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Nursery at St William of York 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland exploration, stories and a deliberate emphasis on conversation give this nursery its character. St William of York Catholic Primary School in Forest Hill has 25 nursery places for children from age three. It is the Catholic school's own provision, with both shorter sessions and full days, so families can choose between a morning, an afternoon and a longer nursery day.
At Ofsted's inspection on 5 and 6 October 2022, early years provision was judged Outstanding within the whole-school inspection. That judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery. Families do not need to be Catholic to join the nursery.
Play is the starting point for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Speaking and listening receive particular attention: children develop language alongside early reading, writing and number. For parents, this means the learning emphasis extends beyond recognising letters or numbers to expressing ideas and understanding other people.
Stories have a clear place in that approach. In October 2022, children in early years showed enthusiasm for books and story characters, while learning to listen to classmates and take turns. These are useful foundations for both learning and playing together. Music also reaches the nursery, with lessons delivered by the school's music teacher.
Forest School adds a different setting for learning. Trained staff deliver sessions for nursery children, and a February 2026 news item records their woodland participation. The approach centres on exploration, practical experiences and supported risk-taking in woodland, led by qualified Forest School practitioners. It gives children opportunities to make choices and try things in a natural setting. Nursery Forest School trips are fully subsidised, so participation carries no charge for parents.
Settling was a strength of early years in October 2022: children became comfortable quickly and helped one another. Relationships remain central to the EYFS approach, with children's well-being an explicit curriculum priority.
For additional needs, the first conversation is with the class teacher. The school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator advises parents and teachers, with outside expertise including occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. This gives families a route from an initial concern to more specialist advice. Arbor provides messages from the school and a way to contact the office digitally.
Children attending a morning or full-day session can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a charged hot lunch. Nursery meal payments are handled through Arbor. Parents supply their child's nappies and wipes, making these part of the preparations for attending.
Reception requires another application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at St William of York. Families must use the local authority's Common Application Process through e-admissions; for September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions, and keep that deadline in the family calendar.
Provision runs Monday to Friday during term time, across 38 weeks annually. Full days run from 9am to 3pm; morning sessions finish at noon, and afternoon sessions run from noon to 3pm. The application form lets parents select preferred weekdays and morning or afternoon sessions, choosing both for a full day.
Eligible children can use the 15-hour or 30-hour funded entitlement here. Funded hours carry no top-up charge; families can purchase additional sessions beyond their entitlement or when they do not qualify for funding. Contact the school for current charges.
Applications go through the nursery form, and the school contacts families when a place becomes available. Starts can take place after a child's third birthday during a term when vacancies permit. Nursery tours can be arranged through the school office on 020 8690 2842 or via admin@swoy.lewisham.sch.uk. School Road has weekday traffic restrictions from 8.30 to 9.15am and 2.45 to 3.30pm, affecting journeys around the nursery's full-day start and finish.
Children can start from age three. When vacancies permit, they can begin during a term rather than waiting for the next one.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm. Provision operates Monday to Friday in term time.
Yes. Eligible children can use 15-hour or 30-hour funding across morning, afternoon or full-day sessions, with no top-up charge for funded hours.
Children attending a morning or full-day session may bring a healthy packed lunch or have a hot lunch for an additional charge. Nursery meal payments can be made through Arbor.
No. A separate application is required through e-admissions. The deadline for September 2027 Reception entry is 15 January 2027.
