Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School Nursery

Mark making, learning about the seasons and practising turn-taking give this nursery its character: early learning with a clear sense of what comes next. The nursery forms part of Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School on Chestnut Drive in Wanstead, within a Catholic school where faith shapes school life. Families are expected to support that Catholic character; children from other faith backgrounds may also apply.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 24 and 25 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Learning builds from Nursery onwards. In June 2025, early years children explored different ways to make marks in art and learned about the four seasons in geography. These are concrete starting points: experimenting with marks introduces artistic expression, while seasonal learning gives children a way to understand changes in the world around them.

Social learning matters too. From Nursery, children received support to wait their turn and concentrate on learning. The day therefore involves learning how to participate alongside others as well as developing knowledge.

For children staying after the nursery session, the setting changes. Nursery and Reception children use a dedicated Early Years Club area in the Reception classrooms until around 5.30pm, depending on numbers, before joining the main club in the Benedict building. Club activities include drawing, board games and outdoor play when weather permits. Children choose their activities, giving this part of the day a different rhythm from classroom learning.

Parents can raise additional needs before their child starts, with the class teacher and SENDCo involved in discussions. Across the school, support includes access to speech and language therapy and an educational psychologist where appropriate. Individual provision is reviewed termly, giving families a regular point at which to discuss support and progress.

Joining wraparound care involves a separate conversation about readiness. Staff consider how a child is settling, their independence with personal care and whether a longer day would leave them overtired. A gradual introduction may be planned, with the SENDCo or pastoral team involved where appropriate. Decisions are made with parents and consider the individual child.

Food arrangements depend on the club session. The earlier after-school period includes a drink and small snack; children attending the later period receive a drink and light tea as well as fruit.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

For children with additional needs, the school uses transition meetings and plans when provision changes significantly. Induction discussions may also be arranged in some cases to understand a child's needs and previous provision. That is preparation for change, rather than an admissions advantage.

Morning nursery runs from 8.35am to 11.45am, and afternoon nursery from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. All-day places are limited, so that option needs to fit the family's childcare plans as well as availability.

Wraparound bookings can be regular or ad hoc, with no minimum weekly commitment. Places are arranged through the school office, and sessions are booked through ParentMail once a place becomes available; waiting lists sometimes operate. General enquiries go to School Admin at admin@ourladyoflourdes.redbridge.sch.uk or 020 8989 9521.