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Nursery at Hartley 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play-based learning and a place within a larger school community shape Hartley’s nursery. Children join from the term after their third birthday, with the provision based at Hartley Primary School on Hartley Avenue in East Ham. The nursery aims to develop confidence and independence, giving children an introduction to learning while encouraging them to join whole-school activities.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 12 and 13 October 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The morning session runs from 8:40 am to 11:40 am. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with play-based activities across seven areas and work towards the Early Learning Goals. Play is therefore part of the learning itself, rather than simply a break between lessons.
Read Write Inc provides the named approach to phonics. For families, this gives a specific starting point for understanding how the nursery introduces children to sounds. Nursery children are also encouraged to join activities across the wider school and work alongside Reception classes within the Foundation Stage, connecting their learning with the larger school community.
In October 2022, early years teaching used resources to engage children and encouraged imaginative thinking. Children enjoyed learning, while adults’ expectations supported growing curiosity and independence. Curriculum planning in early years was effective, although some subjects needed clearer decisions about which knowledge children should learn, and in what sequence, starting in early years. That is a useful distinction: positive engagement sat alongside a specific need to sharpen parts of the curriculum.
Settling is a partnership with parents. During the first few days, a parent may stay briefly while their child becomes comfortable; the nursery aims to make the move from home as smooth as possible. This allows an initially cautious child some familiar support while adjusting to the new routine. Each half term, curriculum newsletters reach families through Arbor with information about forthcoming learning, giving parents a regular update on what children will be exploring.
The school’s SEND arrangements use a cycle of assessment, planning, support and review. Families contribute to decisions, with termly consultation meetings and shared support plans helping parents understand the intended next steps. The SENCO works with teachers on learning strategies, and additional help can include small-group teaching, specialist referrals or extra adult support.
Complex needs and access. In October 2022, gaps in staff expertise weakened support across the school for a small proportion of children whose needs were complex. The school also acknowledges that its building can present difficulties for people with mobility needs, with access plans made where possible. These are material considerations for families whose child needs specialist support or physical adjustments.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application even when their child attends Hartley’s nursery or has a sibling at the school.
Newham residents apply through the London Borough of Newham. Families living elsewhere apply through their home borough and name Hartley as a preference. Working closely with Reception classes is part of the nursery experience; it should be understood separately from the application needed for a school place.
Afternoon sessions and full-time places were announced for September 2026, with families asked to select their preferred option on the application form. Nursery interest can be registered through the school’s enquiry link.
An adult known to the nursery team must bring and collect each child, and parents should advise the team if another person will collect. Morning collection is at the Hartley Avenue gate at 11:40 am, making that gate and time important for daily arrangements.
Uniform is optional for nursery children, who may wear everyday clothes. Jewellery is restricted to small studs. These rules leave families flexibility over clothing while setting a clear limit on accessories.
Places are allocated from the term after a child’s third birthday. Names can be added to the waiting list from age two, but a nursery place is not guaranteed.
The morning session runs from 8:40 am to 11:40 am. Children are collected at the Hartley Avenue gate.
Yes. During the first few days, a parent may need to stay for a short time until their child settles.
No. Children may wear their normal everyday clothes. Only small studs are permitted as jewellery.
No. A separate Reception application is required. Newham residents apply through Newham; families outside the borough apply through their home borough, naming Hartley as a preference.
