Clore Tikva School Nursery

Dubi the bear brings a nursery-sized story to the mock seder at Clore Tikva. That small detail captures something distinctive about this school nursery: Jewish traditions become experiences young children can join in, with parents invited to the seder too.

The nursery belongs to Clore Tikva School in Barkingside, Ilford, a mixed Jewish primary school. Morning and afternoon sessions give the day its structure, while Nursery Lunch Club adds a meal and supervised play between them. For families, the choice of session and the lunchtime arrangement are practical parts of choosing this provision.

Early learning combines time with other children and adult guidance. In January 2025, children in the early years participated readily in activities and cooperated in their play; staff helped them practise new learning, including beginning writing and number work. This gives the nursery day both a social purpose and a foundation for later learning.

The nursery's learning areas include mathematics and literacy alongside communication, physical development and creative expression. Personal, social and emotional development sits alongside understanding the world. In parent language, that means learning extends beyond letters and numbers to talking, moving, relationships and making sense of surroundings.

Jewish celebration supplies a concrete example of that wider experience. Nursery children took part in a mock seder with a story involving Dubi the bear. Parents were invited to attend. A shared story gives young children a way into a tradition, and an invitation lets families participate in that experience.

Attention to individual children was an early-years strength in January 2025. Adults responded to children's needs and gave guidance as they learnt. The school also has an EYFS lead and an inclusion manager/SENCO within its leadership structure, providing defined roles for early learning and additional needs.

Lunch Club runs between the two nursery sessions. Children can eat a school meal or bring a packed lunch that meets the dairy, vegetarian and nut-free requirements. Staff supervise play afterwards, so the hour includes both eating and activity. The club is charged separately; contact the school for current charges.

Operation Encompass connects the school with the Metropolitan Police and Children's Services following domestic abuse incidents involving pupils. Information reaches designated safeguarding staff, who decide what support a child needs. This gives the school a route to respond to circumstances affecting a child's care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Applications go through the Common Applications Scheme via Redbridge LEA; prospective Reception parents must also return the Supplementary Form (SIP) to the school office. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Morning Nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am; Afternoon Nursery runs from 12:40pm to 3:30pm. Nursery Lunch Club occupies 11:40am to 12:40pm. These are distinct arrangements, so plan collection around the session your child attends.

Nursery enquiries go to the school office on 02085511097, with a nursery application form and starting-information form to complete. School tours can be booked by telephone. The school closes at 2pm before a Jewish festival and on the final day of term; winter Friday closures begin on 6 November 2026, also at 2pm. Those shorter days matter when arranging collection.