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Nursery at Crofton Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Surprise boxes, gardening with local seniors and performances for families give Crofton Cubs a distinctive mix of discovery and participation. This private nursery operates within Crofton Infant School and takes children aged 2 to 4. It forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), so its focus is on the foundations of learning rather than a miniature school timetable.
In April 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to be Strong standard. That judgement covers early years as a whole; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play and adult guidance shape the curriculum. The EYFS approach here means children learn through exploration, conversation and activities that help them become more independent. Themes connect their experiences, while staff support learning rather than leaving children to discover everything alone. Language gets daily attention: key workers introduce and extend vocabulary during planned activities, giving children more words with which to explain their ideas.
Circle time, small groups and surprise boxes help children practise concentrating. The timetable gradually develops their capacity to stay with both exploration and activities led by adults. Performing arts adds another way to participate: children have opportunities for sessions adapted to them and are encouraged to perform for their families each term. Confidence has a practical outlet.
Outdoor learning includes modular equipment for physical play, with space to develop movement skills. Children can work regularly with sports coaches, and a sports day takes place in the summer term. Indoors and outdoors both contribute to learning.
The local community supplies experiences beyond the classroom. Visits include shops and the church; community helpers also come into the nursery. Local seniors join children for gardening and crafts, bringing different generations together around shared tasks. Celebrations include Lunar New Year and Diwali, with parents invited to contribute their cultural experiences. These are concrete ways to explore people, places and traditions.
Settling follows the child. Before children start, staff spend time getting to know them and their carers, then adjust both the length and number of introductory sessions to individual needs. This gives families a gradual beginning rather than one fixed settling pattern.
Every Crofton Cubs child has a key worker. Throughout the day, these adults offer guidance, challenge and feedback, as well as supporting the move into nursery routines. Families also participate through cultural contributions and the termly performances, creating shared points of contact with children's learning.
The April 2026 early years findings described secure routines and prompt support where children needed extra help. Staff worked with families and outside agencies to arrange intervention. For children needing additional support, that connects classroom care with help beyond the setting. Learning about feelings also begins in Nursery through the school's wellbeing curriculum, giving emotional development a place alongside language and physical activity.
Attending Crofton Cubs does not guarantee a Reception place at Crofton Infant School. Families must make a separate application through the London Borough of Bromley. For entry in September 2026, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has passed.
Preparation for starting school is a separate matter from admission. The transition process includes contact with children's previous settings and taster sessions with their new classmates. Parents meet staff and attend information sessions before children start. Those experiences introduce people and routines; they do not secure a place. Keep the application process distinct from the familiarity a child develops through nursery life.
Crofton Infant School is on Towncourt Lane in Orpington, BR5 1EL. Nursery enquiries can be directed through the school office on 01689 826320 or by email to admin@crofton-inf.bromley.sch.uk. An online contact form also accepts enquiries.
Crofton Cubs takes children aged 2 to 4 and operates within Crofton Infant School.
Staff get to know children and carers before they start. Settling sessions vary in number and length to suit each child.
Yes. Every Crofton Cubs child has a key worker who supports nursery routines and learning throughout the day.
Children use modular play equipment, have opportunities to work with sports coaches regularly and take part in a summer-term sports day. Gardening with local seniors is another activity.
No. Families make a separate application through the London Borough of Bromley. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026.
