R J Mitchell Primary School Nursery Review

Stories lead into conversation and painting in R J Mitchell’s early years provision. Language is the organising thread: adults build on children’s words, while books give them ideas to explore through practical activities. That gives the learning a clear connection between listening, talking and doing.

The nursery belongs to R J Mitchell Primary School on Tangmere Crescent in Hornchurch. In March 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities chosen by children with teaching directed by adults. Children’s interests influence the learning, and role play and storytelling provide opportunities to practise language. Adults introduce new ideas, then children have room to pursue their own choices. For parents, this means a balance between guided learning and exploration.

CUSP EYFS supplies texts and linked activities, alongside Development Matters and the Arc Pathways assessment system. The school’s early years approach also uses The Drawing Club, Read Write Inc phonics and White Rose Maths. These give identifiable structure to the curriculum rather than leaving learning entirely to spontaneous play.

In March 2026, the early years curriculum had a clear sequence across its learning areas. One example linked a story about galleries with children making paintings of their own. Staff expanded children’s spoken language as they worked. Books therefore served as starting points for creative activity as well as listening.

Assessment happens through observation of play and adult-guided tasks throughout the year. Staff use what children show them to identify where further support is needed, so learning can respond to the child’s understanding.

Home visits and observations help early years staff understand children and their families. In March 2026, this supported prompt identification of additional needs, including special educational needs and/or disabilities. Smaller learning groups and access to nurture groups were among the responses. The practical benefit is support shaped around the child rather than a single approach for everyone.

For children with long-term medical needs, the school develops an individual healthcare plan with parents or carers. Essential medicines require parental consent and must be handed to the office team. These arrangements make the family’s involvement part of managing care during the school day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. Havering residents use www.eadmissions.org.uk, and Havering Council decides admission to the school. Treat the Reception application as a separate step when planning your child’s next stage.

Nursery children are expected in class by 8:45am or 12:30pm. These are useful punctuality points when organising the family day.

The office handles enquiries on 01708 551684 or at rjmschooloffice@theaspirelearningfederation.co.uk. School visits can be arranged through the office. Secure storage for bikes and scooters is available on the school site.

Attendance. In March 2026, reducing persistent absence remained an improvement priority explicitly including early years children. Regular attendance therefore deserves attention alongside the everyday arrangements for getting to nursery.