Halley House School Nursery

Familiar songs, shared stories and a mixed-age early years group give Halley House’s nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Comet Class, within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision in Dalston. The nursery opened in September 2021 with 22 places for children aged 3-4; the early years cohort is now taught as a mixed-age group.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024. Children showed interest in learning and interacted positively with adults and one another.

Stories and songs do practical work here. In July 2024, nursery children were developing their vocabulary by taking part in familiar tales and singing. This gives families a concrete picture of early learning: joining in, hearing words and using language with other people. Reading begins with these shared experiences.

Visual timetables are used throughout the classrooms, with individual picture prompts or timetables for some children. These make the sequence of activities visible. Learning tasks and equipment are adapted to children’s needs, with activities organised for individuals, groups and the whole class.

Space and movement. The school occupies four floors, with younger pupils taught on the third floor and restricted outdoor space. Outdoor learning and physical activity need timetabled access. Classroom layouts can be adjusted for mobility or sensory needs, and planned pauses and adult help support movement around the building. For a child who tires easily, those arrangements matter as much as the classroom itself.

A settling period is provided for nursery children. That allows an introduction to school routines before the usual pattern takes over. The early years teaching structure includes a class teacher, with the school’s SEND coordinator responsible for organising additional support.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), staff are expected to respond to emerging difficulties and listen to parents’ concerns. Support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: establish the need, agree help, put it into practice and check its effect. Individual support plans are reviewed termly with families. Parents can raise concerns with the teacher or SEND coordinator, and an interpreter is arranged when necessary.

Lunch and snacks are offered, including fruit, milk, vegetable sticks and crackers, with refreshments provided at least twice daily. Allergies require a medical care plan, with families involved in agreeing the arrangements. Across the school, support staff have paediatric first aid training and a qualified first aider is present at all times. These are concrete care arrangements, rather than a general promise of reassurance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority for one. Families must make a separate application. For September 2027 entry, apply using the Common Application Form through the local authority where you live by 15 January 2027. Hackney families can apply online through Hackney Council or use a paper form.

Transition activities are separate from that allocation process. Children joining Reception are invited to Nursery Stay and Play, EYFS Taster Lessons, summer transition days and parent open mornings. Home visits may take place at parental request. Teachers and support staff exchange information when children change classes, helping the next team understand individual learning and care needs.

The nursery full day runs from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Breakfast Club covers 7.45am to 9.00am, while After School Club runs from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. Additional hours need advance agreement with the manager and depend on availability; families should collect within their booked session.

Funded places cover 15 or 30 hours, subject to termly availability, and additional sessions can be purchased. Lunch and refreshments carry an extra charge outside funded hours. Term-time-only bookings are accepted at the manager’s discretion. Ask the school for current charges. Fees are paid monthly in advance by direct debit or standing order.

To apply, email the nursery registration form to nursery@halleyhouseschool.org.uk. School tours include families considering nursery places, giving parents an opportunity to discuss the booking pattern and see the building’s layout.