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Nursery at Winston Way Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An allotment, a mud kitchen and water play give Winston Way Academy’s nursery in Ilford a practical, hands-on character. Children grow food, experiment with water and make their own muddy creations. These are everyday materials for learning, rather than activities confined to a classroom table.
The school’s nursery can accommodate 48 children. Entry begins from the term after a child’s third birthday, subject to space, with September the main annual intake. At the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Adult-guided learning and children’s own choices share the day. Small-group activities cover early number work, literacy, books and phonics; over the week, children also complete reading, literacy and numeracy tasks with an adult. Continuous Provision means they can then practise and extend their learning through activities they choose indoors and outside. There is time to work alone, alongside friends and with staff.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, movement, relationships, early reading and numbers, creativity and the surrounding world. Autumn teaching concentrates first on communication, physical development and social and emotional skills. This gives children foundations for the more specific learning that follows.
Outside, the allotment lets children plant crops and gather fruit and vegetables. The mud kitchen supports imaginative cooking, while water areas both indoors and outdoors invite investigation. Music adds another form of exploration: the nursery has tuned instruments as well as untuned ones, and children experiment with producing sounds.
Early reading begins with listening. Short group activities explore sounds from the environment, voices and instruments, alongside rhyme, alliteration and body percussion. More formal phonics uses the Read, Write, Inc Nursery programme during summer term. A weekly school-library visit lets children choose and exchange books, giving reading a place beyond adult-directed tasks.
Conscious Discipline is the nursery’s approach to learning attitudes and behaviour. The nursery aims to build children’s confidence in themselves and their relationships through positive language. In June 2023, early years staff helped children become more confident and supported accurate use of language about position, connecting emotional development with practical communication.
Parents and carers have a daily opportunity to join their child in nursery, look at their work and discuss learning. Sessions include help with early maths, preparation for writing and phonics, while family events provide further opportunities to take part. This gives parents concrete ways to continue learning together at home.
Health and self-care have dedicated time, with healthy snacks shared daily and discussion of balanced eating. A nursery teacher works with teaching and learning assistants. For additional needs, families can begin by speaking to the class teacher; the school’s specialist support includes an Autism and Early Years Intervention Team.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the London Borough of Redbridge’s eAdmissions system, even when their child already attends this nursery. The usual closing date is 15 January. Keep that application separate from nursery arrangements.
The nursery aims to prepare children for Reception through independence, cooperation and opportunities to make choices. Those learning aims do not replace the admissions process.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 15-hour funded pattern uses either mornings or afternoons, with one pattern per child, Monday to Friday. A preferred session is not guaranteed, so the allocated pattern matters when arranging childcare.
Full-time provision of 30 hours is also offered. Eligible working parents need an eligibility code, which the school requires. Funded sessions are free for eligible children, with no charged extras; optional activities can be declined without affecting those sessions.
Applications go directly to the school through its Nursery Waiting List Form. For enquiries, use office@winstonwayacademy.org.uk or 020 8478 5626.
Nursery uniform allows plain alternatives to logo items, including royal blue jumpers and black joggers. Black shoes have Velcro fastenings, supporting children as they develop independence. Families must also supply spare clothes in a labelled bag; these can be comfortable everyday clothing rather than uniform.
Children can enter from the term after their third birthday if space permits. September is the main annual intake, and places arising during the year are offered to children on the waiting list.
Mornings are 8:40am to 11:40am and afternoons are 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 15-hour entitlement uses one morning or afternoon pattern, Monday to Friday. Your preferred session is not guaranteed.
Children plant and harvest in the allotment, make imaginative creations in the mud kitchen and explore water outdoors. There is an indoor water area too.
Yes. Parents and carers have daily opportunities to work with their child, share learning and discuss skills such as early maths, phonics and preparation for writing. Family events also run during the year.
No. You must apply separately through the London Borough of Redbridge’s eAdmissions system. The usual application deadline is 15 January.
