Mission Grove Primary School Nursery Review

Chickens, ducks and rabbits brought a distinctive practical thread to Mission Grove’s early years learning at the July 2023 inspection. Children enjoyed caring for the resident animals, making responsibility for other living things something they could practise themselves. That is a concrete introduction to responsibility.

This is the nursery provision within Mission Grove Primary School in Walthamstow. In July 2023, the school also had provision for children aged two. Ofsted’s inspection on 11 and 12 July 2023 found that early years learning gave children a positive foundation, with resources and planning supporting each learning area.

Play and activities guided by adults both contribute to learning. In July 2023, adults supported children’s language development through both, giving children opportunities to learn while playing as well as through a more directed activity. Learning to play together also received attention. For a nursery child, joining another child’s game and communicating an idea are meaningful parts of the day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for this stage of education. In plain language, it brings together learning to communicate, developing movement and managing feelings and relationships, alongside early reading and writing, maths, creativity and discovering how the world works. These are connected areas of development rather than a timetable of school subjects.

Animal care supplies a specific example of that practical learning. In July 2023, early years children enjoyed tending the resident animals. It gives the broader idea of caring for others a tangible focus: living creatures depend on attention and care.

Stay and play sessions involved parents in early years learning in July 2023. These give families a way to participate in activities with their child and see the learning they are doing. Parent involvement therefore extends beyond receiving information.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support options include individual or small-group help from teaching assistants, Speech and Language Therapy and Bucket Time. Sensory resources and strategies for managing regulation are also part of the school’s offer, and the school has a sensory room. These are school-wide resources; the support for an individual child depends on their needs.

The Inclusion Manager works with families and teachers to identify concerns, while observations, assessments and discussions inform progress reviews. Parents receive updates and opportunities to discuss development. SEND concerns can be directed to the Inclusion Manager through office@missiongrove.org.uk, and Waltham Forest SENDIASS provides another source of support for families.

Children joining early years with no English experience practical learning supported by visual material, with extra help where necessary. This gives them ways to participate while developing English.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Mission Grove. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

The school’s address is Buxton Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 7EJ. Its telephone number is 02085203487. For SEND discussions, the school office email provides a direct route to the Inclusion Manager.