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Nursery at Prendergast Vale 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and small-group learning shape the nursery at Prendergast Vale, with activities responding to children's interests. This is the early-years starting point within an all-through school in Lewisham, on Elmira Street. The established provision serves children aged 3–4, joining after the term in which they turn three.
A proposed extension would admit up to five eligible rising threes from September 2026. That remains conditional on consultation and final Department for Education approval: offers cannot be made until both processes are complete. Families considering a younger start should treat it as a proposal.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines learning through play with activities in small groups. Children's interests help shape those activities, giving them a part in what they explore. The school aims to develop communication, cooperation and independence, alongside understanding of the world around them.
Trying something difficult is part of that ambition. Prendergast Vale wants children to take risks in their learning, reflect on mistakes and try again. Its emphasis is on becoming independent thinkers as well as learning to work with others.
Personal and social learning also uses 1decision, with teaching adapted to the Lewisham context. Across the primary phase, including EYFS, support includes recognising needs early, social-skills groups built around play, and help with early literacy and numeracy. These give learning and social development a shared place in the day.
The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS and Key Stage 1 phase leadership role. Early Years Practitioner roles sit within the wider support team, while a primary SEND coordinator provides a route for discussing additional needs.
For families needing support, the class teacher is the initial contact for classroom adjustments. Parents can meet the SEND coordinator or Inclusion team through termly reviews; a collaborative plan can then address learning support or an Education, Health and Care Plan. This gives concerns a route from discussion to planning.
Across the primary phase, calm zones and classrooms designed with sensory needs in mind support self-regulation. The wider Inclusion team also works with Speech and Language Therapists and Drumbeat Autism Service. These are school-level arrangements, rather than a promise that each nursery child receives every service.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and carries no attendance-based priority for September 2026 entry. A separate application is required through the family's home local authority. Nursery attendance by a sibling also does not qualify a child for Reception sibling priority.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 11:59pm on 15 January 2026, using eadmissions.org.uk within the participating areas or the home local authority elsewhere. That deadline has passed. Families planning a later Reception start must follow the normal application process for their child's entry year.
Term-time attendance comes in two patterns for 15 hours: Monday and Tuesday, 8:45am–3pm, plus Wednesday, 8:45am–11:15am; or Wednesday, 12:30pm–3pm, plus Thursday and Friday, 8:45am–3pm. A 30-hour place runs Monday to Thursday, 8:45am–3pm, with Friday ending at 1:45pm. Preferred patterns are not guaranteed.
Children aged 3–4 receive 15 funded hours from the term following their third birthday. Eligibility conditions apply to the additional 15 funded hours; parents must obtain their code in the preceding term and supply it with their National Insurance number for checking.
Additional attendance. Families taking a 30-hour place can pay for Friday attendance until 3pm. Spare additional 15-hour sessions may also be purchased after funded applicants have been accommodated, but these are guaranteed for only one term. Charges must be paid before the term begins; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school. Admissions enquiries can be sent to admissions@prendergast-vale.com or made by calling 020 8297 3540 during school hours. Emails are monitored while the school is open in term time.
The established provision admits children from the term after their third birthday. The proposed rising-three places remain subject to consultation and final Department for Education approval.
Yes. There are two 15-hour patterns, covering the beginning or end of the week, each including part of Wednesday. Your preferred pattern is not guaranteed.
No. Reception requires a separate application through your home local authority, and nursery attendance carries no priority under the September 2026 arrangements.
Yes. The standard Friday finish is 1:45pm; attendance until 3pm attracts an additional charge for families taking a 30-hour place.
Start with the class teacher for classroom adjustments. The school also provides opportunities to meet the SEND coordinator or Inclusion team through termly SEND reviews.
