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Nursery at Holy Cross Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Books, an early years sports day and an EYFS Nativity give Holy Cross Nursery its character: early learning within a Catholic primary school, with opportunities to join in its shared life. Based on Culverley Road in Catford, the nursery offers a 15-hour part-time pattern and 30-hour full-time places for qualifying families.
Faith has a practical presence here. Daily class prayers and seasonal celebrations make the Catholic identity part of children's experience, rather than simply a description of the school.
Stories and listening are central to the nursery's early reading work. At the inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023, Ofsted described nursery children encountering books, storytelling and sounds from their surroundings. For parents, the emphasis is on the experiences that precede reading: listening carefully and becoming familiar with stories.
Early years learning follows a planned sequence. The same inspection identified carefully selected knowledge, skills and vocabulary, organised into manageable stages. That gives the learning a clear direction, with each step building towards the next.
Shared events add another dimension. An EYFS Sports Day involved activity stations supported by older pupils, with parents and carers attending. It brought physical activity and family participation together in an event for the youngest children.
The EYFS Nativity and an Ash Wednesday service also form part of the early years calendar. Each classroom has a prayer box, and classes pause for prayer at both ends of the day. These are concrete expressions of the religious setting families are choosing.
Lunch for nursery children is served at 11:30am. Families can choose a school meal or send a lunchbox from home. Water accompanies lunch, and milk is offered with school meals. The school prohibits nuts because of allergies, so that rule matters when packing food.
Communication has both informal and scheduled routes. Parents can speak to teachers around the school day or arrange an appointment. The school also sets out an autumn Parents' Evening, a spring Academic Review Day and a summer written report. Families therefore have regular points for discussing progress as well as a route for raising everyday concerns.
Support for special educational needs sits within the school's inclusion team. An Inclusion Manager works alongside teachers and two higher level teaching assistants, with support organised for individuals and small groups. Outside agencies also contribute advice. This gives nursery families access to a school-wide structure for discussing additional needs.
Medical routines are explicit: minor accidents receive first-aid attention, accidents are logged, and parents must complete an office form before medication can be administered. Keeping contact details current helps staff reach families if a child becomes unwell.
A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Holy Cross. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process by its deadline; choosing this nursery should not be treated as securing the next place.
Keep the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions, and follow the normal application timetable.
The 15-hour and 30-hour patterns are distinct options, with qualification attached to the full-time provision. Nursery finishes at 3pm, making collection earlier than the main school's finish. Plan childcare around that nursery collection time.
For enquiries, contact the School Office on 020 8698 2675 or email info@holycross.lewisham.sch.uk. Prospective families can arrange a school visit by calling the office.
Travel at collection time. Culverley Road's School Street restrictions prohibit cars between 8:30am and 9:15am, then again from 2:45pm to 3:45pm. The afternoon restriction covers nursery collection. Families use the Culverley Road playground entrance or the Sangley Road gate at the beginning and end of the school day; bicycle shelters support cycling or scooting to school.
There are 15-hour part-time places and 30-hour full-time places for families who qualify for that provision.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal process.
Nursery finishes at 3pm. Collection falls within the afternoon School Street restriction on Culverley Road.
Yes. Children can bring lunch from home instead of having a school meal. Nuts are prohibited because of allergies.
Call the School Office on 020 8698 2675 to arrange a school visit.
