George Tomlinson Primary School Nursery

Songs, rhymes and shared performance give George Tomlinson’s nursery a musical thread. Rhythm is used alongside early reading, handwriting and maths, giving children several ways to join in with learning. This is the primary school’s own nursery in Leytonstone, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to a place becoming available.

Families can choose morning or afternoon attendance. The funded fifteen-hour pattern consists of five sessions of the same type, so children have a repeated routine and parents a consistent collection time.

Three-hour sessions run in the morning and afternoon. Music crosses subject boundaries: children practise songs and rhymes, use rhythm in other learning and develop the skills needed to perform together. That makes singing part of the learning itself, rather than simply an occasional event.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted recorded nursery children recalling songs and rhymes accurately, while children across the early years used photographs in their special books to discuss experiences and achievements. Those books give children something concrete to talk about, connecting remembered events with spoken language.

Movement also features. The June 2026 newsletter described nursery participation in Carnival dance workshops delivered by Dance Days and funded by the PTFA. Beyond the classroom, the school’s green field is used by every class each half term, giving nursery children access to a separate outdoor setting.

Early Years staff make home visits, providing an opportunity for families to discuss their child’s needs. For children receiving SEND support, parents take part in focus child meetings in the early years to review how the support is working. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns, with the SENDCo available for further discussion.

Medical needs are addressed through individual care plans developed with health professionals and the Attendance and Welfare Officer. Across the school, staff have first-aid training, and the school nurse visits fortnightly. Appointments are arranged through the office.

Physical access includes a lift serving every floor and corridors designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Food precautions matter too: the school asks families to exclude nuts from packed lunches because children and staff have nut allergies.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the listed Reception criteria. Families must make a separate application. For September 2027 entry, the route is the Common Application Form through Waltham Forest’s online portal, with a deadline of 15 January 2027; the local authority allocates places.

Preparation is a separate matter. Nursery children have a summer-term open afternoon in their new Reception classroom, allowing them to become familiar with the next setting. This transition activity does not change the admissions process.

Morning attendance runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Fifteen funded hours are taken as five mornings or five afternoons. For families with a thirty-hour code, the school describes a nine-session arrangement with a further session available for payment. Confirm current charges with the office.

Registration involves contacting the office and completing the nursery application form. A school visit can also be arranged there. Email school@georgetomlinson.waltham.sch.uk or call 020 8539 3577.

Nursery children use the Vernon Road nursery gates; late arrivals use the main Harrington Road entrance. The nursery clothing sheet lists a green jumper, white short-sleeved polo, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers with Velcro fastenings. These are useful specifics when preparing for the first session.