Woolmore Primary School Nursery Review

A shared September start gives Woolmore’s nursery its defining rhythm: children join as one annual cohort, rather than through successive intakes. The provision has two nursery classes and capacity for up to 52 full-time places within Woolmore Primary School in Poplar. Children normally begin nursery in the September after turning three.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 28 and 29 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language development gives the early learning curriculum a clear focus. In September 2022, children developed their understanding through activities that introduced knowledge gradually, with adults helping them become more independent and confident in exploring ideas. For parents, the emphasis is on building the vocabulary children need to express themselves and understand their learning.

The early years foundation stage also develops foundations for reading and mathematics. Children’s grasp of these basic ideas was secure in September 2022, preparing them for later learning. Exploration and developing understanding sit alongside that work: the curriculum helps children begin to understand the world around them.

Settling begins before the nursery year. Early Years staff visit new children at home, and summer welcome sessions introduce families to nursery. These give staff and parents opportunities to discuss the child before the September start.

Communication continues through year-group welcome meetings and two formal Individual Learning Review Meetings each year. Family Support Workers and the SENDCo are available for daily conversations in the playground. Parents therefore have both scheduled discussions about progress and opportunities to raise an immediate concern.

Additional needs received effective support from the beginning of early years in September 2022. The school’s support arrangements include visual timetables, Now and Next Boards and pictures children can use to express needs or feelings. These provide alternatives when spoken instructions or explanations are difficult.

Support planning uses an Assess Plan Do Review cycle, involving families in deciding the next steps and checking progress. Parents with concerns can speak first to the class teacher, who can arrange SENDCo involvement. Across the school building, a lift and an accessible toilet support physical access; individual requirements can be discussed alongside learning needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Woolmore. Parents must apply separately for Reception, usually through eAdmissions, following the normal admissions timetable. Families whose child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should contact the local authority SEN Team instead of applying online. Tower Hamlets Council allocates school places. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that deadline has passed.

Preparation for the next class is a separate matter. Staff use social stories at the end of the year to help children and families anticipate changes, and hold handover meetings with the next teacher to discuss children’s needs. This transfers useful knowledge about the child. It does not secure admission.

Full-time provision is Woolmore’s stated nursery model. Working parents are required to seek a 30-hour funding code through Childcare Choices as part of the nursery admissions process; successful applications help fund its full-time places.

Uniform is optional for nursery children. Families must accompany children into the playground for drop-off, rather than leaving them to walk there alone.

To arrange an Early Years visit, contact the school office at admin@woolmore.org or call 0207 987 2778. A visit provides an opportunity to meet the team and discuss the curriculum and care.