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Nursery at Cayley Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play indoors and outdoors, an emphasis on the arts and short Read Write Inc sessions give Cayley’s nursery its character. This is provision for children aged three to four within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), on Aston Street in Stepney. Cherry Blossom is the nursery class, with a class teacher identified in the staffing structure. Children can attend part time or full time.
Children’s interests help shape their exploration, both outside and indoors. The early years curriculum follows the EYFS framework: learning combines play and planned activities, with attention to communication, thinking and the ways children approach new experiences. The arts feature in that exploration. Performances, visitors and trips also form part of the early years provision, giving children experiences beyond their usual activities.
Early reading has a definite place in the session. Read Write Inc phonics starts in Nursery, with sessions lasting 15 minutes. That gives families a concrete sense of how early reading fits into the day: a short period of focused teaching alongside the wider play curriculum. Mathematics in EYFS combines learning through the activities children can access with teaching in small groups. Staff record this learning using photographs, observations and annotated work, rather than relying only on written exercises.
At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that early years children approached learning enthusiastically and that songs and rhymes helped teach mathematical knowledge. The early years learning environment was also planned to support development across curriculum areas. Nursery PE takes place on Thursdays, adding a scheduled physical activity to the week.
Each EYFS child is assigned a key person under the school’s child protection policy. Families also have opportunities to take part in learning through stay and play sessions and parent workshops. For the autumn 2026 intake, a nursery stay and play preceded the September starting period. This gave families an opportunity to participate before the new routine began.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) involves the class teacher and SENCo, with parents contributing to decisions. Children on the SEND register have individual targets discussed with their parents each term. Blossom Tree provides the school’s speech and language service, while Phoenix outreach is another specialist partner. Support is tailored to need; the SEND policy makes clear that one-to-one provision cannot be assumed.
Physical access includes a lift and an accessible toilet on each floor of the school building. Before a child joins, families provide information about health needs, allergies and dietary requirements, and must keep those details updated. The Families Connect Programme for EYFS offers another route for parents to participate, with the pastoral team contactable through the office.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route, even when their child already attends Cayley.
For September 2026 entry, families had to apply online through the Tower Hamlets admissions route by 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. Treat the nursery place and the later Reception application as separate decisions.
Class changes have their own preparation: the behaviour policy provides for summer staff handovers about individual children and time at the start of autumn for children and teaching teams to get to know each other. This supports continuity of care; it does not determine admissions.
Morning Nursery runs from 08:40 to 11:40. Afternoon arrival is between 12:30 and 12:45, with collection between 15:15 and 15:30. These windows matter when arranging work and other childcare.
Universal funding covers 15 hours each week across 38 term-time weeks, starting in the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible working parents may receive another 15 hours, making 30 in total, subject to eligibility and availability. A full-time place can be requested after a part-time offer. Charges apply to some additional hours, including the extra school hours beyond the funded allocation; ask the school for current charges before agreeing a pattern.
Arrange a visit by phoning the office on 020 7790 1490. Nursery enquiries can also go to admissions@cayley.towerhamlets.sch.uk. There is no parking on the school site, so factor that into collection arrangements.
Nursery is provision for children aged three to four.
Morning attendance is 08:40 to 11:40. Afternoon arrival is 12:30–12:45, and collection is 15:15–15:30.
Full-time attendance is possible. Families can request it after a part-time offer; additional funded hours depend on eligibility and availability, and charges can apply.
No. A separate Reception application is required, even for children already attending Cayley. The September 2026 entry deadline was 15 January 2026.
Start with the class teacher. If concerns remain, arrange contact with the SENCo through the school office. Parents of children on the SEND register discuss individual targets with the teacher each term.
