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Nursery at Northumberland Heath 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily outdoor exploration and familiar stories give this nursery its character. Bluebells, the nursery provision at Northumberland Heath Primary School in Erith, combines play with short group sessions and adult guidance. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. For 2026-2027, there are up to 52 part-time places, divided between morning and afternoon groups of no more than 26.
Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play carries much of the learning here. Children choose activities, explore materials and follow their interests, while adults also lead brief carpet sessions and guided work. Staff watch children's play and join it to develop vocabulary, thinking and practical skills. This gives children room to pursue an idea, with adult help to take it further.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about relationships, movement and communication with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Resources can be used in different ways rather than having one fixed purpose. Classrooms and outside spaces are arranged so children can reach most materials themselves. Choosing and using those resources is part of learning independence.
Outdoor learning happens daily, with a further weekly visit to the outdoor learning area behind the school field. The nursery's allocation there is described as one full day, with activities aimed at collaboration and solving problems. Seasonal clothing and suitable footwear are required. This makes outdoor exploration a practical part of the week.
Stories, songs and rhymes matter too. In July 2025, nursery children enjoyed familiar examples of all three, preparing them for phonics. Beyond the school grounds, a nursery visit to London's Paddington Bear Experience, reported in May 2026, included interactive activities and storytelling. It provided another setting for talk and learning about the world.
Bluebells has a nursery practitioner, an acting higher-level teaching assistant and a nursery teaching assistant. In July 2025, children in early years established routines quickly and were encouraged to treat friends kindly. Settling into the group therefore includes learning how to get along with others.
For families discussing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support process involves assessing needs, agreeing interventions with parents and reviewing their effect. Adaptations include visual timetables and extra time to process information. Parents can arrange a meeting with the SEND coordinator or the deputy headteacher responsible for inclusion through the school office. That gives families a direct route to discuss the support their child needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2026-2027 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority process, with the common application form submitted to their home authority. For Bexley families, the route is Bexley admissions or eAdmissions.
The deadline for September 2026 Reception entry was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Families applying for a later intake should follow the local authority's timetable for that year. Familiarity with the school does not replace the application.
The 15-hour nursery offer uses morning sessions from 08:30 to 11:30 or afternoons from 12:30 to 15:30. Part-time places take precedence over the limited extended childcare offer.
Eligible parents with valid codes may be offered 30-hour places, subject to demand for part-time provision. The extended day runs from 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Thursday, with an optional choice of Friday hours. Families needing the longer pattern should contact the school office at nhpoffice@watschools.org.uk about these limited places.
Nursery applications go through Bexley's School Admissions team. For enquiries, call the school on 01322 334638 or use its online contact form. School visits can be arranged by calling the office before applying.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30; afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 15:30.
A limited number of places may be offered to eligible parents with valid codes, subject to demand for part-time places, which take priority.
No. Attendance gives no priority under the 2026-2027 criteria and does not guarantee a place. A separate local authority application is required.
Yes. Children learn outdoors daily and visit the outdoor learning area behind the school field weekly. Suitable seasonal clothing and footwear are required.
