Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Outdoor learning in all weathers and a choice between mornings and longer days give Bedonwell’s nursery its practical character. It sits within Bedonwell Infant and Nursery School on Bedonwell Road in Belvedere, at the start of the school’s education from age three. Families can choose 15-hour provision or a longer pattern linked to their funding entitlement.

At the inspection on 22 and 23 November 2023, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children made a strong start to learning, although opportunities to practise small-muscle skills needed attention.

A morning runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the full-day option finishes at 3.30pm. The difference matters for family routines: children staying for the full day need a packed lunch, while the morning pattern provides a shorter session.

Outside learning and play areas are used whatever the weather, so a suitable coat belongs in the daily kit. Outdoor time is part of the early years learning environment, rather than something reserved for sunny days. A named old shirt or painting apron is also requested for art activities.

Perseverance has an explicit place in early learning. In November 2023, children were taught to keep trying when tasks became difficult. However, some activities developing small-muscle control offered too little practice. For parents, the useful distinction is between introducing an activity and giving children enough time to repeat it.

Lunch is a family responsibility for children attending from 8.30am to 3.30pm: send a packed lunch. Nuts and foods containing nuts should be excluded. Nursery preparation also includes helping children manage dressing and toileting, and practise using cutlery, making everyday independence part of getting ready.

The school encourages families to share books, talk about pictures and learn songs and nursery rhymes together. Board games are suggested for counting, taking turns and handling feelings about winning or losing. These are concrete ways to connect home routines with preparation for nursery.

Safeguarding arrangements include staff training, procedures for responding to concerns and designated safeguarding leads. Parents seeking support for their child can speak with the class teacher, SENCo or deputy headteacher to agree provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority route. Apply through your home local authority’s admissions team; Bexley residents can use Bexley’s admissions service or eAdmissions.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Keep the Reception application separate from decisions about nursery hours: choosing a longer nursery day does not secure the next school place.

The 15-hour option consists of morning sessions. Longer provision allows attendance of 28, 30 or 35 hours, depending on funding entitlement, with a top-up option to reach 35 hours including lunchtime supervision from Monday to Friday. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery clothing guidance encourages pale blue and grey, including joggers; trainers are permitted in nursery. Label clothing and bring suitable outdoor wear. For nursery enquiries, contact the infant and nursery office on 020 8310 4161 or infantadmin@bedonwell.lseat.org.uk.