Cheam Common Infants' Academy Nursery

Mud-kitchen potions, forest-school creatures and stories give this nursery its character. Ducklings and Cygnets are the nursery groups at Cheam Common Infants' Academy on Balmoral Road, Worcester Park, with full-time provision and shorter Cygnets sessions. Outdoor exploration sits alongside shared songs and number activities, giving children both room to follow an interest and time to learn together.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice starts the learning day. Children select activities such as construction, art or pretend play, while storytelling gives their ideas another outlet. Group time brings everyone together for songs, stories, sounds and number exploration. A final story and discussion of discoveries bring the day to a close. The rhythm moves between individual interests and shared activity.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for this early education. Planning uses the Characteristics of Effective Learning: exploring through play, remaining actively involved and developing independent thinking. In parent terms, the emphasis includes how children approach an activity, as well as what they learn from it. Jigsaw adds personal and social learning, with themes including Healthy Me and Celebrating Differences. These give feelings, relationships and everyday choices a place in the curriculum.

Indoors, children build, make art and develop imaginary stories. Outside, the mud kitchen provides material for experimental play, while forest school gives them creatures to observe. The nursery's outdoor space supports running, digging, balancing and construction in wet weather as well as dry. Physical activity and investigation are part of the day.

The May 2026 early years findings give this activity a clear educational purpose: adults use new experiences to extend children's vocabulary, and children express themselves accurately and confidently. Play supplies something concrete to talk about.

Teachers help children organise their belongings at the start of the day. In May 2026, early years relationships were characterised by considerate care; children settled readily and felt secure enough to experiment in their play. Adults also recognised emerging additional needs promptly and provided support. For a child starting nursery, that combines reassurance with attention to individual development.

Snack time includes vegetables, fruit and milk. Children pour drinks themselves and help clear up afterwards, turning an everyday care routine into practice in independence and consideration for friends.

Across the school, teachers adapt learning for individual needs, and teaching assistants work under their direction. Possible adjustments include visual prompts, additional processing time and personalised workstations where needed. The wider support network can include an occupational therapist or speech and language therapist, depending on the child's needs and level of support. These are possible forms of help, rather than a fixed package for every nursery child. Parents can contact the SENDCo at cciinclusion@leoacademytrust.co.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet the deadline for their intake. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing nursery sessions, so familiarity with the school does not become an assumption about admission.

Full-time Ducklings and Cygnets attend from 8.30am to 3.10pm. Cygnets mornings run from 8.30am to 11.30am, with afternoons from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. Nursery breakfast and after-school provision extend care beyond the standard day, which is aligned with school hours to help families coordinating siblings' drop-off and collection.

Children qualify for 15 funded hours each week from the term following their third birthday. Working parents with children aged three or four may qualify for another 15 hours. Eligible government childcare funding and childcare vouchers are accepted. Refer to the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a tour, contact the Admissions Team on 020 8337 4152 or cciadmissions@leoacademytrust.co.uk. Tours for the September 2027 intake run during the autumn term, with booking open. Bring the booking ticket, either on a phone or printed. Local parking is limited, so allow extra time for the journey.