The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Benthal Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Cherry for two-year-olds, Mulberry for three-year-olds: Benthal’s nursery has two named classes within the primary school on Benthal Road in Hackney. That age-based organisation gives families a clear starting point for understanding the provision. Children can attend a morning, afternoon or full-day session.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good following its inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. This was an early years judgement within the school’s inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Music gives the nursery week a definite rhythm. Nursery children have a music lesson each week with qualified music teachers, making specialist teaching part of their experience from the start. Classroom interactive whiteboards also form part of the school’s learning equipment.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes early reading and mathematics, alongside developing children’s knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Benthal’s early years language teaching uses RWI, with adults working individually with children as well as through shared and guided learning. Play, conversation and topic work are ways children practise communicating, so language learning extends beyond reading activities. Early years technology activities introduce children to using technology as part of learning about the world.
Curriculum sequencing. In June 2023, planning for early reading and mathematics was clear, but other early years areas were less carefully ordered. Children consequently developed knowledge, vocabulary and skills unevenly across those areas. The required improvement was to organise learning so that each stage builds logically on what children already know. This matters beyond preparing for reading: the whole early years curriculum needs that same attention.
Mulberry has a nursery teacher, while Nursery Education Officers work in both Mulberry and Cherry. The staffing structure combines teaching and nursery education roles within the provision.
In June 2023, early years staff kept parents regularly informed and shared examples of children’s learning. That gives families something concrete to discuss with their child. Leaders also identified SEND among early years children and involved families and outside agencies in arranging support.
For a parent concerned about development or learning, the class teacher or another staff member is the first contact. Concerns then go to the SEND coordinator, who arranges a discussion with the family and relevant staff. This provides a defined route from raising a concern to planning help.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. There is no automatic move between the two: families must make a separate Reception application through the Learning Trust. Benthal’s admissions page also directs parents to eAdmissions for that application.
Treat the Reception application as a separate task even while your child attends Cherry or Mulberry. The school office can advise on the application process.
Morning nursery runs from 9am to noon; the afternoon option starts at 12.30pm and ends at 3.30pm. Full-time attendance runs from 9am to 3.30pm. These are distinct attendance patterns, allowing families to choose a shorter session or the full nursery day. The nursery is open term time only.
Breakfast Club admits nursery children between 8am and 9am, and Playcentre also accepts nursery children, running until 6pm. Late Playcentre collection incurs a charge; consult its agreement for the conditions and the school for current charges.
Nursery application forms can be collected from the office or downloaded. To arrange a school tour, email office@benthal.hackney.sch.uk or telephone 020 8985 9310. The main school entrance is on Benthal Road.
Cherry is for two-year-olds and Mulberry is for three-year-olds.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and full-time sessions from 9am to 3.30pm.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am and accepts nursery children. Playcentre accepts nursery children and runs until 6pm. Late collection incurs a charge.
No. Families must apply separately through the Learning Trust; Benthal also links to eAdmissions for Reception applications.
Collect a nursery application form from the school office or download one. Book a school tour through the office at office@benthal.hackney.sch.uk or on 020 8985 9310.
