Robert Clack School Nursery Review

Play leads the learning in Robert Clack’s early years, with literacy and numeracy given a clear place within it. The school calls this curriculum phase Discovering: a useful indication that early learning combines exploration with purposeful work on words and numbers.

Robert Clack has nursery provision within its all-through school in Dagenham. At the Ofsted inspection on 22 and 23 November 2023, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Discovering uses play to work towards early learning goals. For parents, the practical emphasis is on children developing early language, reading and number skills through activity. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together; its seven learning areas give staff a framework for supporting children’s development.

Books have a concrete place in the early years experience. In November 2023, children in early years and the primary phase were attentive during stories, acted out elements of them and selected books from classroom libraries. Those libraries give children something tangible to choose from, while drama lets them explore a story through action as well as listening. These are early years and primary findings, rather than a nursery-only timetable.

The primary curriculum resources also include Supported Reading at Home and Power Maths. Together with the play-based Discovering approach, these show the emphasis placed on early literacy and numeracy. They give families a connection between classroom learning and reading at home.

Learning concerns have a clear starting point in the primary support system: the child’s teacher. Parents and teachers discuss what help is appropriate, with the SENDco involved where needed. Support can include an intervention or work with a specialist member of staff; an outside referral may follow with parental permission. Families are kept informed as decisions develop.

Communication support extends to activities parents can use. The early years resources include videos about giving choices, using action words and commenting on what children are doing. Story-bag resources use Dear Zoo and The Tiger who came to tea, giving families familiar books around which to practise talking together.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing nursery.

Once a Reception place is allocated, the school sends admission details and offers EYFS induction. A home visit allows families and teaching staff to exchange information. Children then begin in small groups for half days, progress to a whole-class half day and subsequently include lunch. Extra settling arrangements can be made for children who need them. This is induction after allocation, rather than an admissions advantage from nursery attendance.

The primary office is the enquiry contact: primaryoffice@robertclack.co.uk. The school’s telephone number is 020 8270 4200.

For communication with the school, My Child at School provides a messaging facility. Parents can select their child’s profile and start or continue a conversation, giving them a direct written route for contacting school staff.