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Nursery at Holy Innocents 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Purposeful play shapes the preschool at Holy Innocents, with children choosing activities alongside experiences guided by adults. Two preschool rooms take children aged 2–5, with capacity for up to 48 children. This is the nursery provision within the Catholic primary school on Mitchell Road, Orpington.
The youngest children’s learning concentrates on communication, physical development and relationships. That gives the provision a practical starting point: helping children express themselves, use their bodies and learn alongside others.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas of development. Language, movement and social and emotional development receive particular attention for the youngest children; maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world extend that foundation. Learning takes place through play, combining children’s own choices with activities adults lead.
Children’s interests help shape the work. Staff consider each child’s development and needs when planning, then use observations to decide what comes next. Parents’ observations contribute too, giving staff a picture that extends beyond the preschool rooms. As children develop, adult guidance takes a greater share of learning.
In May 2023, early-years children regularly heard stories and rhymes, helping them retain language, while both outdoor and indoor spaces supported learning, including maths. A mobile farm visit gave Nursery children a concrete starting point for number work: they subsequently used toy animals to explore differences between quantities up to 10. It is a useful example of an experience becoming something children can handle, discuss and investigate.
A key person is allocated to every child. Their role combines individual care and learning with support for parents at home, and they can help families connect with specialist services when appropriate. Preschool families also communicate with staff through Tapestry.
Staffing ratios are at least one adult for five two-year-olds and one for eight children aged three or above. For the older preschool age group, at least one adult has an approved level 3 qualification or approved equivalent status through experience; at least half of the remaining staff have an approved level 2 qualification. Someone holding current paediatric first aid certification is present whenever children attend, including outings.
Eating has specific safeguards. Staff gather dietary, allergy and health information before a child starts, and check food against individual requirements at meals and snacks. Children eat seated, within adults’ sight and hearing, with a paediatric first aider in the room. Nappy-changing facilities and support with toileting form part of care, balancing privacy with children’s safety and needs.
Preschool staff are trained to recognise possible special educational needs. They liaise with families and previous early-years settings, so information about a child’s needs can inform support from the outset.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must apply again through their home local authority’s Common Application Form, meeting the normal application deadline. For the September 2026 intake, nursery attendance conferred no priority within the admission criteria. Where baptismal evidence applies, it must reach the school by the CAF deadline.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND starting Reception, the SENCO visits preschools in the summer term; meetings with parents and additional transition days can be arranged where needed. These steps help prepare the child, rather than determine admission.
Eligible families of two-year-olds can access 15 funded hours. For three- and four-year-olds, the preschool offers 15 funded hours, with another 15 where families qualify. Additional hours carry a charge; contact the school for current charges.
For preschool enquiries, telephone the school office on 01689 813 040 or email admin@holyinnocents.bromley.sch.uk.
The two preschool rooms take children aged 2–5, with space for up to 48 children.
Children follow the EYFS through purposeful play, mixing activities they choose with those adults guide. Staff plan around their interests, needs and development.
Yes. Each child has a key person who coordinates individual learning and care, supports parents and helps connect families with specialist support where appropriate.
No. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority. Nursery attendance gave no priority for the September 2026 intake.
Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours. Three- and four-year-olds are offered 15 funded hours, plus an additional 15 where families qualify. Extra hours are charged.
