Solebay Primary Academy Nursery Review

A bear with hearing aids gives a telling glimpse of Solebay’s nursery: children joined in with the story’s key vocabulary while exploring difference through a familiar character. Stories do more than entertain here. They give children something concrete to talk about and a way to encounter experiences beyond their own.

The nursery forms part of Solebay Primary Academy, a Paradigm Trust school. Ofsted rated its early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 10 and 11 May 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language and early reading are clear strands of the day. In May 2023, nursery children listened intently to the bear story and participated in its repeated vocabulary. Across early years, phonics begins with teaching adjusted to children’s initial knowledge. This places the first steps towards reading alongside listening and speaking.

Practical independence also belongs to learning. In May 2023, early years children were taught to handle cutlery, while personal, social and health education introduced relationships and looking after both body and mind. These are useful foundations for everyday life, as well as classroom learning.

Children in early years were absorbed in their learning in May 2023. The picture is of participation: listening to a story, contributing words and practising everyday skills.

Preparation can begin before a child starts. When a nursery place is offered, families are invited to the nursery or staff arrange a home visit to get to know the child in familiar surroundings. That creates an opportunity to discuss the child before the new routine begins.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Paradigm Trust’s entry support begins with spring-term home visits. Children with an EHCP and identified needs have additional visits arranged by the SENCo, alongside meetings involving several professionals to plan the transition. The preparation is tailored to the child.

Support continues through assessment and conversation. Across the trust, early years children are assessed within six weeks of starting, with observations continuing afterwards. The class teacher is the first contact for parents’ concerns, and the SENCo links families with professionals. Teaching adaptations can include shorter instructions, practical learning materials and direct help in a group. These provide concrete ways to make activities accessible.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Tower Hamlets local authority and meet the normal Reception application deadline. Treat that application as a separate task, even if your child is already familiar with Solebay.

Transition support serves a different purpose. Across Paradigm Trust, children joining Reception visit their new classroom during the summer term, with additional time for those with extra needs. Such visits help children become familiar with the next classroom; they do not secure admission.

Nursery enquiries and applications go through the school administration office. Paradigm Trust’s nursery application process asks families to add their child to the waiting list at two-and-six months and return an application form to the relevant school office. An offer depends on a place being available. A nursery visit or home visit is then arranged as part of preparing for entry.