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Nursery at Smitham Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories come before formal reading at Smitham’s nursery. Listening, conversation and attention lead the approach, with children beginning two sounds each week in the spring term. That gives families a concrete picture of the nursery’s early literacy work: enjoying books first, then exploring sounds.
Part of Smitham Primary School on Portnalls Road in Coulsdon, the nursery admits children in September following their third birthday. Its term-time provision includes shorter sessions and a longer day for eligible working families using funded hours.
Early reading starts with spoken language. Children develop their ability to listen and speak, enjoy stories, and investigate the first sound in their own name. The school uses Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS), while nursery learning begins with these preparatory activities. Recognising a familiar name makes the sound work personal.
In April 2023, Ofsted described early-years mathematics built around counting in both directions using different intervals, alongside a reading emphasis from the start of early years. These are concrete foundations for understanding numbers and engaging with books, rather than simply completing tasks.
Outdoor learning also has a place in the school’s curriculum: Forest School sessions extend to all children. The wider school grounds include a pond, kitchen gardens and an orchard, as well as woodlands and a meadow. These physical features give the school’s practical exploration of the natural world identifiable places and resources.
For concerns about additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, followed by the lead responsible for SEND and inclusion through the school office. The school’s support arrangements include personalised SEN Support Plans, with families involved in reviews each half-term. That creates a recurring opportunity to discuss targets and adjust support.
Before a child with identified additional needs starts, staff work with professionals who already know them. Existing knowledge can therefore inform planning from the beginning.
Packed lunches are permitted under the school’s lunch arrangements, alongside a drink that is not fizzy. Food brought onto the site must exclude nuts; sweets are also prohibited. Families preparing lunch need to account for both restrictions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Croydon Council. For the September 2026 Reception intake, the normal deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle is now past.
Croydon’s community-school arrangements for 2025/26 gave no Reception priority simply for attending the school’s nursery. Families should treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.
For children with SEND, movement between classes can involve a tailored transition programme, including meeting staff, visiting the next classroom or using photographs in a transition book. This supports familiarity with the next stage; it does not alter admission rights.
The 2026/27 nursery application form gives three preferences: weekday mornings from 8:35am to 11:35am; Monday and Tuesday from 8:35am to 2:35pm plus Wednesday morning; or weekdays from 8:35am to 2:35pm. A preferred pattern is subject to allocation.
The universal entitlement is 15 hours weekly. Eligible working parents may receive a 30-hour funded place, subject to the school being able to offer one, delivered during term time. Children finishing at 2:35pm can extend to 3:05pm for an additional charge billed each half-term. Ask the school for current charges.
Childcare beyond the session. Nursery children cannot attend the school’s breakfast or after-school clubs. Families needing care outside nursery hours will need another arrangement.
Applications go directly to the school. For enquiries, contact office@smitham.croydon.sch.uk or telephone 0208 660 4399. Tell staff which adults are authorised to collect your child.
Children enter in September following their third birthday.
They develop listening and speaking skills and enjoy stories. In spring, they begin two sounds each week and explore the first sound in their name.
Yes, subject to eligibility and the school being able to offer a place. The 2026/27 pattern runs from 8:35am to 2:35pm on weekdays during term time.
No. The school’s club terms exclude nursery children.
No. A separate application through Croydon Council is required. The 2025/26 community-school arrangements did not give priority simply for nursery attendance.
