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Nursery at St Michael's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Investigative play, nursery rhymes and exploration outdoors shape the nursery experience at St Michael's in Sydenham. This is the school's own nursery, within a Church of England primary school on Champion Road. Its early years curriculum combines activities guided by adults with opportunities for children to choose their own learning.
Christian themes are part of that experience. Nursery learning includes creation, Christmas and Easter, alongside work on kindness, feelings and friendships. For families, the religious character belongs to the everyday curriculum as well as the school's identity.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives learning a broad foundation: communicating, moving and managing feelings sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. Sessions mix planned learning with free flow activities. Adults observe children's interests and development, then adjust activities and support accordingly. Children have room to make choices.
There is concrete learning behind that approach. The nursery's 2025-26 programme included Little Wandle rhyme work and listening activities, while White Rose mathematics involved comparing quantities, exploring shapes and making patterns. Songs, objects and actions introduce children to sounds, quantities, shapes and patterns.
Play takes place indoors and outside. Construction materials, clay and dough give children things to manipulate; threading and cutting provide practice in controlling their hands. Outdoor activities develop movement through balancing, climbing and steering. Conversation with adults, individually and in small groups, gives children time to explain ideas and ask questions.
Topics connect learning to familiar experiences. In the 2025-26 nursery programme, children explored winter and their senses, considered animal care, planted and investigated fruit and vegetables. Learning about taste and texture gives vocabulary a practical purpose. Activities also encourage children to test ideas, solve problems together and consider other people's feelings.
Independence is practised in small, useful steps. Children are encouraged to manage clothing, toileting and personal cleanliness, and to help prepare and put away activities with adult support. Early years Stay & Play opportunities bring parents into children's learning, alongside day-to-day communication.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's support process involves the class teacher and SENCO assessing needs, agreeing support with parents and reviewing its effect. Parents of children on the SEND register are invited to review meetings each term. That gives families a recurring opportunity to discuss what is helping and what needs to change.
Medical needs can be addressed through a healthcare plan. Prescription medication during the school day requires written parental authorisation, and trained first aiders attend to accidents. Nursery children below compulsory school age who attend full-time education may qualify for free meals if their family receives qualifying benefits; applications go through the school office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the school's 2026-27 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15th January 2026, using eAdmissions. That application cycle is past.
Learning continuity is a separate matter. Nursery and Reception share overarching curriculum themes, and transition was included in the nursery's summer learning programme for 2025-26. Familiar ideas can connect the two stages, but they do not change the admission process.
Nursery visits take place by appointment on Thursday mornings. Email nursery@stmichaels.lewisham.sch.uk to arrange one. The school office can also be contacted on 020 8778 8407.
Collection arrangements need clear communication: tell the teacher if another person will collect your child, and telephone the school if an emergency delays you. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult rather than going home with an older sibling.
Children combine activities guided by adults with play they choose themselves, indoors and outside. Songs, construction, conversation and practical exploration contribute to early learning.
The nursery's 2025-26 curriculum included Little Wandle rhyme and sound activities and White Rose mathematics.
Yes. Early years Stay & Play opportunities sit alongside daily contact and communication with parents.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026-27 arrangements, and Reception requires a separate application through the family's home local authority.
Email nursery@stmichaels.lewisham.sch.uk. Nursery visits are by appointment on Thursday mornings.
