children and approaches that can help their transition. Stay-and-play sessions let children and parents meet the new teacher and become familiar with the classroom. Staff also exchange information at transition meetings; where needed, children can take social stories home for the summer. These are practical preparations for change, separate from admission.

Whole-day, morning and afternoon sessions are available. For enquiries, contact the school office on 01883 622000 or email Office@HamseyTLT.co.uk. Families can also request a printed nursery prospectus by email.