St Antony's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Language and independence set the direction from age two at St Antony's. The nursery provision belongs to the Catholic primary school on Upton Avenue in Forest Gate, with its youngest children included in the early years phase. Ofsted judged early years provision Good following the inspection on 12 and 13 February 2025. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.

Communication is a central strand of learning. In February 2025, children from the two-year-old provision onwards developed language alongside the foundations of other learning areas. Activities helped children build their knowledge, while familiar routines encouraged them to do more for themselves. For parents, that places everyday independence alongside learning to communicate.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings those strands together: learning across different areas, developing communication and becoming more independent. Phonics uses Read, Write Inc. throughout EYFS, giving early work with sounds a named teaching framework. Expectations for behaviour also begin in early years, so learning routines and learning how to behave develop together.

Catholic education has a concrete classroom presence. Each class has an area for religious education with a prayer box, a candle, a Bible and a display connected to the topic being studied. These objects support reflection during lessons. From early years, children also learn to distinguish acceptable behaviour and understand that people should receive equal treatment. The emphasis extends beyond acquiring knowledge to how children treat one another.

An EYFS phase lead forms part of the staffing structure. For additional needs, the school's SENCO works with class teachers and support staff to identify children who need help. Individual Education Plans address those needs, with regular discussions involving parents and relevant outside agencies. That gives families a route into planning support around their child.

Parents are invited to discuss progress at termly meetings. These conversations provide a regular opportunity to connect learning at school with what families notice at home. For safeguarding concerns during school hours, class teachers are the first contact; the safeguarding structure also includes an EYFS strategic lead.

Safeguarding records. In February 2025, safeguarding across the school was effective, with minor improvements required. Checks on staff vetting records needed greater rigour, and records of concerns and incidents needed more consistent organisation. Families should weigh that qualification alongside the positive early years judgement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, including those whose child already attends this nursery. Newham residents apply through Newham; families elsewhere apply through their own borough and name St Antony's as a preference.

For September 2026 entry, the on-time application deadline was 15 January 2026. Applicants seeking consideration under faith-based priority criteria also needed a Supplementary Information Form (SIF); that form did not replace the main application. The deadline for on-time SIFs was also 15 January 2026. That admissions cycle is past.

The school is at Upton Avenue, Forest Gate, London E7 9PN. Nursery enquiries can go to the school on 020 85523670 or info@st-antonys.olog.org.uk. This provides a direct contact for families considering the provision.