St Mark's Primary School Nursery Review

Stories to join in with and materials to turn into artwork give St Mark's nursery its character. This is the nursery class within St Mark's Primary School in Hanwell, with a nursery class teacher and an Early Years Phase Leader within the wider staff structure. The emphasis is on taking part: speaking, making choices and explaining ideas.

Language gives the learning a clear thread. In September 2022, Ofsted identified an early-years emphasis on developing speech from children's first days, helping them become more confident speakers. Nursery children participate in storytelling through familiar phrases and accompanying movements. That makes listening an active experience, with children contributing to the story rather than simply hearing it.

Creative work brings another kind of participation. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the school's art programme includes daily opportunities to experiment with texture, colour and different materials. Children choose resources for their own creations, practise handling tools safely and discuss their decisions. For a parent, the useful distinction is that making something includes choosing how to make it and finding words to explain it.

Computing in EYFS introduces technology through its uses at home and school. Children select technology for a purpose and tackle a simple computer program, alongside vocabulary such as switch and application. These are practical beginnings: learning what a device does and how to describe an action.

The wider school grounds include a Tiny Forest, a mud kitchen, a sandpit and space for digging. These physical features give families a concrete picture of the school's outdoor setting, alongside the creative and language activities described for early years.

Additional support follows an assessment and review process. Under the school's SEND policy, staff discuss concerns with parents before referring them to the SENDCo. An initial monitoring period lasts six to eight weeks; where further support is needed, parents meet staff to discuss an Individual Learning Plan and its targets. This gives families specific goals to discuss, rather than a general reassurance about support.

Bucket Time is an intervention explicitly identified for EYFS. Across the school, adaptations include visual timetables, ear defenders and timers, with small-group or individual support used where appropriate. A sensory room provides space for quieter time, movement breaks and sensory activities according to children's needs. Specialist involvement, including speech and language therapy or occupational therapy, is discussed with parents first.

For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan, an Individual Learning Plan or specialist support beyond ordinary provision, the policy provides additional meetings in the autumn, spring and summer terms. Families receive a copy of the discussion afterwards, giving them something concrete to refer back to.

At the September 2022 inspection, some parents across the school felt they received too little information about the handling of behavioural incidents. Ofsted called for clearer communication with families. This was a whole-school concern; parents should discuss how nursery staff will keep them informed about incidents involving their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing the nursery.

Preparation for the next classroom is a different matter. A summer-term parent and carer session lets new Reception families meet the class teacher. The school's transition arrangements also include classroom visits, photographs of staff and the learning space, and additional visits for children who need them. Staff share children's needs and Individual Learning Plans during the summer term. These practices support familiarity; they do not secure admission.

Nursery children have individual starting dates, so the beginning of their school year follows their own arrangements. For enquiries, contact the school office at admin@st-marks.ealing.sch.uk or telephone 020 8567 6292.

Collection requires clear communication. The school's procedure asks parents to give advance notice of a different collecting adult, and parental permission is required before a child leaves with that person.