We asked our EYFS parents some questions...

As a parent/carer of a child in either Nursery and/or Reception, what would you want to tell a prospective parent/carer about the Early Years teaching and learning provision offered at Downsview?

"The quality of teaching is very good. Our son has learnt a lot during his year in Reception. And most importantly, he is very happy to go to school, he enjoys the atmosphere."

"Both of my children attended Downsview Nursery and went on to reception. They had both been to different childcare providers previously, but the difference at Downsview was a very gentle but hugely noticeable emphasis on learning. From day 1 they were introduced to letters and numbers, colours and shapes. The focus is on learning through play and, as a parent, you can see how this instils a love of learning. I was amazed when my 3-year-old came home writing her name and recognising numbers 1–9 accurately. It has given her such a strong foundation for reception and formal learning. It's a privilege to have a fully qualified teacher leading the team."

"I highly recommend Downsview. The structure and their ethos are amazing. The children have a wide variety of learning resources which are always fun for them. The staff are amazing with the children and the school has so much to offer."

"The children seem to settle in very well, and it's a nurturing learning environment."

"Downsview Nursery has provided a structured day within a loving and nurturing environment. The nursery is very closely aligned with the school and this place has ENERGY! It’s an uplifting place from the moment we walk through the school gate. My son has quickly improved his social and educational skills, and his confidence is sky-high!"

"We are incredibly pleased that we chose Downsview for our child. She has settled well, loves her teachers and has made a lovely group of friends. She is thriving at Downsview, and is boosted by the encouragement that is given to all children – effort is rewarded daily, and the children are taught to celebrate their own successes as well as those of their friends, however big or small. The enthusiasm, friendliness and kindness of the teachers are seen across the school from the headteacher through to the support team. The grounds and facilities are also fantastic – a huge grass playing field and playground, set back from the road – not seen within many London schools! I can't recommend Downsview enough."

"Downsview is a nurturing but stimulating school for children. Our son has thrived, becoming a confident reader and loving every day at school. The teachers get to know each child’s needs and help them to be happy at school, learning in innovative and exciting ways."

"It’s such a lovely school with an emphasis on the importance of kindness without neglecting the curriculum."

As a parent/carer of a child in either Nursery and/or Reception, what would you want to tell a prospective parent/carer about the opportunities we have on offer beyond the classroom, at Downsview?

"Beyond the classroom, the breakfast and after-school clubs are very convenient for families and our son is happy there. He had the opportunity to take part in a Forest school during the afterschool club, and it was a very positive experience."

"Sending my kids to Downsview Nursery meant that they were really well-prepared for the transition to reception to the extent that my child didn't seem to notice she had moved into school! The nursery is really focused on learning, but the staff is also acutely aware that the children are so young and their approach is just right for the children and doesn't feel like a huge leap from a private nursery/childminder."

"Forget school. New adventure playground. Loads of extra curriculum activities on the list is endless. Oh, and don't forget our school dog Joey."

"There is a thriving school community organising lots of other activities, and that gives the school a special feel."

"Even though the after-school provision and clubs aren’t available for nursery children, there is always something happening at Downsview for everyone to get involved in. School fairs, the circus, ice cream sales in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter, lots of fundraising events and fun times."

"There are some great opportunities for children, with very reasonably priced after-school clubs. My daughter has been to the maths club and yoga club and enjoyed both. There are also wonderful events – how many other schools can say that they have had a circus on their playing field?!"

"Downsview has amazing outdoor space, a huge playing field and forest school and newly updated gym and playground equipment. Extracurricular activities are varied and of amazing value! Not forgetting Joey, the school dog, who the children love!"

"They have a Forest School which my daughter loved. They organise fun trips, arrange to have authors visit, etc…"

"The school grounds are an open, happy place. The playground itself is fairly large, as is the adventure playground, which is a huge hit after school, and the new infant playground. The school is constantly holding fun activities with the children, such as the circus. The school also has an amazing range of after-school activities."

Any other comments?

"Downsview School is a hidden gem. The staff is absolutely amazing. The premises are outstanding. The school dog is lush. All round an amazing school. Xx loads of love in this place. ❤"

"This is an environment that a private nursery can’t replicate…where the youngest children can learn from the older children and become school-ready amongst a wonderfully friendly and uplifting community! The outdoor space is great and everyone enjoys the large playing fields, forest school, play, and gym equipment! It feels safe and secure as well as fun! The nursery staff team are kind, caring, experienced, and fun…encouraging the children to play, get messy, read, write and learn through experiences. Downsview is values-driven, encouraging each and every child to love and respect each other and become resilient and active members of our community. My little boy in the nursery was talking to us about trust just this week, which was part of a nursery session."

"The leadership of Ms Pugh is fantastic. She is relentlessly enthusiastic, from welcoming the students to school with a smile, hi five and Joey the dog every morning to dancing around the assembly hall with the children every Friday! We are very grateful to her and the other teachers for their ongoing hard work and efforts to help every child love going to school and to thrive in their education."

"Very good nursery school and my son is in Reception. He loves this place.  I also applied for a nursery place for my daughter, but she is now on the waiting list. I hope she gets a place at Downsview Nursery. I really love this nursery and school... It is the best place for my kids!"

"Downsview is a welcoming and friendly school, providing children with the opportunities to thrive and enjoy every day at school. I’d recommend it to everyone!"

"We are really happy with Downsview. It is such a lovely school and has a real community feel. There is a good amount of outside space for a London school. Only good things to say about Downsview and the teachers we have had."

"My children love the school, the staff are amazing, the atmosphere is contagious and, overall, a very great environment."