Read Academy Education Nursery Review

Frozen eggs, small hands and a storybook give Read Academy’s nursery a distinctive starting point. Children have chipped and squeezed ice to uncover hidden objects during a Growing and Changing activity inspired by Who's in the Egg? It is a concrete example of learning through investigation, with finger control exercised alongside curiosity.

The nursery serves children aged three to four within Read Academy Education, an independent Muslim school in Ilford. Islamic values sit alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), connecting early learning with the school’s faith ethos. At the inspection of 4 to 6 July 2023, Ofsted judged early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Choice and practical exploration shape the approach. Montessori principles influence provision, including children working at their own pace, choosing purposeful activities and developing independence. Adult-guided learning sits alongside experiences children initiate themselves, giving room for both direction and discovery.

The EYFS covers seven areas of development, including learning to communicate, developing movement skills, understanding the world and supporting emotional wellbeing. Here, learning connects with named Big Ideas such as Nature, Materials and Change, which children explore through play and practical enquiry. The frozen-egg activity shows how a theme can become something children handle, investigate and discuss rather than simply hear about.

Indoor and outdoor environments support practice and exploration. Children spend time outside regularly, with planned experiences involving nature and movement. These give learning a physical dimension and opportunities to explore the natural world.

In July 2023, the early years curriculum covered the learning areas effectively. Staff used their knowledge of individual children to adjust teaching and practice. Observation records now use Tapestry, while children’s next steps inform planning: the intention is to respond to development rather than keep every child on an identical path.

Getting acquainted begins with a parent-accompanied early years visit lasting one to two hours. A short Stay and Play taster lets children meet staff and explore the setting. A welcome pack and follow-up calls support preparation for starting, giving families practical contact before the first sessions.

Early years staff tracked their key children’s development carefully in July 2023 and regularly shared progress with parents. Learning journals, meetings and workshops also invite parental contributions, so home observations can feed into the learning picture.

Fruit and milk are supplied daily without charge. Families can choose a freshly prepared hot lunch or bring their own food. School lunches include a main dish, dessert and a side; bookings are made for the term, with families selecting the days required.

Additional needs are considered before entry, using information from families and previous settings. The school’s SEND provision includes individual support plans and a sensory room for children who benefit from a quieter space. Access and support depend on individual needs and what the school can reasonably provide; EHCP admissions are considered individually. This makes the pre-entry discussion consequential. An EYFS practitioner also holds a designated safeguarding role.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Read Academy determines its own admissions arrangements. The 2025-2026 arrangements stated that progression to the next year was not automatic and did not include nursery attendance among the priority criteria. Confirm the applicable arrangements directly with the school.

Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision. Applications go directly to the school, with an application form and supporting identity documents. Contact admissions@readacademy.co.uk to arrange the next stage rather than assuming that nursery enrolment settles it. For children with SEND, transition support between year groups can include staff sharing information, planned activities and extra visits where appropriate. Familiarity and preparation are distinct from entitlement to a place.

Term-time funded places cover the universal entitlement of up to 15 hours weekly and, for eligible working parents or carers, up to 30 hours, subject to availability. Morning sessions run from 8:00am to 11:00am, afternoons from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, and the 30-hour pattern runs from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Agree the attendance pattern with the setting.

Optional extras. Funded hours themselves carry no charge. Additional hours, meals and voluntary activities can attract charges, but optional extras are not a condition of accessing a funded place. Contact eyfsfunding@readacademy.co.uk for current charges and funding arrangements.

Uniform includes a maroon sweatshirt, white polo shirt and black joggers with black trainers. Collection must be by an authorised person aged at least 16; tell the school beforehand if someone different will collect. Personal tours can be arranged through the admissions team.