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Nursery at Baring 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A treehouse corner with two levels, freely accessible painting and a garden to explore give Baring’s nursery a clear character: children have room to choose what interests them. This is the school’s own nursery provision in Lee, with a funded 15-hour place available from the term after a child’s third birthday, subject to nursery admission. A qualified teacher works alongside teaching assistants, bringing a teaching team into a day built around play.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 14 and 15 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children can move between the indoor space and the large outdoor area throughout their session. Outdoor learning is therefore part of the morning, rather than confined to a break. Inside, a kitchen for pretend play and a reading corner sit alongside water and sand tables. Children can choose painting independently, while gardening areas provide another practical focus.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning through play. In parent terms, it combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, maths, creative work and exploration of the world. Baring’s child-led approach lets children initiate their own activities. Sessions are screen free, with an emphasis on conversation and social and emotional development.
Sensory experiences include handling play dough and shaking blossom from a tree. Forest School takes learning into Northbrook Park, where exploration and supported risk taking form part of the curriculum. Trips include Mudchute Farm and St James’ Park, giving children places beyond their usual surroundings to talk about.
In January 2025, nursery children enjoyed poetry, rhymes and stories. Across early years, adults extended children’s exploration through conversation, including discussing paint colours as they mixed them. Children also practised sharing and taking turns. These examples show how language and learning to play together fit into practical activities.
Settling starts with an offer of a home visit by two staff members. Families can ask questions and share information before their child begins. Entry is staggered in small groups, with starting dates discussed individually and time allowed for settling. The process gives children and parents a gradual introduction to nursery routines.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s policy sets out support coordinated by the SENCO, with parents involved in termly reviews. Speech and Language Therapy and the Drumbeat Outreach Team are among the services from which advice may be sought, with parental permission. Support can include help with dressing, toileting or eating, so care needs belong in the discussion as well as learning.
The June 2019 prospectus includes nursery children in the school’s fruit scheme. This is a snack provision relevant to the morning session.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place, and nursery attendance is not one of the school’s listed Reception priority criteria. Families must apply separately through Lewisham, using the Common Application Form via eAdmissions, by the deadline for their child’s admission year. Treat this as a separate application to plan for.
Transition support is a different matter. Nursery staff work with Reception colleagues under the EYFS Phase Leader and pass reports and agreed records to the school receiving the child. That handover supports continuity whether the allocated school is Baring or elsewhere.
The morning session runs from 9am to noon, providing 15 hours a week. The nursery admissions policy describes government funding for this pattern from the term after the third birthday. Families organising work or other childcare need to plan around a midday finish. Gates open at 8:45am.
Email info@baring.lewisham.sch.uk for a nursery application or to arrange a visit. Children can be added to the application list from their second birthday. Baring’s school uniform uses burgundy, a white polo shirt and black or grey trousers or skirts; a plain jumper or cardigan is accepted instead of a logo version.
The morning session is 9am to noon, amounting to 15 hours a week.
Yes. Children can move between indoors and the large outdoor space throughout the session. Forest School also uses Northbrook Park.
Families are offered a home visit. Children start in small groups, with dates discussed with parents and time allowed for settling.
No. Nursery attendance is not among the listed Reception priority criteria and does not guarantee a place. A separate application through Lewisham is required.
Email info@baring.lewisham.sch.uk. Nursery applications are obtained through the school office, and children can join the list from their second birthday.
