Balham Nursery School
and Children’s Centre
We produce a School Brochure annually which includes details about us, what we do and guidance for parents about how we operate. You will be provided with a copy of this in your Welcome Pack when your child joins Balham Nursery School. Please contact the nursery if you would like a copy.
Some Frequently Asked Questions are detailed below. If you have a question that is not answered here please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Children usually start with us in the September following their 3rd birthday. In the event that we have any vacancies, we may be able to offer a place at the start of the term after your child has turned 3 years old, i.e. in January and April. We do also offer 15 hours of education for “early entry” places for children to start attending during the term they will be 3. There is a charge for these places but these would only be due for the one term, after which the free universal 15 hours of education would apply.
We also have places for 2 year olds who are eligible for Early Education and Childcare funding. If you require any further information abut our offers please contact the school office on admin@balham-nursery.wandsworth.sch.uk or call 020 8673 4055 and we will be happy to help.
It really helps if children wear comfortable clothes with simple fastenings and that you don’t mind getting dirty. They will need to be able to learn to go to the toilet independently as well as rolling/pushing up sleeves for messy play and hand washing. This makes it easier for them to learn, by getting lots of practice in doing things for themselves. For those occasions when a child doesn’t quite get to the toilet in time, a change of clothing in a named carrier bag is really useful.
As children play indoors and out they need shoes less likely to result in a trip, so no open toe sandals, sling back heels or crocs in summer please. Warm coats or jackets are necessary in winter. Please bring a pair of indoor shoes to change into if a child is wearing wellingtons. In the summer, please apply sunscreen before bringing your child to school and help him/her choose loose, comfy clothing and a sun hat.
Marking clothes and shoes is essential as so many wear the same size and make.
Every child is unique, but all children are treated with the same personal care and attention to help them settle quickly. Some children settle in straight away, others take a few days and very few can take longer. It’s reassuring that all children we care for have settled happily with us and continue to greet staff with smiles and hugs as they come in the door.
Settling at nursery is often more worrying for parents than children, so we aim to make your experience just as stress-free by giving you lots of opportunity to play with your child in nursery and ask lots of questions before you leave them with us.
The short answer is - as often as they like. All our classes have doors leading to the large garden area. We work on a free-flow basis, so children can chose where they want to be and what they want to do. We actively encourage use of the outdoor space, whatever the weather. The garden is staffed at all times.
Keeping children safe relies on a safe premises, safe people and safe policies and practices. There will always be a designated safeguarding lead in the nursery with a high level of expertise in safeguarding and child protection. All staff are trained and are very aware of their duty to promote children’s welfare. We have do a daily tour of the whole nursery to ensure that the inside and outside areas are safe. We have fully qualified First Aiders across the nursery and other staff have received Paediatric First Aid training.
School policies for more information.
We have a staggered entry period at the beginning of the school year each Sepember. This helps the staff to settle the children and give them more individual attention. Some children settle very quickly but others take longer.
We encourage parents to stay with their children until they become used to the new routine and the different grown ups in their lives. As the children begin to feel secure enough to become involved in play, parents are able to go to our Family Room to have coffee/tea, read, or chat with other parents.
As soon it has been agreed between the parents and the key person that the child is fully settled, parents can leave shortly after the session starts.
There is class or base- Front Class. This is where the children are welcomed and registered at the beginning of their session. The School Reception is located on the ground floor (you will usually be greeted by the lovely Hollie, our Senior Administration Officer and sometimes Bryanna, our Executive Schools Business Leader (she’s lovely too) - though she works across the Federation Schools. There is a Family Room on the first floor and also the Deputy Headteacher’s office. Our SENDCo can also be found on the first floor main office.
Each base is staffed by a team which consists of a number members of staff . We have an excellent, knowledgeable and experienced Early Years Lead Teacher. An exceptional Team Leader who has many years experience of working in early years, highly qualified Nursery Nurses, experienced Teaching Assistants, most of whom have knowledge of supporting children with additional needs and/or SEND. Each child will have a key person who will be your first point of contact on a day to day basis. They will report on your child’s progress , support you and work with you to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child. We are wholly inclusive and hear you and your child’s voice.
Yes - currently we offer 20 places for those children who are eligible for the additional 15 hours, i.e. 30 hours of free early years education. You will need to register on the HMRC website in order to confirm eligibility and receive the DERN code and then complete our online application form. More detailed information is available at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Yes - we offer 12 places for children who meet the criteria for an Early Education place. Please apply online at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/2yo to obtain your voucher code and then complete our online application form.
Children attending our morning sessions start at 9.00am and finish at 11.20am. Children attending in the afternoons start at 12.45pm and finish at 3.00pm. All children attend for at least one full day 9.00am - 3.00pm. The full day is an opportunity for your child to have our freshly prepared lunch with us.
All our lunches are freshly cooked daily onsite by our Chef, Marina. We provide a family service lunch where an adult sits at each table with the children and we all eat a school dinner. Parents often tell us their child(ren) eats better at the nursery than at home! Lunch currently costs £3.00 per meal and there is always a vegetarian option.
A healthy snack is provided in the morning and in the afternoon. This consists of fruit and an oat cake/rice cake and access to milk and water. To promote independence we encourage children to recognise when they are hungry or thirsty and to come to the snack table when they are ready. As a number of children in the school have food allergies/intolerances, we ask that you please do not pack a snack in your child’s bag.
