Greenleaf Primary School Nursery Review

Messy play, outdoor exploration and books to borrow give Greenleaf Nursery its character. This is Greenleaf Primary School’s own provision in Walthamstow for three- and four-year-olds, with funded entry beginning in the term after a child’s third birthday. Play is the organising principle, with indoor and outdoor experiences intended to develop language and independence.

At the inspection on 13 and 14 July 2022, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum takes shape through talking, movement, relationships, early literacy and number play. Children explore materials and practise doing things for themselves, alongside group stories and phonics. Little Wandle begins in the second autumn half-term. In July 2022, reading teaching began from entry to Nursery, with carefully focused phonics and books matched to children’s reading skills.

Outdoor play has concrete resources: balance bikes, scooters and tricycles, alongside balls and hoops. Indoors and outside, children use art tools and experiment with making marks. Sand and water activities give them materials to explore, while imaginative play includes familiar domestic scenes and themes about people who help others. These are opportunities to practise movement, language and cooperation through activity.

Books travel home once children have settled, with borrowing organised by key group and a Reading Log for family comments. The curriculum also includes gardening, live caterpillars and local outings. A May Show brings songs and dances together for parents, giving families a chance to see another side of nursery learning.

A Key Worker is allocated after staff have had time to observe children and help them settle. Initially, the whole team shares that work. Bumblebee, Grasshopper, Ladybird and Butterfly groups give children a smaller group identity. The garden is used during the initial settling period, and staff phone families if a child remains unsettled. In July 2022, children settled promptly and relationships with early years adults were positive.

Communication has a nursery-specific rhythm. Parent Points appear on Nursery Home Link by Friday each week, with a notice outside the nursery highlighting reminders. Families can speak to staff directly, and key-worker consultations feature in the curriculum plan.

Each session includes a snack, such as fruit, crackers, rice cakes or breadsticks. Full-time children bring a packed lunch and eat in nursery with Midday Assistants; water is provided. Children attending Tea-time club also need a boxed snack. Easy-to-manage clothing supports toileting, and staff change children after accidents. Families should discuss toileting worries with the team.

For SEND concerns, the class teacher is the first contact, followed by the inclusion lead. The school’s support system includes termly letters explaining planned additional provision. This gives families something specific to discuss when reviewing their child’s support.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Greenleaf Reception place nor gives priority. Families must make a separate application through eAdmissions, with Waltham Forest Council handling school admissions. Familiarity with nursery does not replace that application.

Preparation for the change is a separate matter. The nursery curriculum includes help with feelings about moving to Reception. The school’s SEND transition arrangements include sharing information about children’s needs, individual plans for identified children and meetings involving parents, teachers and the SENCO.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Extended Hours places are another option. The standard funded offer is 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds; up to 30 hours depends on eligibility and available space. Attendance must cover at least four days and five sessions.

Breakfast Club starts at 7:45am and supplies breakfast. Afterschool Club runs from 3:30pm to 6pm. Hours beyond a child’s funded allocation are invoiced each term and paid through School Gateway; contact the school for current charges. A separate voluntary contribution supports snacks, art and creative play.

Nursery applications go to nurseryadmissions@greenleaf.waltham.sch.uk. Ordinary nursery handovers use the Melville Road entrance; club handovers use the Greenleaf Road gate beside the park. Collection requires a password. Dress children for messy play, with a named waterproof coat and shoes they can manage easily.