Reggio Emilia-inspired Nursery

Below you will find information about our nursery, what the Reggio Emilia approach will mean for your child, how to apply for a place as well as how to check if you are eligible for help with nursery fees.

Our Nursery is based at St. James’ Church of England Primary School at Old Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4SU.

We have one part-time nursery class (15 hours) and one full-time nursery class (30 hours). 

Our session times are: 

Part-time Nursery Klee 09:00-15:30 Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday.

Full-time Nursery Thomas 09:00-15:30 Monday to Friday 

Typical Sessions:

The sessions consist of fully supportive free play and adult led activities.  The children are encouraged to choose activities independently.  The children have access to outside play during each session.

The aim of the Staff and Nursery is to:

• Provide a happy and caring environment in which each child is valued as an individual.
• Provide a safe and stimulating environment with quality care and education.
• Take into account the needs of each individual child arising from ability, language, race, culture and religion.

We have strong ties with St James’ C of E School but attending Nursery does not guarantee your child a place at the school.

We recognise all children develop at different rates and aim to give equal opportunities to all by providing a full and varied range of activities within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

The foundation stage covers the ages 0-5 years and covers seven areas of learning. 

These stages are:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Designs

Special Needs

We support children with special needs by working in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals.

Each child is able to progress at their own pace in all areas of development.

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

We have adopted elements of the Reggio Emilia approach to early education. We take inspiration from the approach and implement them within our everyday practice. The approach was the brainchild of an extraordinary teacher called, Loris Malaguzzi.  Malaguzzi began his career as a teacher in the 1940’s,he dedicated his life to the education of children. Some of the key elements to the approach are that the children's learning is based on their interests; that teachers and parents are co-learners in the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. Teachers focus on the many ways children learn and the belief that children use many ways to show their understanding and express their thoughts and creativity.

Each child will be given a home-school book and a reading folder. You will receive a weekly newsletter with a brief summary of what the children have been doing during the week, as well as some photos of their activities. You can also follow the nursery's Instagram feed which celebrates the children's work.

We currently have spaces in both part-time and full-time nursery. We take children from 3 and 4 years of age. If you are interested in a place for your child please complete the nursery enquiry form on our Home page.

We are able to offer your child 15 hours of child care free each week from the term after they become 3 years old. Some parents may be entitled to a 30 hour code to help with child care costs.

You may be entitled to some support with nursery fees. The link below will take you to Southwark's free early entitlement page. Here you can check to see if you can receive any help with your child care costs. https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/free-early-education-entitlement

Government information about the 30 hour code entitlement is provided here:
https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare