Farringtons School Nursery Review

Stories, shape work and craft-built skeletons give Farringtons’ youngest children concrete ways to learn through words, movement and making. This is the school’s Pre-Reception provision in Chislehurst, within its Prep School, rather than a separate nursery setting.

The entry age is changing. From September 2026, the early years provision welcomes children aged two and a half; a further extension to children aged two is planned for September 2027. For families choosing a starting point, that distinction matters: the younger intake belongs to the next stage of expansion.

Language and practical activity run together. ISI’s inspection of 11 to 13 November 2025 described early years teaching that develops vocabulary through conversations about people’s jobs, including paramedics, surgeons and midwives. Children use songs, rhymes and stories to explore language, making predictions about what could happen next. These are opportunities to practise expressing ideas, rather than simply listening to an adult.

Early reading includes planned phonics activities, while mathematics gives children opportunities to compare shapes. These early years foundation stage activities connect learning with things children can say, handle and recognise. The learning environment was well equipped and deliberately organised around the children’s curriculum in November 2025.

Making also serves a physical purpose. Cutting shapes, assembling a skeleton with craft materials and practising name writing develop control of hands and fingers alongside larger movements. Partner ball activities in PE add another dimension: children practise sharing and cooperating while working on physical skills. The November 2025 early years findings describe growing confidence both in using these skills and in interacting with adults and other children.

Adults’ interactions support both language and social development. In November 2025, early years staff recognised children’s achievements and helped them explain how their actions demonstrated the school’s values. That gives praise a concrete meaning, linking an achievement to something the child has actually done.

Parents receive updates about early years achievements through an online platform. This provides a connection between learning at school and conversations at home. Staff training also covers meeting the needs of early years children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, so inclusion extends to the youngest pupils.

For all-day Pre-Reception attendance, lunch is included. Premises oversight. Maintenance problems across the school site were corrected during the November 2025 inspection, and tighter oversight remained a recommended action. This is a school-wide concern relevant to families using its nursery provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application through Farringtons’ own admissions process: the school provides a distinct Reception registration form, and Reception applicants undertake an assessment or taster appropriate to their age.

The practical step is to apply again through the school’s Admissions Team. An established relationship with the nursery should not be treated as an offer of a place in the next year group.

Pre-Reception has morning, afternoon and all-day options for the 2026/27 academic year. This allows families to choose between a shorter session and attendance that includes lunch. Charges are reviewed annually; refer to the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, contact the Admissions Team at admissions@farringtons.kent.sch.uk or on 020 8467 0256. Prep School tours can be booked. Registration for early years entry is accepted throughout the year; assessment typically involves a play session for younger children.