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Nursery at Central Park Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Morning or afternoon, with stories connecting the learning: Central Park’s nursery combines a session-based day with an early emphasis on language. It forms part of Central Park Primary School in East Ham, on Central Park Road. Children usually take up a place around the time they are 3½ years old, joining the school’s early years provision.
The practical shape is clear. Families have morning and afternoon sessions, rather than a single school-day timetable to plan around. Within those sessions, children choose activities and take part in direct teaching. That combination gives them opportunities to follow an interest as well as learn alongside an adult.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning to children’s development. Here, that means building communication, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding of the world. These areas work together through core texts, so a story becomes a starting point for more than reading alone.
Hands-on experiences take place outside and indoors. Children can select activities, while daily teaching also makes time for mathematics, reading and phonics. Read Write Inc. is the phonics programme, introducing the sounds used in reading and writing. The day therefore includes both choices in play and focused teaching.
Conversation does substantial work. Adults extend what children say with new vocabulary, and storytelling and role play give children opportunities to practise expressing ideas. Puzzles, small-world play, craft activities and small tools support hand control; physical games develop balance and coordination. These are practical foundations for communicating, moving confidently and handling equipment.
In May 2023, Ofsted found that the early years curriculum developed children’s knowledge and skills effectively, with storybooks connecting early literacy and mathematics. Early reading starts in nursery. For parents, the useful distinction is that books organise learning across activities, rather than being confined to story time.
Before a child starts, families meet the Early Years Leaders and register, with a separate start date arranged. This gives parents a point of contact before the first session. For questions about learning once a child attends, the class teacher is the first person to speak to; an assistant headteacher also has responsibility for the EYFS curriculum.
Personal development includes learning to manage feelings, cooperate with other children and become more independent in personal care. Adults model ways to resolve disagreements and support friendships. The emphasis is on practising these skills through relationships and everyday activity.
Families with SEND questions can contact the school’s SENDCo at sen@centralpark.newham.sch.uk. In May 2023, children needing help with early reading, including those with SEND or learning English as an additional language, were identified promptly and supported to catch up.
A separate application. Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through their home local authority, so a nursery place should not be treated as securing the next stage.
For Newham residents, the route is London Borough of Newham; families elsewhere apply through their own borough and name Central Park as a preference. For the September 2026 entry cycle, the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Meetings for parents take place in the term before their child starts Reception, providing a separate opportunity to prepare for the change.
The morning session runs from 8.30 to 11.30, and the afternoon session from 12.30 to 3.30. Nursery uses the Central Park Road gate, which closes at 8.40 for the morning and 12.40 for the afternoon. Those gate closures matter when planning the journey.
To apply for a nursery place, speak to the front office team in person. General enquiries can also go to info@centralpark.newham.sch.uk or 020 8472 5588. Children can join the nursery waiting list after the age of two; families receive a letter when a place becomes available.
Morning sessions run from 8.30 to 11.30; afternoon sessions run from 12.30 to 3.30.
Children usually start around 3½ years old. They can join the waiting list after the age of two.
The EYFS combines learning through activities with direct teaching. Core texts connect the curriculum, and Read Write Inc. is used for phonics.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority.
Speak to the front office team in person. General enquiries can be sent to info@centralpark.newham.sch.uk or made by calling 020 8472 5588.
