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Nursery at Hacton 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough Disco, gardening and a secure outdoor learning area give Hacton’s nursery day its character: children learn through movement, conversation and practical play. This is the nursery within Hacton Primary School in Hornchurch, serving children aged three and four. The morning session accommodates up to 29 children, alongside a limited number of places offering 30 hours for eligible families.
In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to reach a Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Adult interaction was a strength: staff expanded children’s vocabulary and helped them develop communication skills.
Children begin by registering themselves and choosing activities indoors or outside. A gathering of the whole group follows, with stories, achievements, number work or sound activities, plus discussion of the day’s plans. Cooking and painting sit alongside gardening and walks around the grounds to investigate the natural environment. There is plenty to do with hands as well as words.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning about relationships, communication and movement with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. At Hacton, children make their own choices, join play guided by adults and take part in focused teaching groups. These different formats give them opportunities to pursue an interest and practise a particular skill. The Hacton curriculum goals include Confident Communicators and Independent Individuals, making language and independence explicit aims.
Key-worker groups practise listening and speaking, recognising sounds, and combining or separating spoken sounds, linked to Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS). Nursery teaching builds sound awareness; formal phonics begins later. Tidying happens with music, while Dough Disco and movement activities exercise smaller hand movements and larger body movements. Stories and rhymes also feature in the session.
A secure outside learning space extends the classroom, with access to the grounds and the hall for physical education. Outdoor activity continues through wet and cold weather, so suitable clothing matters. Nursery children also have opportunities for group swimming lessons in the school pool during the summer term.
A key worker leads each child’s group, providing a regular adult connection within the session. Nursery staffing includes an assistant head and three nursery practitioners. Early years emotional support is available through an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), with parents able to approach the office about help.
Snack time combines food with independence. Children choose fruit, water or milk, sit with an adult and other children, then clear their cup and bowl. Toast and foods associated with other cultures are introduced on some days. This makes eating part of the social learning too.
Family involvement has a practical focus. In January 2026, early years families took part in regular sing and swing sessions, watching staff demonstrate ways to develop children’s language; the family hub also connected them with experts. Children needing additional learning help received prompt, focused support. For deaf nursery children, mainstream participation is supported by a specialist nursery nurse, with progress monitored by a Teacher of the Deaf.
Attending Hacton’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Empower Learning Academy Trust is the school’s admissions authority; Havering Council provides admissions and appeals information. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
The morning session runs from 8:30am to 11:30am. Limited 30-hour places are available for eligible parents. Universal funding covers 15 hours each week for three- and four-year-olds; eligible working families can receive another 15 hours. Core funded sessions carry no additional charges, although voluntary contributions are requested for lunchtime staffing for all-day children and for activities such as baking. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery clothing consists of a green jumper and bottle-green tracksuit bottoms, a white polo shirt and shoes with Velcro fastenings. Add a waterproof coat and wellington boots to keep at school, and label everything. A separate PE kit is unnecessary.
Return the nursery application form to apply. Enquiries go to hacton@elatschools.co.uk or 01708 443991, and visits can be booked by calling the office. Public areas of the school building have step-free access.
The nursery caters for children aged three and four.
The morning session runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, with up to 29 children attending.
Yes. Universal entitlement provides 15 hours per week for three- and four-year-olds. Eligible working families can receive 30 hours, with a limited number of these places available. Voluntary contributions are requested for all-day lunchtime staffing and activities such as baking.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
Snack choices include fruit, milk and water. On some days children also try toast or foods from other cultures, sitting together with an adult.
