St Mary's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Mini-beasts, robots and a gallery of children's artwork give St Mary's nursery its own character within this Catholic primary school on Glenure Road in Eltham. A large room indoors and an enclosed area outside provide two settings for learning. Nursery children also join some school celebrations, bringing the school's Catholic identity into their early experience.

Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding following the inspection on 30 November and 1 December 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Stories and changing topics shape learning across the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, that means children encounter learning through books, movement, music and making things. Topics include People who Help Us and Nursery Rhymes, alongside Mini-beasts and Aliens and Robots. These give children concrete subjects to explore rather than treating learning as separate lessons alone.

PE forms part of nursery life, and a specialist music teacher works with the nursery as well as other classes. Children experiment with materials to produce artwork for their gallery. The combination gives them opportunities to move, listen and create, while the indoor room and enclosed outdoor area provide different spaces for activities.

The year includes a Nativity performance for parents and a nursery Sports Day. Children participate in assemblies and Crowning of Our Lady too. Faith is part of the experience families are choosing.

In November and December 2022, early years learning developed children's existing understanding through a planned sequence. Children practised sharing and waiting for a turn; adults helped them respond to instructions and become more independent. These are useful foundations for participating in a group as well as learning new things.

Each EYFS child is assigned a key person. Teaching assistants support classroom teachers, including provision from nursery age, giving care and learning a team structure.

For children starting with identified special needs, support can begin before their first session. Families are invited to meet staff with their child, and a Team around the Child meeting brings involved professionals together to plan provision. A key person may visit home or an existing setting, and settling arrangements may be adapted. Those steps allow familiar routines and individual needs to inform the start.

Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or key worker, with the SENCO providing a further contact. Speech and Language Therapy includes provision for nursery pupils. This gives families a specific route for discussing communication needs and arranging support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027/2028 admission arrangements. Families must apply separately through their home local authority and complete the school's supplementary process. A Certificate of Practice is required only for applications under the relevant Catholic practice criterion. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026.

For children with SEND moving between classes, staff pass information to the receiving teacher beforehand and share individual plans and reports. A transition book may be made where it would help. This supports familiarity with the next class; it does not affect admission.

Three nursery sessions are offered: the full day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm, mornings from 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The main gates open at 8.30am and nursery children go directly to nursery.

Apply for nursery directly to the school. Enquiries go to office@stmaryseltham.org or 0208 850 7835.

Wraparound eligibility. The school's breakfast and after-school care starts at Reception and serves children aged 4–11, subject to space. Families choosing nursery should plan their childcare around the nursery session itself.