Britannia Village Primary School Nursery Review

Small-world play, storytelling and Shakespeare give Britannia Village’s nursery a distinctive starting point. This is the school’s own nursery in West Silvertown, with learning organised within its early years provision. During Shakespeare weeks, nursery children focus on A Midsummer Night’s Dream: a specific example of how imaginative play connects with the wider school curriculum.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 5 and 6 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children’s sustained attention and their ability to work alone or in small groups were strengths in June 2024.

Play carries much of the learning. The early years foundation stage approach brings together language, physical development, relationships and early literacy and mathematics. Children have opportunities to play outside and inside, with adults helping them practise balance, coordination and movement. Puzzles, craft materials and small tools give smaller hand movements their own attention, supporting the control children later need for writing.

Conversation runs through activities. Adults talk about children’s interests, then extend what they say with additional vocabulary. Stories sit alongside non-fiction, poetry and rhymes; role play gives children another way to try out words and ideas. This makes language something children use during play, as well as something they hear during shared reading.

Read Write Inc is the named phonics programme within early years, while Maths No Problem supplies a context for mathematical learning. Children explore patterns, shapes and measures, discussing what they notice with adults and other children. Opportunities chosen by children sit alongside planned activities, giving them room to pursue an idea and support when they need it.

Creative work includes dance, music, design and art. Children also invent and retell stories. These activities give them several ways to express an idea before they can put it into writing.

Learning to wait, handle feelings and resolve disagreements is part of the early years curriculum. Adults model ways to care for the body and manage personal needs, including healthy eating. Friendship and independence are taught through supported interactions rather than left to chance.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, progress was monitored from early years in June 2024. Families can raise concerns with the class teacher first and then the SENCo. That gives parents a clear route into discussions about additional help.

The school’s meal service uses Impact Food, with preparation in an on-site kitchen. Parents must flag allergies and dietary needs when their child joins. Medication also requires a completed consent form and confirmation from the SENCo or a school leader that staff have agreed to administer it.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Newham’s normal online common application route by the relevant closing date. Nursery applications go directly to the school, so the two processes need separate attention.

For children with SEN, information is handed between teachers before a class change. Where helpful, a social story or transition book is shared at school and sent home for the summer holidays. This supports familiarity with the change; it does not determine admission.

Apply directly to the school for nursery admission. The office can be contacted on 020 7511 5412 or at info@britanniaeducationtrust.com.

School uniform includes a yellow logo polo shirt and royal blue logo sweatshirt. Clothing and equipment should carry the child’s name, helping staff return misplaced belongings. Children must have a book bag, and families are encouraged to provide a water bottle with fresh water each day.