John Perry Primary School Nursery Review

Story sacks, role play and outdoor conversation give John Perry’s nursery its character: early learning built around language and play. The provision forms part of John Perry Primary School on Charles Road in Dagenham. Within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children explore, practise social skills and develop their language, rather than learning only through formal teaching.

Books provide a thread through the day. Across EYFS, daily shared reading sits alongside accessible book corners and books placed throughout classroom learning areas. Story sacks and props give children ways to act out or retell what they have heard. That makes stories something children can participate in, as well as listen to.

Phonics Shed is the named reading approach, with a sequence beginning in Nursery. Its opening chapter includes listening to environmental and instrumental sounds, rhyme, voice sounds and oral blending. These are foundations for recognising sounds in words. At the April and May 2024 inspection, Ofsted identified nursery children’s introduction to letter sounds through familiar stories and rhymes.

Outdoor learning extends the classroom’s activities into more physical exploration. In the EYFS outdoor area, staff join children in games and conversations intended to develop speech and movement. The emphasis is on learning through activity, with adults involved in the play.

Physical development also includes cutting and practising pencil control. These smaller movements sit alongside outdoor play, so children work on both hand skills and larger movements. Nursery curriculum progression covers mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts as well as language, literacy, physical development and personal development. For parents, this means the learning extends beyond preparation for reading: play, communication and practical skills all have a place.

Foundation Stage classes have a higher proportion of adults to children than can always be provided elsewhere in the school. The EYFS approach also places emphasis on building the relationship between home and school from the beginning. These are useful features for families whose child is starting to spend time away from home.

Communication across the school uses Reach More Parents from Weduc. A separate nursery newsletter is linked from the curriculum page, giving families a nursery-specific channel alongside school messages.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND team is the contact point for concerns. Its support discussion can cover communication with other children, participation in activities and personal care, including eating or toileting. Parents can therefore raise practical care needs alongside learning needs. Safeguarding concerns can be sent directly to safeguarding@johnperryprimary.co.uk.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions; familiarity with the school does not secure admission.

The school office is the enquiry route: email office@johnperryprimary.co.uk or telephone 020 8270 4622. The website also provides a Say Hello link for arranging a visit. John Perry Primary School’s address is Charles Road, Dagenham, RM10 8UR.