The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, herb garden and duck pen give this nursery's learning a practical, living-world focus. Children can explore materials, grow plants and connect stories with making and cooking. There is plenty to talk about.
Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary's own nursery serves children aged 3–4 at Hunsdon Road in New Cross. The current morning offer accommodates 25 children, subject to sufficient applications. At the Ofsted inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. In parent terms, children develop communication, movement and social skills alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding their surroundings. Activities combine children's own choices with adult teaching and group learning, so a session includes both independent exploration and help with new skills.
The physical spaces give those choices substance: a playdough table, block area and writing table sit alongside art provision indoors and outdoors. Children practise handling scissors and controlling pencils, select materials for their ideas and combine shapes when building. These are practical foundations for making things and expressing ideas.
Stories lead into specific projects. Little Red Hen links to bread baking, while Handa's Surprise connects with planting, harvesting and cooking vegetables. A growing area behind the bikes, the herb garden and duck pen bring plants and animals into the learning environment. Children also explore materials through their senses and investigate how things work.
In November 2023, early years children were developing independence and creativity through planned activities, and outdoor resources served clear educational purposes. Adult conversation was less consistent in extending speaking and listening. For families, language development deserves attention alongside the appealing practical curriculum.
Settling begins before the first session. For September 2027 entrants, induction and home visits are planned for June/July 2027, followed by staggered starts in September. This gives families contact with staff before children begin attending.
A nursery class teacher works within an early years structure that includes SEND learning support. For children who have, or may have, special educational needs and/or disabilities, the SENDCo joins initial home visits. Transition planning brings parents and the child's existing setting into the discussion, helping staff prepare around individual needs.
Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher first, with the SENDCo involved where further discussion is needed. SEND coffee mornings take place on the first Tuesday of each month. Fruit and vegetable snacks are free. Children must be toilet trained when admitted, an important practical requirement to plan for before starting.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority under the 2027–28 admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through Lewisham Council's common application form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Choosing the nursery therefore leaves a separate school-place decision to complete.
For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share information with the next teacher. Visits to the new class and transition books help prepare children for the change. This supports familiarity; it does not alter admission rights.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:30am. Afternoon sessions and 30-hour provision remain subject to review after applications are received, so families should base childcare planning on the morning offer.
The school claims 15 funded hours per child each week from Lewisham Council, and parents do not need to supply a childcare code. Funding is not stretched across the year. Additional purchased hours, consumables and voluntary services are marked as not applicable.
For nursery enquiries, email hatchamprimaryadmissions@habstrustsouth.org.uk. School open days can be booked and last roughly an hour. Nursery uniform includes navy jogging bottoms; check current uniform charges with the school before buying.
Children aged 3–4 are considered. They must be three by 1 September to start at the beginning of the academic year.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:30am. Afternoon sessions and 30-hour provision are subject to review after applications are received.
No. The offer is 15 funded hours per week, with no stretched arrangement. Parents do not need to provide a childcare code.
September 2027 entrants have induction and home visit appointments planned for June/July 2027, then staggered start dates in September.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a place nor confers priority under the 2027–28 criteria. Apply separately through Lewisham Council by 15 January 2027 for September 2027 entry.
