Royal Wharf Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, conversation and imaginative play give Royal Wharf’s nursery its character. Within Royal Wharf Primary School in Silvertown, the nursery starts children’s reading journey with songs, rhymes and listening to books. Adult conversation helps children build vocabulary, giving everyday play a clear learning purpose.

At the September 2023 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings language, physical development and social learning together with early mathematics, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. Here, children have opportunities to choose their own activities alongside planned learning supported by adults. Learning happens through doing and talking.

Indoor and outdoor play both feature. Small-world play, craft materials, puzzles and small tools give children practice in controlling their hands, while adults support balance, coordination and movement. These activities connect physical development with the control children later need for writing.

Conversation is a substantial part of the day. Adults respond to children’s interests and repeat their ideas with additional vocabulary. Books include factual writing as well as stories; poems and rhymes add opportunities to hear and use language. In September 2023, nursery children enjoyed stories, songs and rhymes, with skilled adult interaction extending their vocabulary.

Maths No Problem provides a context for mathematical learning across early years. Children explore shape, measurement and spatial relationships, discuss patterns and explain what they notice. The emphasis includes trying an idea and making mistakes, so mathematical talk accompanies practical exploration.

Creative work includes role play, dance, music and art, with opportunities to develop and retell imagined stories. Nursery children also focus on A Midsummer Night’s Dream during the school’s Shakespeare weeks. That gives storytelling a named imaginative theme beyond everyday book sharing.

Learning to manage feelings and friendships is part of the early years curriculum. Adults model cooperation, support children through disagreements and help them become more independent with personal care. Healthy eating is included in learning about looking after their bodies.

In September 2023, children in early years received adult support to take turns, share and play cooperatively. These are practical foundations for participating in a group.

For additional needs, parents can raise concerns with the class teacher and then the SENCo. School support can include speech and language work, activities addressing social skills and help with fine motor development. Termly parent consultations provide opportunities to discuss progress and targets. Medication 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 application through Newham’s normal primary admissions route and meet the closing date for their entry year. Nursery applications go directly to the school; Reception applications use the local authority’s online common application form.

For children with SEND, moving between classes includes advance information sharing between teachers. Where helpful, a social story or transition book is prepared, with a copy sent home for the summer holidays. This supports understanding of the change; it does not secure admission.

Nursery children are expected in class by 8:40am or 12:20pm. Gates open at 8:35am. These nursery arrival expectations matter when arranging the journey to school.

Applications for nursery go directly to Royal Wharf. The school office can be contacted on 02075115412 or at royalwharf@britanniaeducationtrust.com.

Before-school care. Wide Awake Club accepts children from Reception upwards, so nursery families cannot use that club for an earlier start.

The school uniform includes a grey logo sweatshirt and royal blue logo polo shirt, with plain black tailored trousers or shorts, a black knee-length skirt or pinafore dress, or a blue checked summer dress. Clothing and bags should be labelled, helping staff return misplaced belongings.