The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Laleham Lea 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Spanish, phonics and exploration of the Sensory Garden give Laleham Lea’s nursery day its character. This is nursery provision within an independent Catholic school in Purley, for children aged three and four. Full days are the usual pattern, with attendance on at least three days: a substantial weekly commitment for families choosing their first school routine.
Catholic practice is part of daily life. Nursery children join in the school prayer each morning, so families should be comfortable with faith shaping the day. Children from other faith backgrounds are welcome where families support the school’s ethos.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. Activities cover its learning and development areas, with computing, Spanish, phonics and music with movement woven into the nursery programme. For parents, that means early learning extends beyond letters to language, creative expression and using technology.
In March 2025, early years teaching used themes and children’s interests to connect different areas of learning. Adults developed spoken language through questions and by demonstrating how to express ideas, asking children to explain their play. Conversation has a teaching purpose here. A handwriting programme also began in the early years, giving early writing a consistent approach.
Outdoor learning includes the Sensory Garden and amphitheatre. In March 2025, children in the early years had outdoor play each day in separate, designated spaces with equipment suited to them. These opportunities supported physical development. Social learning was equally concrete: early years children cooperated over a dinosaur den, while nursery children explored kindness through making a friendship cake. Play gives children practical situations in which to share ideas and respond to others.
The staffing list includes a nursery practitioner and nursery assistant, each with an NVQ Level 3 qualification. In March 2025, early years staffing ratios were maintained and all early years staff had paediatric first aid training. Nursery staff are accessible to parents around session times, creating an opportunity to discuss everyday concerns.
A fruit snack and hot lunch are included in nursery fees. Nourish cooks meals on the premises each day; vegetarian meals and jacket potatoes are daily options. Younger children receive table service from a lunchtime assistant, giving meals an element of practical help as well as food.
The Laleham Lea Rainbow Room accommodates individual and small group support, including Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA) and Lego Therapy, and serves children from nursery upwards. Parents are contacted for agreement before ELSA sessions begin. SEND provision involves the SENDCO, classroom staff and parents; the admissions policy requires individual consideration of reasonable adjustments. Accessibility. The SEND policy identifies building design as a restriction for some disabilities, making the fit between a child’s needs and the premises consequential.
Fire safety. The ISI inspection of 11 to 13 March 2025 identified fire doors that could not consistently be used for safe evacuation, alongside weaknesses in assessing risk, including failures against EYFS requirements. At the subsequent monitoring inspection on 17 October 2025, ISI confirmed that the relevant standards considered were met following changes to fire safety and risk management. That later conclusion concerns the standards checked during that visit.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately to the school, using its registration process, with Reception applications due by 1 January in the intended entry year. Later applications follow initial offers and are considered in registration order.
The 2026/27 admissions policy does give current nursery pupils priority when applicants compete within the same oversubscription category, ahead of siblings and registration date. This is a conditional advantage, not an unconditional place: the category order still applies. Preparation through the nursery curriculum and entitlement to admission are separate matters.
Term-time nursery hours run from 8.20am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday. The usual booking is at least three full days, although a limited allocation of places covers only 15 funded hours. This matters when matching childcare to a working week.
Funding starts in the term after a child’s third birthday. The nursery funding allowance is up to 15 hours weekly, subject to annual confirmation; families complete the local authority claim form through the school office. Additional attendance is charged. The September 2026 nursery fee schedule includes lunch and fruit snack and specifies no further additional charges. Ask the school for current charges.
Uniform includes a gold polo, royal sweatshirt, navy shorts or joggers and black trainers with Velcro fastenings, supplied by Cladish. Morning entry is between 8.20am and 8.40am; nursery collection is at 3.20pm. Contact secretary@lalehamlea.co.uk or 020 8660 3351 for enquiries and a tour by appointment.
The admissions policy provides for nursery entry at age three or four.
The usual pattern requires at least three full days. There are also limited places covering only 15 funded hours, arranged through the school office.
Nursery fees include a hot lunch and fruit snack. Nourish prepares meals on site, with vegetarian meals and jacket potatoes offered daily.
No. A separate school application is required by 1 January in the entry year. Current nursery pupils receive priority within an oversubscription category under the 2026/27 policy, but this does not guarantee a place.
Book an appointment through the school office on 020 8660 3351 or email secretary@lalehamlea.co.uk.
