main content Official opening of Castlecombe Primary's new nursery

A new purpose-built nursery at Castlecombe Primary School in Mottingham was officially opened by the Minister for Children, Margaret Hodge, on Tuesday 8 March.

The facility will enable the school to prepare youngsters for the transfer to primary school by offering the Foundation Stage curriculum through structured play activities in a secure, safe and stimulating environment.

Staffed by a qualified and experienced teacher and a fully trained nursery assistant, the nursery, which also includes an outdoor play area, can cater for up to 26 pupils at a time, at each of two half-day sessions.

It opened its doors to the first entrants, born between September 2000 and August 2001, in January.

Headteacher Jenny Shepherd said: "Everyone connected with the school is delighted that our long efforts to achieve a nursery class have come to fruition."

"The school’s excellent work has been recognised by two School Achievement Awards from the Department for Education and Skills and our last Ofsted report.  Now we shall be able to give the children in the community an even better start to their full-time education."

Bromley Council’s Education Department announced in June that the project could go ahead and construction started in August last year on a site immediately adjacent to the main school building.

Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Children and Young People Councillor Graham Arthur said: "The new nursery is a major boost to Castlecombe and will help give more of our young people a good start and prepare them for their exciting journey through school."

Margaret Hodge said: "I was extremely pleased to be invited to open this new nursery.  I think it is excellent that the children will be able to experience a smooth transition between the Foundation Stage and primary school.  Early years education is vitally important and I am very impressed with the new facilities and staff here.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact Jenny Shepherd, Headteacher, on 020 8858 1504 or e-mail:  jenny.shepherd@castlecombe.bromley.sch.uk