Newington Green Primary School Nursery Review

Space, Pirates and Minibeasts give early learning a story-led flavour at Newington Green. This is the primary school's own nursery provision, with admissions for two-year-olds and three-year-olds, rather than a separate childcare setting. Its team includes early years practitioners, qualified teachers and leaders within the federation.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 16 and 17 July 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Play has a clear place alongside teaching. Continuous provision means children can choose from resources and learning spaces, while enhanced provision adds materials connected to their interests or the current theme. This gives children scope to pursue an idea themselves as well as join an adult-led activity.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, move confidently, explore numbers and develop literacy. Creative expression and discovering how the world works complete the picture. For parents, that means the day reaches beyond early reading and counting to social, physical and imaginative development.

Half-term themes include Traditional Tales as well as Space, Pirates and Minibeasts. Fiction and factual books introduce these topics, giving stories a practical role in children's exploration. Adult-led learning includes maths, stories, literacy and phonics alongside play chosen by the children. Staff extend conversations through questions that invite more than a yes or no, listening to children's ideas and demonstrating positive behaviour.

In July 2024, early years staff developed children's communication and language in preparation for later English learning. Children also explored the work of firefighters and doctors: familiar roles that connect classroom learning with people who help them.

Relationships start early. In July 2024, children in the two-year-old provision settled and formed trusting bonds with staff. For families beginning nursery, that is a relevant strength: becoming comfortable with adults is part of the move into group care.

Evidence Me lets parents see observations and contribute their own, connecting learning at nursery with experiences at home. Families can also take part in workshops and special events.

Food is part of wraparound care. Breakfast Club serves toast, fruit and cereals, with board games and activities at tables before children move to their classes. After School Club provides a light supper at 4pm. Children needing individual support during school should discuss club access with the school; additional funding must be sought, with staff working with Islington and the SENDCo.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The application route is Islington Council, and the school follows Islington's determined admission arrangements.

Keep that application separate from choosing nursery. Familiarity with the school and its adults should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Wraparound places. Wraparound childcare is available for nursery children, with limited places because they require higher staffing levels. Families relying on extended care need a confirmed booking.

Breakfast Club runs Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 8:55am, and must be booked for a whole week. After School Club runs on weekdays from the child's school-day finish until 6:30pm, with an earlier collection option at 4:30pm. Book through Arbor and pay when booking; after-school bookings can be made until 2:30pm that day, subject to space. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, email admin@newingtongreen.co.uk or call 020 7254 3092. An Open Day Tours enquiry form provides a route to request a visit.