Reception Open Mornings

We are holding our open mornings for children starting Reception in September 2027 on

Wednesday 4th November 2026, 9:30am-10:30am

Thursday 5th November 2026, 9:30-10:30am

Wednesday 6th January 2027, 9:30am-10:30am

Parents to arrive at 9:15am. Welcome will take place promptly at 9:30am.

To book a slot on one of the open days, please complete the booking form below: 

The booking form must be completed for each family attending, (Max. 2 adults per family). Spaces are limited.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Nursery

Children born between 1st September 2023 and 31st December 2023 can start Nursery in January 2027

Children born between 1st January 2024 and 31st August 2024 can start Nursery in September 2027.

Places at our Nursery are for either 30 or 15 funded hours per week, 6 or 3 hours per day respectively, Monday to Friday. Morning places are from 9am to 12pm. Afternoon places are 12pm to 3pm. Full-time places are from 9am to 3pm.

Generally, you are eligible for 15 hours, but you may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare. Please check the eligibility criteria by using the following link: 30 hours free childcare – GOV.UK. Parents who are not eligible for 30 hours funding and wish to supplement the funded hours can do so at a rate of £20.25 per session.

Applications can be made at any time after your child’s 2nd birthday.  To apply for a nursery place at Downderry please visit the school’s main office on Downderry Road for an application pack.  

Nursery places are allocated to children within the nursery age range ( i.e. between 3 years and the start of the academic year in which they will be 5). We do not allocate places to children whose parents have delayed admission to reception class.

In line with Lewisham’s Admission Criteria, where there is over-subscription, priority is given to:

• Looked-after children – children in public care , or being provided with accommodation by a local authority.  Confirmation of a child’s looked-after status must be supplied by the allocated social worker or foster carer, along with a copy of the adoption order, care order or special guardianship order.
• Medical or social need – children may be admitted to a school where they would not normally qualify for a place on the grounds of their or their family’s severe medical or social need. The application must be supported by a letter from a professional such as doctor or a social worker.
• Siblings – children whose brother or sister attends the school on the closing date for applications and still be on roll at Downderry at the intended date of admission.
• Distance to School – if any places remain, unfilled priority will be offered to children who live closest to the school. Distance will be measured in a straight line using digitised mapping software.

Offers are made approximately 6-8 weeks before the start date, in September or January each year.

Unsuccessful applicants do not have the right of appeal but the child’s name can be placed on a waiting list. Waiting lists are held in admission criteria order rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that a place in the Nursery does not guarantee a place in the Reception Class.

Reception Class Admissions for September 2027

If your child was born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023, you will need to apply for a reception class place to start in September 2027. Parents are able to apply as soon as the new school year begins in September 2026. The deadline for applications is Friday 15th January 2027.

Application are made directly to Lewisham using the www.eadmissions.org.uk platform. In line with Lewisham’s Admission Criteria, where there is over-subscription, priority is given to:

• Looked-after children – children in public care , or being provided with accommodation by a local authority.  Confirmation of a child’s looked-after status must be supplied by the allocated social worker or foster carer, along with a copy of the adoption order, care order or special guardianship order.
• Medical or social need – children may be admitted to a school where they would not normally qualify for a place on the grounds of their or their family’s severe medical or social need. The application must be supported by a letter from a professional such as doctor or a social worker.
• Siblings – children whose brother or sister attends the school on the closing date for applications and still be on roll at Downderry at the intended date of admission.
• Distance to School – if any places remain, unfilled priority will be offered to children who live closest to the school. Distance will be measured in a straight line using digitised mapping software.

Please apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk

The Lewisham council website contains information for Lewisham residents about applying to primary schools in Lewisham.

Your will need to provide the following documents to support your application: click here

In-Year admissions

In-Year admissions are dealt with through Lewisham Council general enquiry line, open daily from 9:00am - 12:00pm. 0208 314 8282

Transition onto Secondary school

As part of the transition from Primary onto Secondary school, our learning mentor has several parents’ evenings throughout the summer term outlining the process. Parents are also assisted with completing the online CAF (Common Application Form) and with organising visits of secondary schools.