Cyril Jackson Primary School Nursery

Rhymes, stories and purposeful conversation give Cyril Jackson’s nursery its character. Language is a clear thread through the learning: children practise vocabulary, enjoy familiar songs and begin Read Write Inc. phonics. This is the school’s own nursery, within a primary school whose intake starts at three.

Early years occupies the South Building on Limehouse Causeway. 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 has a deliberate sequence. In June 2025, early years staff used carefully selected activities and skilled conversations to build children’s language, knowledge and practical skills across the areas of learning. For parents, the early years foundation stage here means connected learning across those areas, with adult interaction helping children take the next step.

Familiar stories, singing and rhymes give nursery children repeated opportunities to hear and use language. Read Write Inc. introduces the relationship between letters and sounds, including how sounds are represented in writing. Vocabulary teaching begins in Nursery, so speaking and early reading develop alongside each other.

Reading support continues beyond teaching sessions. Parents receive information about reading groups, are told when their child joins a catch-up group and receive ideas for helping at home. Once children begin storybooks, they take home reading matched to their learning. This gives families a concrete way to join in.

Preparation for settling starts with everyday independence. Families are encouraged to practise handwashing, using cutlery, managing a coat and using the toilet, alongside sharing and talking with other children and adults. Some experience of time apart from a parent is also encouraged. These are practical preparations for taking part in nursery life.

The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS phase leader and Read Write Inc. lead roles, linking classroom teaching with responsibility for early learning and reading. In June 2025, staff in early years recognised additional support needs promptly, allowing help to begin early.

Before a child starts, parents are asked to share additional needs and relevant professional letters. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan have their nursery admission handled by the Tower Hamlets SEN Section. Across the school, parents participate in support decisions and target reviews, with external professionals contributing advice where needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the e-admissions portal, even when their child already attends Cyril Jackson’s nursery.

For September 2023 entry, the Reception deadline was 15 January 2023. That is a past admissions cycle. Apply again through the normal Reception process by the deadline for your child’s entry year. The language and early reading work prepares children for their next stage of learning; it does not secure admission.

Session pattern. For the September 2023 nursery intake, part-time attendance ran from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm, Monday to Friday, with no afternoon part-time alternative. Morning capacity was 64 children, compared with 24 in the afternoon. That model required families choosing part-time provision to accommodate five mornings.

Longer attendance. In that intake’s arrangements, full-time attendance involved charged afternoon sessions. Families could meet those costs through a 30 Hour Childcare Code or their own funds, with arrangements made directly with the school. Contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries can go to the office on 020 7987 3737 or admin@cyriljackson.towerhamlets.sch.uk. Prospective families can book a school tour through online registration, including opportunities to see nursery learning. The South Building is a two-minute walk from Westferry DLR station, a useful detail when planning the journey.