St Joseph's Catholic Infant School Nursery Review

Playdough pizzas and construction play give early mathematics a practical starting point at St Joseph's. This nursery takes children aged two to four at the Infant School on Marsh Lane, Leyton, with a Catholic ethos that welcomes families of any faith or none. Children join school events and assemblies when appropriate, so their experience extends beyond the nursery group.

Provision for two-year-olds began in September 2024. Ofsted's report published in April 2026 judged the school's early years provision to be Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice and shared teaching both have a place in the session. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines learning through play with stories and group activities. Continuous provision means children can choose resources and pursue their play, while adults also lead structured learning. An Early Years Lead oversees the provision.

Reading starts early. Read, Write, Inc begins in Nursery, introducing sounds before children work on combining and separating them in words. Adults also add vocabulary to conversations during play and everyday routines. This gives language learning a practical context rather than keeping it solely for group teaching.

Across early years, construction materials and pretend pizza making provide opportunities to develop mathematical ideas alongside language. Outdoor activities bring together movement, nature and number work. Quiet spaces offer another physical feature of the provision, supporting children who need a calmer place.

The 2025–2026 curriculum map for children aged two to three included planting seeds, growing food and exploring animal homes. Possible books included Dear Zoo and The Tiny Seed, with role-play ideas such as a vet and a garden centre. These give a concrete picture of the planned learning: stories, pretend occupations and practical experiences connect familiar interests with new ideas.

Stay and Play sessions let children experience the nursery before starting. Ofsted's report published in April 2026 found that children across early years settled readily, supported by predictable routines and activities with a clear learning purpose. Adults understood individual needs and adjusted their support; calm spaces and sensitive responses helped children feel secure.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the federation uses an assess, plan, do, review cycle. Support Plans are discussed with parents and reviewed termly, making the next steps a shared conversation. Families can approach the class teacher first or arrange an appointment with the SENDCo and Inclusion Manager. Needs are identified from Nursery onwards, with families and external professionals involved in matching support to the child.

Children attending full days can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school dinner. Parents supply nappies and wipes and share medical, allergy and additional-needs information through the acceptance paperwork. These are practical preparations to make before the first session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027–2028 Infant School admission criteria. Families must apply separately through Waltham Forest's normal process, using eAdmissions, and return the school's Supplementary Information Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.

Participation in suitable school events helps nursery children become familiar with staff, routines and the wider setting. That familiarity can support the move to school, but it does not affect allocation of a Reception place.

Three session patterns run Monday to Friday: mornings from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full days from 8:45am to 3pm. The nursery operates during term time for 38 weeks. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:45am, and Teatime Club from 3pm to 6pm; both are purchased extras for nursery children.

Three- and four-year-olds can access 15 funded hours, while eligible working families can use a 30-hour code for full-day sessions. Eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months. Purchased additional hours may be offered when spaces are available and there are no applications on the waiting list. Payments are due half termly in advance. Ask the school for current charges.

Session availability. The requested pattern may not be offered initially. Confirm the allocated sessions before arranging childcare around them. Tours can be booked through the office on 0208 539 3000 or admissions@st-josephs-inf.waltham.sch.uk.