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Nursery at Babington House School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodwork, Bush Craft and early sound games give Babington House’s nursery a practical character. Children have opportunities to work with tools, explore outdoors and experiment with language, alongside the play that shapes their early learning.
This is the nursery within an independent school on Grange Drive, Chislehurst. Children can start from their third birthday, and the June 2026 admissions policy gives a capacity of 40 nursery places. The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years section, with a refurbished setting within its grounds. Qualified teachers and teaching assistants lead nursery classes, bringing a teaching structure to these first school experiences.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent terms, this combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Exploring ideas and persisting with a task are part of the approach, rather than simply finishing an activity.
Little Wandle Foundations in Phonics gives early language work a named structure. Adult-led games involve rhyme, identifying starting sounds and hearing how familiar words can be broken apart and put together orally. Activities are adapted to each child’s development. The emphasis is on listening and speaking before formal reading.
Weekly PE adds organised movement. French and Spanish introduce vocabulary through practical activities and songs, while Bush Craft takes learning into woodland and outdoor surroundings. Woodwork brings a different kind of concentration: children practise drilling, using screws, hammering nails and sawing. These tasks give physical coordination and problem solving a practical purpose. At the November 2023 inspection, children had access to outside play areas for physical activity.
At the ISI inspection of 7–9 November 2023, early-years staff matched learning to individual needs, and children progressed well towards their early learning goals. Children shared equipment, worked together and practised waiting for a turn. Independence was another strength of the early-years work, making the curriculum about managing oneself as well as acquiring skills.
A key person gives each child a familiar adult connection. In November 2023, this arrangement, supported by colleagues who also knew the children, helped them feel settled and secure. Adults encouraged considerate behaviour and listening to other people’s views. Early-years classroom adults also followed a rule against using mobile phones at school.
Free settling-in sessions allow children to become familiar with the nursery before starting. An EYFS parent meeting provides information to help families establish the school routine. Discuss toileting support during the admissions process so that staff can consider the child’s individual needs.
Lunch is included with morning attendance and full days. Afternoon attendance excludes it, but Lunch Club can be added. That distinction matters when planning whether a child will eat at school before an afternoon session.
For SEND concerns, parents can begin with the class teacher or contact the SENDCO team. The school uses an Assess, Plan, Do and Review process, involving parents in support decisions. Early Years staff attend paediatric first-aid and EpiPen training. Medical care plans are developed by the school nurse with parents and relevant professionals, connecting daily care with the child’s health needs.
Nursery attendance does not provide an unconditional guarantee of a Reception place. Under the June 2026 admissions policy, nursery children normally move into Reception when parents confirm and the school decides, after considering the individual child, that it can continue meeting their needs. Reasonable adjustments are considered where needed.
This is an internal transfer arrangement through the school. Families should confirm acceptance with the admissions team; progression remains subject to those conditions. Separately, the school plans a meeting with the new teacher and a June induction day before Reception starts. Those activities support familiarity with the next classroom and adults.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 12:15, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and full days from 08:30 to 15:15. Children normally attend at least three sessions each week, with the fees page allowing up to ten. Eligible nursery children can use the 15-hour funded entitlement, which the current fees page applies to afternoons only. Funded afternoons carry a sundry charge; ask the school for current charges.
The 2025/2026 fee schedule described sundries as optional consumables and extras, including wipes, nappies and snacks, and allowed parents to supply their own consumables. Check the current terms before booking.
School PE kit is recommended for nursery play, including a navy sweatshirt and jogging trousers, with a spare clothing change in the shoe bag. OZ Schoolwear supplies the uniform. Enquiries and private tours can be arranged through the admissions team or the school’s contact form.
Children can join from their third birthday or in a later term, subject to a place being available.
Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance are offered. Children normally attend at least three sessions weekly, and the fees page permits up to ten.
The school accepts the 15-hour entitlement for eligible nursery children. Its current fees page restricts funded hours to afternoon sessions and lists a sundry charge.
There is no unconditional guarantee. The June 2026 policy provides for normal transfer with parental confirmation, subject to the school deciding that it can continue meeting the individual child’s needs, considering reasonable adjustments where required.
Morning sessions and full days include lunch. Afternoon sessions exclude lunch, with Lunch Club available as an addition.
