Seedlings Nursery at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School

Play that follows a child's interests gives Seedlings its character: adults join children in their exploration and use those moments to extend learning. This is the nursery at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School in Orpington, with 24 full-time equivalent places. The school grounds sit within Scadbury Nature Reserve and include a forest school area.

Catholic values shape the provision. Families of any faith may apply, provided they support the nursery's Catholic education and ethos. That is a practical consideration for parents choosing the setting, alongside its play-based approach.

Seedlings follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. In parent language, this brings together movement, communication and emotional development with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Learning extends beyond practising letters and numbers.

Teaching in the moment is the named approach across early years. Adults move towards children's play, joining their activity to introduce ideas or develop a conversation. Child-chosen exploration sits alongside teaching led by adults and focused work in small groups. A different topic each half-term provides a starting point, while leaving room for children's own interests.

Indoor and outdoor learning receive equal emphasis. Early-years science includes investigating materials and living things through the senses, looking for changes and patterns. Outdoors, children explore mini-beasts, habitats and seasonal changes; Forest School brings further contact with nature. These are concrete ways to connect early learning with the world children can observe.

In November 2022, Ofsted identified deliberate sequencing of knowledge and skills beginning in early years, including vocabulary selected for children to retain. Reading also began from the start of Nursery, giving books a place in children's learning before Reception.

Snacks are provided during each session. Lunch runs from 11:30am to 12:30pm, with a choice between a packed lunch and a hot meal supplied by Nourish. Meal charges depend on funding eligibility, so families should check the applicable arrangements before booking lunch.

Across early years, Evidence Me holds observations, while Parent Share sends examples of learning to families. These updates connect parents with their child's activities and next steps, rather than leaving communication solely to conversations at collection.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities starts with the class teacher, who can involve the SENDCo. A diagnosis or an Education, Health and Care Plan is not required to receive support. Classroom adaptations, individual learning plans where appropriate and work with external professionals form part of the school's arrangements, giving families a route from an initial concern to further help.

Attending Seedlings does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must submit a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child's next year.

Support for starting Reception is separate from admission. Where additional transition help is needed, the school's options may include extra visits, visual aids, social stories and meetings to share information. Such preparation helps address the change of setting; it does not secure a place.

Morning and afternoon sessions can use funded hours, subject to eligibility. Seedlings accepts Iam2, Universal 15 hours and Extended entitlement of 30 hours, with proof of eligibility required. Only complete sessions can be booked.

Full days are calculated from 9:30am to 3:30pm. An optional 8:30am to 9:30am session carries an additional charge. Families agree a timetable with the nursery on admission; changes may be accepted by nursery management four weeks ahead. Unfunded bookings are invoiced monthly in advance through Nursery in a Box, which also allows parents to check balances and make payments. Consumables carry a contribution. Contact the school for current charges.

Stars provides breakfast and after-school care for nursery children, outside funded hours. Book ahead through Arbor. Collection and drop-off for Stars use its own door, and alternative collectors require a name and password.

Uniform is supplied by Price and Buckland. To enquire about nursery availability and arrange a visit with your child, email nursery@stpstp.co.uk; tours can also be arranged through the school office at admin@stpstp.co.uk.