Lime Academy Ravensbourne Nursery Review

Play and individual learning needs shape the early years offer at Lime Academy Ravensbourne. The nursery sits within an all-age special school in Havering, part of Lime Trust, where the school aims to develop communication and independence through learning that engages several senses. This is specialist provision, with education and therapeutic needs considered together.

The school's early years offer begins at N2. Across Ravensbourne, learners have complex needs involving education, health, physical development and social development. For families, the relevant fit is therefore the support around an individual child, rather than a standard nursery programme.

Learning through play and everyday experiences is the focus for the youngest children. The early years approach uses graduated SEND support: support responds to the child's needs and works towards individual outcomes. Ravensbourne aims to personalise learning around each learner's development, interests and abilities. The emphasis is on how a child learns.

Communication is woven into the wider curriculum through a total communication approach, intended to help learners express preferences and make choices. Personal, emotional, social and physical development also run through daily activities, with contributions from different professionals incorporated into learning. That connects educational goals with the skills children use throughout their day.

The school has an indoor soft play space, book areas, a Music Room and a Hydro Pool. Another school facility, the iSandbox Room, contains a sand tray with adjustable height; projected interactive programmes combine light and sound. These are school spaces, rather than a promise that every nursery child follows the same timetable or uses every facility.

When a child joins Ravensbourne, information is gathered from parents, health and social services, the educational psychologist and the previous school. This brings family knowledge and professional input into the joining process.

Therapy is organised around individual EHCP targets and outcomes. Visiting therapists work with individuals and groups and train school staff to deliver programmes. The wider team includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, giving families several professional perspectives on their child's needs.

A link NHS nurse is based at school one day a week, while paediatricians and dieticians visit regularly. Parents receive appointment arrangements directly. Progress is discussed through the annual EHCP review, and individual learning goals are tracked using observations, photographs and narrative records through Evidence for Learning.

Meals are cooked at school, with seasonal menus designed around children's individual needs. At a school coffee morning, parents sampled food and discussed allergies and pureeing with the cook. Feeding and play have also featured in staff training, connecting practical care with classroom work.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm the arrangements for your child's Reception placement with Havering and the school.

For Ravensbourne, school placements go through Havering's Local Education Authority Admissions Panel and Lime Trust. Pupils have EHCPs before joining.

Informal visits can be arranged through the school office on 01708 341 800. Enquiries can also be emailed to ravensbourne.office@limetrust.org. The school is on Neave Crescent in Harold Hill, Romford.

Uniform is encouraged across the school. Families can choose emblem clothing from My Clothing or a blue top or tracksuit, grey trousers or skirt and a white polo shirt. School transport eligibility is assessed by Havering, considering mobility, income, distance and route safety; assistance requires a new application each year.