Columbia Primary School Nursery

A room of their own, with freedom to explore the wider Early Years Unit: that is the shape of nursery life at Columbia. Red Room is the nursery base at this school on Columbia Road in Bethnal Green, where children join from age 3. There is one nursery class within an integrated early years provision, giving younger children a defined group within the school.

Morning, afternoon and full-time attendance are all part of the nursery model. That distinction matters for families choosing between a shorter session and a longer day.

Adult-led learning and children's own choices share the day. Columbia follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, combining planned teaching with learning through play and direct experience. Across the school, learning is organised around topics, with selected books connected to each theme. Planned work on vocabulary and language patterns helps children understand their topics, talk about them and write about them. In practical terms, children spend some time in their own room and some choosing activities across the early years setting. The day therefore includes both a classroom base and opportunities to explore beyond it.

The outside play area is part of that movement between activities. Early years children can play outdoors for most of the day, so outdoor learning is woven into the session rather than confined to a single break. For a child who likes to move between spaces, this is a useful feature of the daily arrangement.

Parents can follow the learning through nursery Knowledge Organisers, which explain the half-term topic and what children will learn. These give families a starting point for conversations about nursery activities and learning at home.

A class teacher and a nursery nurse work in each nursery room. This gives the provision a teaching-and-care team structure, with both roles attached to the children's base.

Food is prepared by the school's kitchen team on site. The school lunch menu changes over a two-week cycle, includes a vegetarian choice and uses halal food, including meat dishes. Children may bring a packed lunch instead; school rules exclude sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks. These details matter when planning food around a child's usual diet.

For parent involvement, Columbia holds an annual Parent Voice workshop. Families can share what is working and suggest changes, giving them a specific opportunity to contribute feedback.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Columbia directs school admissions enquiries through Tower Hamlets, with the Pupil Admissions Team available on 020 7364 5006.

Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not replace the application.

The early years morning session runs from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm; the afternoon runs from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. The nursery also has children attending full-time. These are distinct attendance patterns to consider against family routines.

Visits are arranged by telephone appointment with the school office. For nursery enquiries, contact 020 7739 3835 or CPSadmin@letta.org.uk. The school address is Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG.