St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

An on-site pre-school starting at age two gives St Peter Chanel an early-years presence before compulsory schooling begins. Its Nursery & Pre-School caters for children aged 2 to 5 at the Catholic primary school on Baugh Road in Foots Cray, Sidcup. Children from families of any faith, or none, are welcome.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its September 2023 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. For parents, the useful distinction is between choosing this early start and securing a later school place.

Play, exploration and teaching led by adults form the school's approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, learning involves both children's investigations and adult guidance. The September 2023 early-years findings give a concrete example: children learnt the names of materials they encountered around school. Everyday surroundings become something to discuss and understand.

Adult conversation matters here. In September 2023, interactions between adults and children in early years were of a high standard, and curriculum planning built learning in sequence from these youngest years. This gives the learning a direction while keeping adult involvement central.

Technology also has a practical place in the early-years curriculum. Children investigate toys they can programme and devices that demonstrate cause and effect. Drawing, making marks and telling stories also feature through apps suited to their age. These are specific ways of exploring what technology can do, alongside other learning.

Physical access includes a wooden ramp at the Pre-School, with a gentler slope to help young children and adults using pushchairs. It is a concrete consideration for families managing mobility needs as well as the practicalities of bringing a small child to the setting.

Support also extends across the move into school. The Pre-School's special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo) discusses children's individual needs with the school's SENDCo. This handover gives the receiving team information about support before the change of setting. Parents can contact the school office to reach the SENDCo and discuss their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through the local authority for their home address. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Bexley residents use Bexley's primary admissions service; families elsewhere apply through their own council.

Transition arrangements are a separate matter. Home visits give parents a chance to share information before Reception starts. A transition day is followed by gradual entry, with six children starting each day. Familiarity and preparation can help with the change, but they do not alter how places are allocated.

Applications for Nursery & Pre-School go directly to the Pre-School. The school office can help with enquiries on 020 8302 6029 or at admin@st-peterchanel.bexley.sch.uk.

School tours welcome prospective Pre-School families and take around 45 minutes. They include the Pre-School, making a visit a useful way to see its position within the wider site. The school and Pre-School share term dates for 2026–2027, so those dates matter when planning family routines.