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Nursery at Hatchside 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication takes many forms at Hatchside: a photograph, a Makaton sign or a child's voice can all be part of learning. This nursery sits within a special school supporting children with moderate to severe learning difficulties, including children with autistic spectrum condition. The early years department is beside Mayespark Primary School on Goodmayes Lane, at the Goodmayes infants site.
Hatchside is registered to admit children from age two. In September 2023, there were no two-year-olds attending. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 26 to 27 September 2023. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
Small learning steps give the day its direction. In September 2023, teachers and therapists working in early years agreed individual goals for each term and day. For parents, this means learning can focus on a child's next step rather than a shared target for the whole class.
At the September 2023 inspection, children in early years encountered letter sounds in play, songs and rhymes. Systematic phonics teaching began once pupils were ready. These are concrete examples of early years learning: exploring language through familiar activities before moving towards more structured teaching.
The school aims to develop understanding and expression through its Total Communication Approach. Alongside speech, children can use photographs, symbols, Makaton and communication devices. Recommended strategies may include Intensive Interaction or the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). An individual communication plan guides support for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), giving adults specific ways to help a child communicate.
Consistency matters. In September 2023, some school learning targets needed greater precision, and staff sometimes used communication resources inconsistently. The improvement priorities were clearer individual goals and stronger staff implementation of communication, behaviour support and teaching. These school-wide concerns matter when considering how a child's plan translates into everyday activities.
Careful preparation helped children starting Nursery settle quickly in September 2023. Support brings together teachers, Learning Support Assistants and the trust's therapy staff, including occupational and speech and language therapists.
Occupational therapy can address eating, dressing and toileting, alongside sensory needs and movement. A specialist nurse from NELFT attends the school regularly; the nursing role includes individual health plans, continence advice and training for staff. This connects classroom support with practical care needs.
Families receive daily updates through home-school books, weekly class information through Parent Hub and a monthly newsletter. Half-termly coffee mornings offer opportunities to meet other families and professionals. The school lunch app lets parents select meals ahead of time and pay in advance, giving them a practical role in lunch choices. Family support can also help with completing forms, contacting other agencies and attending meetings outside school, extending assistance beyond classroom routines.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the applicable admissions process; an existing nursery place should never be treated as confirmation of the next placement.
Hatchside also has assessment provision for children whose needs require further assessment before a permanent placement, whether at Hatchside or elsewhere. Assessment and a settled destination are different stages. For families, the important distinction is between support now and the decision about the next placement.
The school day has an arrival window of 8:45–9:00am and a departure window of 2:45–3:00pm. Its timetable divides learning into morning and afternoon periods, with lunch followed by play and social development. These are school-day arrangements.
For enquiries about the infants site, contact admin.hatchsideinfants@astrum-mat.org or call 020 8590 7272, option 5.
Uniform is encouraged, and families may choose unbranded clothing in the school colours. Label clothing and send a spare outfit in a bag; plastic bags are prohibited. Families using nappies or incontinence supplies must send them daily because the school does not keep a supply. This is a practical part of preparing for the day.
It is at the Goodmayes infants site on Goodmayes Lane, beside Mayespark Primary School.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately through the applicable admissions process.
The school uses a Total Communication Approach, which can include speech, photographs, symbols, Makaton and communication devices. Pupils with an EHCP receive an individual communication plan following speech and language assessment.
Home-school books provide daily communication. Parent Hub carries weekly class updates, with newsletters monthly and coffee mornings half-termly.
Send labelled spare clothing and a bag for belongings. If your child uses nappies or incontinence supplies, send these daily. Plastic bags are not permitted.
