Ickburgh School Nursery Review

Communication takes different forms at Ickburgh: facial expression, movement and sounds all feature in its description of sensory learning. That is useful context for families considering its nursery provision. This is part of a special school in Hackney that takes children from age three and supports severe learning difficulties, autism alongside severe learning difficulties, and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

The school organises learning through named pathways: Connecting Learners, Active Learners and Sensory Learners. For parents, the distinction directs attention towards how a child communicates and learns, rather than age alone.

Practical learning is central to the school's Active Learners pathway. Its emphasis is on doing things and building independence, with literacy, numeracy and personal development forming part of that work. Connecting Learners focuses on developing communication and connection for pupils with severe learning and communication difficulties, some of whom have an autism diagnosis. Sensory Learners recognises communication through expressions, sounds and body movement, including children who are not yet communicating intentionally.

These are school pathways, rather than a nursery timetable. They provide a useful starting point for understanding the learning approach. The school's spiral curriculum returns to skills and applies them in new contexts, making repetition part of the learning model.

Home activities have named resources too. The Ickburgh YouTube channel includes Music, Art and Attention Autism activity playlists, alongside material organised by pathway. These give families specific activities to explore at home.

A full-time nursing service operates within the school. Families can speak to the nurse through the school telephone number, providing a direct contact for health-related conversations.

EARWIG Academic gives parents a more detailed connection with learning. Each pupil has a timeline containing images and videos, with staff commentary attached to photographic records. Parents receive a secure login and email notifications when records are added. They can comment for the teacher to read and contribute records of achievements at home. This makes communication two-way.

The Home School Agreement also provides for regular discussions about individual needs and progress. Parents are asked to share concerns that could affect their child, so those conversations can include circumstances beyond the classroom.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the Reception application as a separate process, using the normal route and deadline applicable to your child. For a family considering a special school placement, Ickburgh's admissions page points to Hackney's admissions and transfers information and suggests seeking help from a portage worker or school SENCO. Keep placement decisions separate from familiarity with the school.

Visits can be arranged by contacting the school. A Family Liaison Worker provides a tour and further information, giving families a chance to discuss whether a special school placement fits their child.

For general enquiries, email admin@ickburgh.hackney.sch.uk or telephone 02088064638. Absences must be reported directly to the office by 9am that day, rather than through transport staff. Evidence for medical or other unavoidable appointments should be supplied in advance. This gives parents a clear office route for both everyday contact and attendance messages.