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Nursery at Blackheath Prep
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, reading corners and specialist dance lessons give Blackheath Prep’s nursery a day with several distinct gears. Play children choose for themselves sits alongside teaching led by adults, with weekly Forest School sessions taking exploration outdoors. This is a full school day from age three, rather than a collection of short nursery sessions.
The nursery belongs to the school’s pre-prep section. Its three classrooms and outdoor areas were refurbished in summer 2025, using natural materials and neutral colours. September entrants join N1 or N2; the admissions FAQ gives 26 places per class. Nursery A accommodates up to 16 January entrants, who move into the main nursery classes that September.
Registration starts at 8.30am, followed at 8.45am by time to choose open-ended play resources. Adults help children extend their ideas rather than simply supervise their play. Reading Corners, Creativity corners and Play Zones provide different places to explore indoors; dedicated outdoor play areas extend those choices beyond the classroom.
The sample timetable places Forest School at 10am on a Forest School day. Children practise putting on waterproof coveralls, explore tool use and get busy in the mud kitchen. These sessions happen weekly. Specialist teaching changes the shape of other days: music and French sit alongside drama, PE and dance, giving children experiences beyond their class-based activities.
Lunch is at 12.15pm. Afternoon registration at 1.20pm leads into more independently chosen play and outdoor learning, before a shared story at 3.20pm and collection at 3.35pm. The rhythm leaves room for both individual interests and shared routines.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas of learning, so progress extends beyond early reading and number work. At the ISI inspection of 23 to 25 January 2024, children across the early years were making good progress across those areas. Phonics and reading resources supported literacy, while planned activities developed conversation, cooperation and taking turns. These findings cover the early years collectively.
Key Persons review children’s development through the Tapestry Online Learning Journal. Parent meetings and information from home contribute to decisions about support, linking classroom observations with what families know about their child. An Early Years Learning Support Coordinator works with the SENDCo and Inclusion Manager and the teaching team.
In January 2024, early years SEND support plans were effective and shared among teaching staff. Children also had trusting relationships with adults, helping them voice ideas and worries. Early years safeguarding included risk assessments, supervision and established routines.
Food has a social place in the day. A morning snack comes at 10.30am, and children eat lunch together, practise manners and try unfamiliar foods. Nursery fees include lunch; normal tuition and morning break snacks are covered too.
For the entrance assessment, families receive a child-friendly booklet beforehand. Parents may help a daunted child settle into that play session before leaving. This is preparation for the assessment visit.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery families should confirm their child’s progression arrangements with the Admissions Team before accepting a nursery place. For external applicants, Blackheath Prep has no routine Reception intake; occasional vacancies may allow entry.
Transition support is a separate matter. Summer learning-support handovers bring nursery and Reception staff together for children whose progress remains a concern. Some children receive a booklet with pictures of their next classroom and staff, making the change more concrete.
The mandatory nursery day runs from 8.30am to 3.35pm. Optional after-school care extends to 6pm and carries additional charges. Before-school care is available to all pupils from 7.45am to 8.30am, also at an extra charge. Those extensions matter for families fitting collection around work.
Funding. Blackheath Prep does not participate in the Free Entitlement to Early Education scheme. Families therefore need to plan for fee-paying nursery attendance. Contact the school for current charges.
Visits and enquiries. Tours require advance booking. Email admissions@blackheathprep.co.uk or call 020 8305 5062 during term time to discuss the nursery or arrange a visit.
Children join at the January or September intake following their third birthday.
The mandatory day is 8.30am to 3.35pm. Optional after-school care is available until 6pm, with additional charges.
Children use dedicated outdoor play areas and attend weekly on-site Forest School sessions, including activities involving tools and a mud kitchen.
Lunch and morning break snacks are included in nursery fees. The school does not participate in the Free Entitlement to Early Education scheme.
No. Nursery families should confirm their child’s progression arrangements with the Admissions Team before accepting a nursery place. External applicants can join Reception only when an occasional vacancy becomes available.
