Nelson Primary School Nursery

Early reading and regular work with numbers give Nelson’s nursery its clearest character. This is nursery provision within Nelson Primary School in East Ham, with learning that starts before children move into Reception. The emphasis is on beginnings: introducing subjects early and giving children something concrete to build on.

In March 2022, Ofsted identified subject planning that began in Nursery, including reading. That makes the nursery relevant to families seeking an early introduction to school learning. These findings concern the start of children’s education; they should not be read as a separate nursery inspection grade.

Reading starts early here. In March 2022, children were introduced to phonics when they joined the school, whatever their age or previous experience with English. For a nursery child, this means an introduction to the sounds used in reading rather than waiting until the next stage of school.

The youngest children practised both writing and reading frequently, using books aligned with the phonics they were learning. Matching the book to the sounds gives children a chance to use what they have learnt. Staff also clarified words that were harder to read, helping beginners make sense of unfamiliar text.

Number learning was another regular part of early years education in March 2022. Alongside the reading work, this gives parents two concrete strands of the learning to consider: early encounters with written language and repeated opportunities to explore numbers. The nursery’s starting points also contributed to learning in several subjects, so its educational role extended beyond a single reading activity.

Teachers and teaching assistants understood phonics securely in March 2022. That matters when children are beginning to connect sounds with print: both groups of staff had the subject knowledge needed to support this early learning.

The approach to beginning phonics included children with differing experience of English. Families whose child is starting school with little prior English can therefore distinguish the starting point from the child’s existing language experience. The early reading work began on entry, rather than depending on a particular level of previous exposure.

Attending Nelson’s nursery does not guarantee a place in its Reception year. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct task when planning the move from nursery to school.

A curriculum that starts in Nursery is an educational connection, not a promise of admission. Keep those two questions separate when deciding whether this provision suits your child.

The school is on Napier Road, East Ham, London E6 2SE. Contact the office on 020 8472 0642 or email info@nelson.newham.sch.uk for enquiries.

Families can contact the school office to arrange a visit. This provides a direct next step for parents considering the nursery and wanting to see the school at work before making their choice.