Mandeville Primary School Nursery Review

Serving lunch, handling cutlery and brushing teeth: independence takes a practical form in Mandeville’s early years. Alongside learning new words and enjoying stories, children practise looking after themselves. Those everyday details give parents a useful picture of the provision’s character.

Alongside its nursery for children aged three to four, Mandeville has provided an attached provision with sessions for two-year-olds since 2021. It belongs to Mandeville Primary School on Oswald Street in Hackney. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school.

Communication is a concrete part of early learning here. In February 2024, adults demonstrated gestures and expressions for children to learn from, while helping them develop a broader vocabulary. That gives children more ways to communicate their ideas and needs.

The early years foundation stage, or EYFS, brings learning and everyday development together. Here, the inspection evidence shows both: language development sits alongside practical independence at lunchtime. Stories matter too. Enjoyment of books begins in early years, and teachers finish the day by reading aloud. For a parent, these are useful details about how conversation, listening and self-care become part of the day rather than separate tasks.

Lunchtime includes children helping themselves to food and practising cutlery skills, followed by toothbrushing. In February 2024, children also ate considerately together. Meals therefore provide opportunities to practise social habits as well as personal care.

For additional needs, families can approach the class teacher, SEND coordinator or Inclusion Team. The school’s support process starts with assessing needs, then brings relevant adults together to plan a time limited intervention and review its effect. Depending on the child, support can include work with a teaching assistant individually or in a small group, or activities planned by a speech and language therapist. The response is matched to the need.

Parents have a role in that planning, with meetings to discuss progress and possible next steps. Medical needs may be addressed through a care plan developed with the school nurse and family. The main school building has ramp access, and individual access requirements can be discussed with the team.

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

Transition support is a different matter. The school’s arrangements include a summer session with the next teacher and support staff, alongside staff discussions about children’s individual needs. Extra visits can be arranged for children needing more time to become familiar with a new class. These practices support continuity of care; they do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries can go through the school’s online contact form or office: mdvoffice@mandeville.hackney.sch.uk, telephone 020 8986 5249. For families discussing additional support, the office can also arrange a meeting with the class teacher or SEND coordinator. This gives parents a direct starting point for both general enquiries and conversations about their child’s needs.