Lansbury Lawrence Primary School Nursery

Conkers, autumn pictures and water play give Lansbury Lawrence’s nursery its practical, creative character. This is the school’s own provision for three- and four-year-olds, on Cordelia Street in Poplar. Children begin their learning within the primary school, with activities that connect making, exploring and early literacy.

At the Ofsted inspection on 7 and 8 February 2024, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision collectively. Nursery children developed excellent foundations for later learning, including the beginnings of reading: a useful strength for parents looking beyond childcare to their child’s first learning experiences.

Hands-on exploration gives abstract ideas something children can touch. In September 2018, Bluebell Class used water areas both inside the classroom and in the garden. Pouring and filling introduced mathematical ideas, while manipulating water-play equipment supported physical development relevant to learning to write. Play had a learning purpose.

Carle Class’s autumn activities in October 2021 brought observation and art together. Children noticed leaves dropping and changing colour, then made pictures outdoors using conkers and seasonal colours. The garden provided material for learning as well as space to play; children could turn something they had noticed into something they made.

Early literacy also crossed into creative activities. In January 2016, Bluebell nursery children explored letters, phonics and film through an art session. These examples show how practical activities can connect different parts of early learning, rather than keeping art, number and language in separate compartments. In February 2024, curriculum planning began from Nursery, with careful attention to what children should learn and retain.

Inclusion is a school-wide aim: Lansbury Lawrence wants children to participate in every part of school life regardless of learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Support can involve extra resources, programmes tailored to particular needs or help within the classroom. For a nursery family, those are concrete forms of support to discuss when planning a child’s participation.

Communication includes the Weduc app, which carries the parent newsletter. Office support is available to help families download it, giving parents a route into school updates.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through E-admissions, including when their child already attends this nursery. Treat that application as a separate task: choosing the nursery does not complete the process of securing a school place.

The funded part-time entitlement is 15 hours each week, beginning in the school term after a child turns three and continuing until the term after their fifth birthday. This gives families a defined weekly allocation to consider alongside their childcare needs.

For enquiries, email admin@lansburylawrence.org. The school is on Cordelia Street, Poplar, London, E14 6DZ.