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Nursery at Orchard 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly Forest School in the school's own woodland gives Orchard's nursery a clear outdoor thread. Children also take part in assemblies and school events, so nursery life includes more than the classroom. Discos and movie nights bring the youngest children into the wider school community.
At Orchard Primary School in Sidcup, the nursery has 26 places for children aged 3 and 4. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. There are both 15-hour and 30-hour placements, with the latter dependent on eligibility and availability. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its March 2022 inspection; that judgement covers early years within the school.
Play supplies much of the nursery's learning. Continuous provision means children learn through play activities, with changing themes giving them access to the seven learning areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This makes the day broader than an early introduction to formal lessons.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds begins in Nursery. Staff working directly with children receive training in the programme, giving early reading a shared teaching framework. In March 2022, phonics teaching from Nursery onwards was consistent, with resources adjusted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Early years mathematics activities were carefully planned and demonstrated by adults, allowing children to repeat concepts and build fluency. Learning also included an introduction to planets.
Outdoors, the on-site woodland hosts Forest School each week for Nursery children. Waterproof clothing and wellies are needed, making outdoor learning part of the practical weekly routine. Nursery children also join whole-school assemblies, connecting their play-based classroom day with school gatherings.
Lunch has a quieter setting for nursery children: they eat in the space used by the school's nurture group, away from the busier dining hall. Adults encourage conversation and help children learn mealtime routines. Hot lunches are prepared on site, with a vegetarian choice; families can also provide a packed lunch. Food containing nuts should stay at home because children with severe allergies attend the school.
The 2025/2026 staffing structure included a nursery teacher and a nursery nurse. Across the school, the Inclusion Team combines leadership, SEND coordination and pastoral welfare roles. If staff think a child needs additional support, they discuss their concerns with parents first and agree subsequent actions together. That gives families a part in decisions about support.
External support includes Oxleas Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychologist input. Staff receive annual safeguarding and child protection training, alongside weekly updates, so concerns can be raised through the school's safeguarding team.
Attending Orchard's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Bexley Council manages the school's admissions. Treat the nursery choice and the later school-place application as separate decisions.
The school encourages families to practise independence and confidence before starting Reception, with nursery professionals working alongside parents to help children prepare. This preparation concerns readiness for school; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:50am to midday, and full days end at 3pm. Gates open at 8:35am; nursery families use the Early Years entrance. Parents can pass messages or raise concerns with senior staff there. Contact the office if collection will be delayed.
The universal funded entitlement is 15 hours weekly. Buying additional hours is considered subject to availability. Breakfast and after-school care accept children from age 3, with breakfast club starting at 7:30am and after-school care ending at 6pm, through Manna-Seh.
Nursery clothing includes a royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan, a white polo shirt and jogging pants. Trainers should have no laces so children can manage them independently. An all-in-one waterproof suit is also included. Parents supply nappies and suncream. For current charges, contact the school; families wishing to supply their own consumables can discuss arrangements with the nursery. Register interest with the office at admin@orchard.bexley.sch.uk.
Children aged 3 and 4 can attend, starting in the new term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions run from 8:50am to midday; full days finish at 3pm. Both 15-hour and 30-hour placements are offered, with 30-hour places subject to eligibility and availability.
Yes. Nursery children use the school's own woodland for weekly Forest School and need waterproof clothing and wellies.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Bexley Council manages the school's admissions.
Email the school office at admin@orchard.bexley.sch.uk.
