Scott Wilkie Primary School Nursery Review

Story puppets, a forest safari and carrots harvested for a snack give Scott Wilkie’s nursery a practical character. This is the nursery within Scott Wilkie Primary School in Custom House, London, with learning that connects books, exploration and food.

Children normally join in the term following their third birthday. Two-year-olds can also be accepted if they qualify for the 15-hour funding and have a golden ticket. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Stories become things children can make and act out. During 2023-2024, children explored The Three Little Pigs by creating puppets and constructing houses, giving them props for retelling the tale. This puts speaking into a concrete activity: children have something to handle and a story to explain. World Book Day also brought dressing up as favourite fictional characters.

Outdoor exploration had a literary connection too. A safari in the forest involved looking for animals linked to Dear Zoo. The forest gives that activity a physical setting beyond a book, connecting a familiar story with searching and discovery. Sensory exploration and making popcorn added other practical experiences during the same nursery year.

The early years foundation stage combines learning with developing physical and social skills here. In June 2023, early years children practised spotting spaces and moving towards them while walking or running. They also grew potatoes for a salad. These are tangible examples of learning through movement and food preparation, rather than knowledge remaining abstract.

Managing feelings starts in Nursery. In June 2023, children were learning emotional control and respectful treatment of other people; early years children also showed concentration and willingness to help peers. For a young child, learning alongside others includes both joining an activity and understanding how to treat a friend.

Food has also been part of practical learning. During 2023-2024, nursery children picked carrots for their snack, connecting growing something with eating it. This is a specific snack experience, rather than a description of the regular meal service.

Families seeking support with special educational needs and disabilities can contact the school’s SENCO on 020 7474 4138. Newham IASS provides advice about education concerns and Education, Health and Care Plans, giving parents a separate route for guidance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. The Reception route includes the Pan London e admissions portal and Newham’s Reception admissions service. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Registration forms can be collected from the school’s Administration Office, and nursery applications can be made at any time. The age and funding conditions above still apply. For nursery enquiries, telephone 020 7474 4138 or email info@scottwilkie.newham.sch.uk. The school is on Hoskins Close, Custom House, London E16 3HD.