Elmhurst Primary School Nursery Review

Learning to speak up, share and work alongside other children gives Elmhurst’s nursery its character. Adults help children put their ideas into words and practise taking turns, making communication part of learning together rather than a separate exercise. It is a social start to school life.

The nursery forms part of Elmhurst Primary School on Upton Park Road in Forest Gate, Newham. In February 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Exceptional. That judgement covers the early years phase, rather than representing a separate nursery inspection or grade.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate and manage relationships with the beginnings of reading and mathematics. At Elmhurst, these strands develop through a planned sequence: language, early reading, number knowledge and phonics receive sustained attention. For parents, the useful distinction is that social development and early academic learning sit alongside each other.

Conversation has a clear purpose. Adults demonstrate expressive speech in nursery, while children receive help to contribute ideas and cooperate. These exchanges give children practice in making themselves understood and listening to somebody else. Choosing what to do, tackling problems and playing together also build independence.

Outdoor areas extend that learning beyond the classroom. In February 2026, their use supported exploration and growing independence across early years. A nursery example from November 2021 makes the garden’s role concrete: children gathered autumn leaves and investigated using touch and smell. Songs, number work and phonics also featured in that term’s activities. The example shows how sensory exploration can sit beside more focused learning.

Warm exchanges with adults support children’s language and social confidence from the start. In February 2026, early years staff knew individual children closely and adjusted activities to their needs. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those facing disadvantage and those known to social care were included in this approach. Support changes the activity to help the child participate.

Settling takes patience. In autumn 2021, the nursery placed children’s happiness and readiness to settle ahead of starting learning, with parents supporting that process. This is a useful example of the nursery treating emotional adjustment as part of beginning school.

For families discussing additional needs, the school’s arrangements include an initial meeting involving the class teacher and SENCO. Specialists may also contribute and gather parents’ views before assessment. This gives families a role in explaining their child’s needs and planning support.

A separate application matters. Attending Elmhurst’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through their home local authority, including when they want their child to remain at the same school. Newham residents apply through the London Borough of Newham; families elsewhere use their own borough.

For September 2026 entry, the on-time deadline was midnight on 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Nursery attendance must not be treated as a reserved place: Reception places cannot be held for nursery children.

Nursery enquiries and applications begin with the school office. Contact Elmhurst on 020 8472 1062 or email info@elmhurst.newham.sch.uk. The school is on Upton Park Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 8JY.