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Nursery at St Mary's Lewisham Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Role-play, planting and new words give St Mary's nursery its character: children learn through things they can do, discuss and explore. This is the nursery at St Mary's Lewisham Church of England Primary School, taking children from age three. The early years provision occupies a separate building from the school's older classes, giving this first stage of school a distinct physical setting.
Ofsted's April 2026 inspection judged early years to be Strong standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Teaching responds to individual children, and activities build skills progressively from the provision for three-year-olds.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with themes connecting its seven learning areas. In everyday terms, play carries learning: children practise language and early maths through imagined situations, number exploration and conversation. Adults introduce vocabulary as children play and during familiar routines. Learning has direction, while retaining the practical activity young children need.
Early reading starts with listening. The nursery progression plan includes rhymes, recognising rhythms in songs and poems, tapping syllables and beginning to distinguish word sounds. Children also start recognising their own names and familiar print. These are small, concrete steps towards understanding how spoken language connects with reading.
Indoors, nursery investment includes new furniture, displays and plentiful written language around the classroom. Outdoors, planting and shared problem-solving bring together nature, number and physical activity. The April 2026 early years findings link these experiences with growing confidence and cooperation. Children practise working together as well as learning new ideas.
Reading Fridays bring parents into the nursery classroom to share books. That gives families a direct part in the learning day and a familiar activity to continue at home.
A nursery class teacher and nursery teaching assistant feature in the staffing structure, alongside early years teaching assistants. Before starting, children and parents are invited to visit; a teacher may also offer a home visit. In April 2026, early years children were settling readily and forming trusting relationships with adults who knew them well.
Health routines include supervised toothbrushing after lunch, supported by Kings College Hospital's Oral Health Promotion Team. Trained staff guide children, with toothpaste and brushes kept in classrooms. Full-time nursery children have a lunch period from 11:30 to 12:30, giving this care routine a defined place in the day.
For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the class teacher works with the SENCO to plan additional support. Parents contribute to reviews, and outside-agency sessions require parental consent. The school encourages daily conversations with teaching assistants; home-school communication books may be provided when parents cannot collect their child themselves.
Physical access. The SEND information report describes the school as currently inaccessible to children using wheelchairs, with separate buildings also presenting difficulties for children who cannot walk between them. This is a material consideration for families with mobility needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route: Lewisham's Common Application Form, or their home local authority if they live in another borough. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Transition support is a separate matter. Children with SEND moving from this nursery to the school's Reception can have a graduated transition, and children with additional needs receive a personalised booklet to prepare for their new class. Familiarisation supports the move; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30; afternoons are 12:30 to 15:30. Full-time attendance runs from 08:30 to 15:30. Children aged three and over can attend for 15 hours each week, while some qualify for the 30-hour childcare offer. Paid top-up hours allow full-time attendance, subject to space. Contact the school for current charges.
The nursery application form lets families request mornings, afternoons or full time and is returned to the school office. Enquiries go to 020 8690 2613 or admin@st-marys.lewisham.sch.uk. Nursery uniform combines a school jumper with grey or navy jogging bottoms and a white polo shirt or shirt.
Children aged three and over can attend St Mary's nursery.
Mornings are 08:30 to 11:30, afternoons 12:30 to 15:30, and full-time attendance 08:30 to 15:30.
Children aged three and over can attend for 15 hours a week. Some children qualify for the 30-hour childcare offer. Paid top-up hours are subject to space.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal local-authority route. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Children and parents are invited for a school visit before starting, and a teacher may offer a home visit. Children with additional needs can receive a personalised transition booklet.
