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Nursery at Gascoigne 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and the first steps in phonics give Gascoigne’s nursery a clear starting point: learning to enjoy language before tackling reading. Provision begins at age three, with morning, afternoon and full-day patterns during term time. That gives families a choice between a shorter session and a day that includes lunch.
Nursery sits within Gascoigne Primary School in Barking. The school describes its structure as including two nursery classes. This is school-based early education, with an Inclusion Team and Family Liaison Practitioners available to support children and their families.
Books are a concrete part of the nursery experience. At the June 2022 inspection, staff shared stories and rhymes with nursery children and introduced the beginnings of the school’s phonics programme. These activities give children experience of language and sounds before more formal reading develops.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) also includes finding out about the world through observation. Children explore how places and materials differ, look at plants and animals, and discuss changes around them. The emphasis is on noticing and talking: everyday surroundings become something to investigate, rather than simply a backdrop.
Technology has a place in the Foundation Stage curriculum too, with opportunities to develop understanding of computing and safe use. Across the school, the named curriculum framework is the Gascoigne Quest, linking learning with personal development. In June 2022, children in early years sustained their attention and took part willingly in activities. For parents, that is a useful picture of engagement at this early stage.
Starting nursery is gradual. During the first week, children attend for shorter periods and increase their hours through a settling-in schedule. Families can plan for that initial adjustment rather than expecting the full session immediately.
Fruit and milk accompany the nursery sessions. Half-day children do not receive lunch; children with an eligible extended-hours place can have a school dinner or bring lunch from home. Lunch is also included with a paid top-up place. Parents supply nappies and wipes when their child needs them.
For additional needs, the Foundation Stage has an Inclusion Manager. Children identified for SEND support have a School Support Plan, discussed with parents each term, giving families a regular point to review support. Both school sites have lifts and medical rooms equipped with hoists, supporting physical access. Family Liaison Practitioners can also help with toilet training, eating difficulties and routines. Weduc provides school messages on parents’ phones.
A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must apply again through the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s online admissions process and meet the deadline for their application year. The nursery class teacher provides a booklet to help families follow that process.
Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions. Having a nursery place does not remove the need to submit the later application.
Sessions run Monday to Friday across 38 weeks. The universal 15-hour pattern is either 8:30–11:30am or 12:30–3:30pm. The eligible extended-hours pattern runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm; families must supply a valid 30-hour code during the preceding term and reconfirm eligibility each term.
A paid top-up can extend the shorter entitlement to a full day when space permits. Families commit to four-week blocks, pay through ParentPay and remain liable for the booked amount during absences. Ask the school for current charges. Some trips or additional activities carry charges communicated beforehand.
Contact the main office to arrange a visit or use office@gascoigne.co.uk for enquiries. Families select their preferred session pattern when applying, but a full option can mean an alternative offer or a waiting-list place.
Morning sessions are 8:30–11:30am and afternoons are 12:30–3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Extended-hours and paid top-up places run from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
No. A separate online application to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is required, even when your child already attends the nursery.
Children begin with reduced hours during their first week and build up their attendance through a settling-in schedule.
Fruit and milk are provided. Half-day sessions exclude lunch. Eligible extended-hours children can have a school dinner or packed lunch; paid top-up places include lunch.
Contact the school office to arrange a discussion with an Inclusion Manager. SEND support plans are reviewed with parents each term.
