Orion Blenheim Nursery Review

Orion Little Stars Blenheim gives the nursery provision its own identity within Orion Blenheim, with a nursery team separate from the school's teaching and learning team. This is school-attached provision on Blenheim Road in Orpington. For families considering it, the distinction that matters is between joining the nursery and securing a later school place: these are separate decisions.

For children with additional needs, the school's support arrangements start with discussion. Parents can raise concerns with their child's teacher or contact the special educational needs coordinator, the SENCO, through the school office. Information from a previous setting or a home visit can help identify needs before a child starts. That gives families a way to share existing concerns early.

Support is organised around assessing needs, agreeing a plan, putting it into practice and reviewing the response. Parents help agree the intended outcomes, and a record of the discussion is shared with them. Where SEN support is needed, families receive written notification. The school meets parents at least termly to discuss progress, with the teacher or SENCO involved. This makes reviewing support a continuing conversation rather than a single decision.

Adaptations depend on the child. They can include additional time to process information, introducing vocabulary ahead of a lesson and changing resources or staffing. Visual timetables are among the aids used. Teaching assistants can work with individuals or small groups, while the SENCO coordinates provision and contact with outside agencies. These are school-wide arrangements, with support chosen case by case.

Specialist advice can come from speech and language therapists, occupational therapists or educational psychologists. Families are also signposted to Bromley IASS for confidential, impartial information and advice. This offers a separate route for understanding support and assessment decisions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the school's 2026-2027 admission arrangements. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority's website. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the provision itself, rather than an expectation of a school place.

For children with SEND, the school personalises transition support according to need. Options include meetings with parents, visits to previous settings and photographs in transition booklets. Additional school visits can take place before or after taster days. These arrangements help children prepare for a change of setting; they do not alter the Reception admission process.

The school office is the enquiry route: telephone 01689 819955 or email info@orionblenheim.org.uk. School tours can be arranged by telephone or email, giving families an opportunity to discuss their plans in person.

SEND enquiries also go through these contact details to the SENCO. For a family already working with professionals, this provides a direct route to begin discussing a child's needs alongside the general enquiry. Orion Blenheim's address is Blenheim Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 9BH.