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Nursery at Ark Priory Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storybooks give this nursery its shape: a weekly text connects adult-led activities with children's play indoors and outside. Ark Priory Primary Academy's nursery has 50 places for children aged 3-4 on Acton Lane, London. It forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Reception.
Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 3 and 4 June 2025. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one example of the Book of the Week, with Animals among the half-term topics. Stories become starting points for play and conversation rather than stopping at reading time. Baking, caring for chicks, local outings and visits from community members, including the school nurse, give children experiences to connect with their learning.
The EYFS combines early reading, writing and maths with communication, movement, relationships, creativity and understanding the world. Indoor and outdoor classrooms support learning through play, while adults also build activities around children's interests. Read, Write, Inc. provides daily phonics and literacy work for nursery children. In June 2025, staff developed children's vocabulary from their nursery start, and children used that language confidently during play.
Exploration alternates with small-group activities and gatherings on the carpet. The first half-term routine includes songs, calendar maths, music, snacks and yoga or meditation after lunch. Group and carpet activities grow longer and more demanding as children's attention develops. Repeated tidying and snack routines give them familiar responsibilities within the day. Outside, exploring nature and practising movement skills add a physical dimension to the story-led curriculum.
Qualified early years teachers deliver the nursery curriculum. Familiar routines frame the beginning of the day, while children's interests help shape their learning. Observation informs assessment, and each child has an EExAT learning journal that parents can view and contribute to. This gives families a practical way to share learning from home.
A hot lunch is provided daily. Parents pay for it unless their child qualifies for pupil premium, so funded nursery hours do not automatically remove the meal charge. Contact the school for current charges.
For additional needs, the school's SENCO works with teachers to identify support and select interventions or specialist help. Assess, Plan, Do, Review structures the monitoring of progress, with resources and learning targets adapted for individual children. Support also addresses emotional regulation and self-esteem, keeping the focus broader than academic tasks alone.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Ealing Council's normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.
The nursery aims to develop independence in preparation for Reception. Taking responsibility during exploration, tidying and snack time supports that preparation. These learning habits are separate from the allocation of a school place.
Willow Group uses the 30-hour funded pattern, running from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. The 15-hour options divide the week: Cherry Blossom Group attends Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm, then Wednesday from 9am to noon. Maples Group attends Wednesday from noon to 3pm, followed by Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm. These are fixed weekly patterns, so the choice affects which days a family needs other childcare.
Optional paid extensions vary by group. Willow can start at 8:35am and finish at 3:30pm, except on Fridays when the finish remains 3pm. Cherry Blossom can start at 8:35am on its three attendance days and finish at 3:30pm on Monday and Tuesday. Maples can start at 8:35am on Thursday and Friday, with a 3:30pm finish on Wednesday and Thursday.
Applications can be made throughout the year, and a waiting list fills vacancies. Private nursery visits can be arranged with the school. For enquiries or a visit, contact info@arkprioryprimary.org or 0203 110 0717.
The nursery offers 50 places for children aged 3-4.
Willow Group has a 30-hour pattern across Monday to Friday. Cherry Blossom and Maples each have a 15-hour pattern spread across two full days and part of Wednesday.
Children follow the EYFS through stories, play and adult-led activities. Book of the Week texts connect with experiences such as baking and caring for chicks, alongside daily Read, Write, Inc. phonics and literacy work.
A hot lunch is provided daily and carries a separate charge unless the child is eligible for pupil premium. Contact the school for current charges.
No. Families need to apply separately through Ealing Council's normal Reception admissions process by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
