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Nursery at John Stainer Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 Butterfly Garden, boats in a water tray and remote-controlled cars give John Stainer’s nursery curriculum a practical, exploratory character. This is the nursery within John Stainer Community Primary School in Brockley. Its topics rotate across two years, giving children who stay for more than one academic year different themes to explore.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 6 and 7 February 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning combines communication, physical skills and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative work and exploration of the world. In parent terms, children practise talking, moving and playing together alongside counting objects, recognising their names and making pictures. Themes include Journeys/Transport and Minibeasts, so these skills have concrete subjects to attach to.
The equipment makes the curriculum tangible. Children test floating and sinking in the water tray, build ramps for toy cars and compare fruit and vegetables on balance scales. Outside, climbing equipment gives them opportunities to practise movement; tending the Butterfly Garden introduces care for living things. Independence is part of the learning too, including hand washing and dressing for outdoor play.
Named activities include Write Dance and the INPP Developmental Exercise Programme. The nursery map also includes Phase One and Phase Two of Letters & Sounds, with BusyThings phonics activities. Books, drawing and mark making sit alongside this work: children choose books, discuss pictures and give meaning to their own marks.
Early language received specific attention in the February 2024 inspection: children confidently explained their plans for shaping play foam to adults. Conversation is part of the activity itself, giving children a reason to explain an idea while they work.
Settling can be gradual. For children who need longer to adjust, time in nursery increases over three days, and parents can remain with them during that period. This gives families a way to build up separation rather than moving straight to a complete session. Nursery lunch begins at 11:30am.
Support for additional needs starts with information from parents and previous settings. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns, with the SENDCO involved when further support is needed. The school’s SEND policy provides for termly discussions of targets with parents and teaching adjustments such as visual timetables and social stories. These give families specific support arrangements to discuss around their child’s needs. Medicine requires a completed parental form and administration by a trained first aider.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Lewisham Council’s coordinated admissions process. The school describes the usual online application window as 1 September to 15 January in the academic year before entry. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
Preparation for the change is practical. Some children make photo booklets to become familiar with their next setting, while teachers hold handover meetings about needs and support. Children also spend time with their next teacher and class. Where appropriate, additional visits allow a more gradual transition. These activities support familiarity; they do not secure admission.
The nursery timetable lists a morning session from 9:00am to noon and a full-time day from 9:00am to 3:15pm. The nursery-specific finish is the relevant time for planning collection.
Applications go directly to the school and can be made throughout the year, with offers dependent on vacancies and the nursery admission criteria. For enquiries, contact the main office on 0207 639 0482 or admin@johnstainer.lewisham.sch.uk. Nursery visits and open days are part of the school’s transition arrangements, giving parents an opportunity to see the class before their child starts.
The morning session runs from 9:00am to noon. The full-time nursery day runs from 9:00am to 3:15pm.
Children who need more time can have a staggered start, increasing their time in nursery over three days. Parents are welcome to stay during this period.
No. A separate application is required through Lewisham Council, usually online between 1 September and 15 January in the academic year before entry.
The curriculum includes using climbing equipment, caring for the Butterfly Garden and growing vegetable seedlings, alongside practising independence when dressing for outdoor play.
Speak to the class teacher first. The SENDCO becomes involved where additional support is needed, and parents participate in planning and reviewing support.
