Manor Oak Primary School Nursery

A woodwork bench and Foundations for Phonics give Manor Oak’s early years provision two distinct strands: making things and beginning to read. The nursery belongs to Manor Oak Primary School on Sweeps Lane in Orpington, so its provision sits within a primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.

In May 2023, the nursery included children aged two. Ofsted found that children became comfortable quickly and that early years staff helped them cooperate and respond to instructions. Those are useful beginnings for children learning to spend time in a group.

Foundations for Phonics is taught in the nursery, with substantial time devoted to phase 1. The emphasis is on building the beginnings of reading before moving further through phonics. Manor Oak joined the Little Wandle Letters & Sounds partnership in January 2022, giving its reading teaching a named approach.

Writing starts with developing fine motor control, preparing the muscles children need for writing. Across the early years foundation stage (EYFS), Pathways to Write supplies starting points for writing through books. The school describes a sequence in which each unit builds on earlier work. For parents, the useful distinction is between preparing children physically to write and introducing the texts that give them something to write about.

Practical construction has a physical base too. The early years provision has a woodwork station and bench, with materials and tools for children to start building. This gives making and construction a concrete place alongside early literacy. Cooperation and following instructions also form part of early years learning, linking participation in a group with the skills needed to tackle activities together.

Settling was a positive nursery finding in May 2023, including for the youngest children seen then. That dated finding matters for families considering a first experience away from home. A school SENDCo provides a contact for families with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities; enquiries go through the office.

Harrisons provides school dinners, which are currently free for pupils, including children in EYFS. Children can alternatively bring lunch from home, following the school’s healthy eating requirements and nut restriction. Parents must complete the allergy and intolerance management form where applicable, and tell the school if medical or allergy information changes. That makes sharing accurate food information a practical part of care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Bromley Admissions coordinates applications for the borough’s primary schools. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01689 828099 or email officemop@nestschools.org. Viewings can be requested, and the school aims to accommodate them.

EYFS uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt, a jumper or cardigan in royal blue bearing the school logo, and a blue book bag. Reusable uniform is free through the main office, offering families another way to obtain school clothing.