The governing boards of Balham and Eastwood maintained nursery schools have federated, bringing together two of the three OFSTED “Outstanding” stand-alone nursery schools in Wandsworth.
Balham and Eastwood nursery schools continue to offer “Outstanding” provision for children aged between two and five at their sites in Balham and Roehampton, dedicated to the unique needs of children in their early years.
The third nursery in the borough, Somerset nursery school, has entered a ‘soft’ informal federation with the two other schools, collectively known as the Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools.
All three schools will be led by an Executive Head teacher, Emma Williams - formerly Headteacher at Balham school and who has been acting as Interim Executive Head for Balham and Eastwood since April 2019.Emma commented, “The reason for the move is to secure a stronger future for all three maintained nursery schools in the borough. A federation will help us preserve these centres of excellence for the under-fives and their families in Wandsworth.”
Balham nursery school is the oldest of the three state nursery schools in Wandsworth and was officially opened on the 23rd May 1935 by Lady Astor, the first woman to take her seat as an MP. The school building in Endlesham Road was bought by public subscription and amongst those who made donations were the late Queen Mary, the then Major and Mrs Clement Attlee and Lady Megan Lloyd George.
Eastwood nursery school in Roehampton is a resource base within Wandsworth for children with social communication disorders including autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), and for vulnerable two-year olds. There is also a day nursery providing full-day care provision.
Somerset nursery school is based in Battersea and provides nursery school education, early access for two-year olds, and children centre services.
Following a public consultation, which raised no objections and received overall positive feedback, the federation was effective from April 1, 2021. It also seeks to cultivate and share best practice across early years provision in Wandsworth and the wider Wandle hub community.
All three schools have places available for children aged between two and five starting in September. Applications should be made direct to the schools.
Enquiries regarding the Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools should be addressed to: Emma Williams, Executive Head Teacher, Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery School; Adam Ockelford, Co-Chair, Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery School, Eastwood Nursery School and Fiona Coombe, Co-Chair, Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery School, Balham Nursery School c/o admin@eastwood.wandsworth.sch.uk or admin@balham-nursery.wandsworth.sch.uk.
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