Paxton Academy Sports And Science Nursery

Five half days give Paxton’s part-time nursery a regular weekly rhythm. The provision has 26 full-time equivalent places, shared between full-time and part-time attendance, within Paxton Academy Sports And Science in Thornton Heath. That capacity describes equivalent full-time places, rather than a headcount of children.

The nursery takes children from age three. September entry is for children whose third birthday falls before 1 September; children turning three during the academic year may receive a part-time place the following term, subject to space. A January intake also depends on vacancies.

Part-time attendance totals 15 hours each week across five half days. Morning sessions begin at 8.45am and finish at 11.45am, giving families a defined three-hour block. Afternoon sessions and full-time places provide other attendance options. The practical choice is between a daily half-day pattern and longer attendance, with eligibility or a paid extension governing full-time access.

The school’s early years reading support includes named programmes. Children in early years who need help with reading can follow Keep Up, Blending or Catch-Up programmes for as long as that support is needed. This describes additional help, rather than a daily nursery phonics timetable.

The wider school building includes spaces for indoor and outdoor PE and games, plus areas for relaxing with a book. These are school facilities. Paxton also has access through Wandle Learning Trust to colleagues with Early Years expertise, giving staff a route to develop their teaching knowledge.

Settling begins before the first session. Families attend an All about Me meeting with the nursery teacher before their child starts, creating an opportunity to discuss the child directly with the teaching team. Children then join through a staggered intake. Paxton aims to make the start manageable and help children settle.

For additional needs, the school works within Croydon’s guidance for SEND provision in mainstream education. Parents can contact the SENCO through the school office email. Concerns about support go first to the class teacher, with the SENCO as the next contact, giving families a clear sequence for raising an issue.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Croydon Council Admissions Department manages Reception admissions centrally, so joining the nursery should be treated as a nursery decision, with the later application handled separately.

Eligible working parents can take full-time places. Parents who do not qualify can pay to extend part-time attendance to full-time hours across five days each week. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications use an application form, followed by an email acknowledging receipt and further contact to begin enrolment. School tours can be booked, and families needing another appointment can contact the office. For enquiries, call 020 8683 2308 or email admin@paxtonacademy.org.uk. The school address is 843 London Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 6AW.