Nursery at Blackheath High School GDST
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School exploration and specialist French give this girls’ nursery a character beyond its classroom. Based at the Junior School on Wemyss Road, Blackheath High’s nursery welcomes girls from the term or half-term following their third birthday. It is the early years starting point within an independent school.
There were two Nursery classes at the March 2025 inspection. Classroom space, a playground and Forest School give children several settings for their learning, while the daily routine combines adult-led activities with choices about what to explore.
At 8.30am, Carpet Time introduces the day through weather, calendar talk and number activities. The Cheeky Number Fairies provide a playful reason to investigate the number line. Children also choose resources from indoor and outdoor learning zones, giving them opportunities to pursue an interest rather than follow adult instructions throughout the session.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects early literacy and number learning with communication, physical development and learning about emotions. Here, phonics and numeracy sit alongside specialist French, Music, Stretch & Strength and PE. Regular individual teaching allows activities to be adjusted to a child’s next steps.
Forest School brings a different kind of investigation. Children notice seasonal changes, identify wildlife and work with tools and natural materials under the Head of Outdoor Learning. This gives outdoor learning a practical purpose: children help shape and care for the space they use.
ISI’s inspection of 18 to 20 March 2025 found that early years children developed their language, communication and social skills through conversation with adults and other children, within a curriculum covering the required learning areas indoors and outside. Early years activities included inventing insect movements to music, watching seeds develop and seeing chicks hatch. These connect creative expression with close observation of living things.
Afternoons include play followed by learning choices, then fruit or vegetable snacks at 1.20pm. Everywhere Bear, stories and Tapestry News accompany this pause. Tidying and a final story lead into collection at 3pm or after-school care.
Settling begins with a one-hour session attended by both parent and daughter. This gives a child an initial experience of the nursery with a familiar adult alongside her. Teachers also run parent workshops and opportunities to spend time in the learning space; Tapestry provides an online journal of learning.
Lunch is served at 11.20am in the Dining Room. Meals are cooked on site, with dietary needs and allergies accommodated. Children choose their meal and take it to their table, making eating with friends another opportunity to practise independence.
Emotional learning is explicit. In March 2025, early years children learnt to identify feelings and use ways of calming themselves. For children needing additional learning support, the school’s SEND policy includes the EYFS and uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: teachers and the SENDCo assess needs, agree support with parents and review its effect. Support can therefore change as a child’s needs develop.
Nursery attendance does not provide an unconditional guarantee of a Reception place. The admission policy anticipates internal progression and makes transfer automatic subject to the Head’s judgement about benefit, attainment and behaviour. Specifically for Nursery, if continuing to Reception would not be in a child’s best interests, parents must receive notice by the beginning of the Nursery Summer term. Existing nursery families therefore follow a conditional internal progression arrangement, rather than the external Reception application process.
Familiarity develops separately from admission. Wednesday singing assemblies bring nursery girls together with Reception and Year 1, and summer performances introduce them to older children’s school life.
Part-time attendance requires at least five half-day sessions each week. Breakfast Club is optional and starts at 7.30am; after-school Extended Hours care is charged hourly and booked through Parentpay. Families can build care around the school day.
The Early Years government grant covers 15 education hours weekly for eligible nursery children from the term after their third birthday, with funding deducted from termly fees. Lunch and trips carry separate charges, but neither is compulsory for families receiving the grant. Fees include books and curriculum materials. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery pupils wear uniform supplied by School Blazer; the BHSA also runs a second-hand shop. To arrange a Nursery and Forest School tour, email admissions@bla.gdst.net.
Girls can start in the term or half-term after turning three.
Yes. The minimum attendance is five half-day sessions per week.
Forest School activities include identifying wildlife, observing seasonal changes and using tools and natural materials to care for and develop the space.
Progression is conditional. Internal transfer is normally automatic under the admission policy, but the school can decide that continuing is unsuitable. For Nursery girls, parents must be notified by the beginning of the Nursery Summer term if progression would not be in their child’s best interests.
The nursery’s Early Years grant funds 15 education hours per week and is deducted from termly fees. Lunch and trips are separately charged, but are optional for families receiving the grant.
