Hobbayne Primary School Nursery Review

Programmable toys, learning through role play and a choice between shorter sessions and a full nursery day give Hobbayne’s provision its practical character. This is the nursery at Hobbayne Primary School in Hanwell, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to a place being available.

The nursery belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 14 and 15 June 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

For children attending for 15 hours, the week consists of either morning or afternoon sessions. Those attending for 30 hours have a longer day and a lunch break lasting 30 minutes. These are distinct attendance patterns, so families can choose around the length of day they need.

Learning in early years builds knowledge, skills and vocabulary through opportunities to return to earlier learning and practise it. In June 2023, children were making a good start in this phase. For parents, the emphasis is on building foundations gradually rather than treating each activity as an isolated task.

Computing provides a concrete example of the EYFS approach: learning about the world through practical experiences. Children use iPads and programmable toys within role play and other learning contexts. Technology becomes something to explore and use, alongside the activity itself.

Personal development starts here too. Hobbayne’s 6 Rs include resourcefulness, readiness, reflectiveness, responsibility, resilience and respect. Early years children begin learning to take responsibility for their decisions, connecting these values with their own choices.

Staffing includes a nursery class teacher and EYFS nursery nurses. Additional needs sit within the school’s SEND arrangements, which involve parents throughout and emphasise identifying needs early. Support can take the form of individual help, small group work or assistance in class, depending on the child’s needs. External input may come from the Educational Psychology Service, School Health or the Behaviour Support service.

Food matters when planning a longer day. For families using 30-hour government funding, a school meal is charged separately. Breakfast club serves cereal, fruit, and toast with jam; after-school care includes a snack, with vegetables, sandwiches and fruit given as examples. These arrangements extend food provision across the hours a child attends.

Separate application. A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Hobbayne’s main school. Families must apply again for Reception through Ealing Council’s normal admissions process and meet its normal deadline.

Priority. Nursery attendance does not earn priority under the admission criteria shown. Reception places are allocated through the coordinated admissions scheme, with the stated criteria covering care status, siblings in the main school and distance. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time. Mornings are 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons 12:15pm to 3:15pm, and the full day runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm. Extending that full day to 3:15pm carries an additional charge.

The school offers 15-hour provision and 30-hour provision for qualifying families. Additional nursery sessions can be purchased when space permits. Breakfast club runs from 7:30am to 8:45am, and after-school care from 3:15pm to 6pm; request wraparound care on the nursery application form. Contact the school office for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to the school, by email to admin@hobbayne.ealing.sch.uk or in person at the office. Spring-term nursery tours can also be booked through that email address.