Our Nursery

The Old Ford Primary Academy Nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is a friendly and caring place for your child to take their first steps on the school journey. 

Our nursery is for three year olds, and children can join us on their third birthday, with two main intakes, one in September and one at the start of January. We open every weekday during term time, and morning sessions run from 9.00-12.00. If your child has the full thirty hours they start at the same time and stay until 3.30.

The Nursery is in the Old Ford grounds and has three large classrooms which have been purpose-built to accommodate children of this age. Everything is on their level, from the toilets and sinks to the countertops and seating. The classrooms have different areas for roleplay, art, music and much more, and the children have free-flow access to an external space, where they can enjoy playing on the climbing equipment and spending time in our exploration garden.

Learning

Our curriculum covers many topics, including ‘Ourselves’, ‘Journeys and Holidays’ and ‘Celebrations’. We make learning as interactive as possible, and invite guests in like Safari Pete to really bring the subject to life. We also get out and about so the children can explore the world around us, taking them on trips to places like London Zoo and the seaside.

Joining

We appreciate starting Nursery is often a worrying time for both children and parents/carers, so we always work closely with you before they start and over the first few weeks to make sure your child settles as quickly and as easily as possible.

Applying 

Applications for a place at Old Ford Nursery are made via Tower Hamlets Pupil Services; use this link to find all the information you need.

Funding

All children are entitled to 15 hours per week of free early years education for 38 weeks each year. If both parents are working (or the sole parent is working) then you may be eligible for an additional free 15 hours per week. To find out more about funding for nursery places, click here.

Our guide to preparing your child for nursery:

Toilet training

Ideally children will know how to wipe themselves properly and pull up their underwear, as well as flush the toilet and wash their hands afterwards, but obviously we always allow for (and expect) accidents. If your child does occasionally have mishaps then it’s a good idea to let their teacher know and pack spare underwear in their school bag.

Eating with a knife and fork

This is particularly important if your child will be having school lunches. We will have supervisors on hand to help, but they can’t help everyone at once. It also helps your child feel more confident if they’re able to cut up their own food.

Getting dressed

If your child can fasten and unfasten buttons, zips and Velcro, they’ll be able to go to the toilet without help and change for PE lessons.

Get into a routine

Help your child get into the habit of getting their uniform and school bag ready every evening. It’ll help the mornings feel less rushed.

Dry run

Before their first day at school, have a practice run of getting ready. It’ll prepare you both for the big day and might even generate some excitement.

Asking for what they need

It’s important your child has the confidence to communicate their needs, such as requesting to go to the toilet or asking another child if they can borrow something.

Sitting still

Children have to sit still and listen at school, and they’re far more likely to manage this if they’ve got used to doing it at home first. Getting them to do it as you read them a story is a fun way to practice.

Taking turns and sharing

Being able to take turns and share is essential. Help your child develop these skills by playing games with them that involve taking turns and encouraging your child to share their toys when they have play dates.

Dealing with losing

Some children find it hard to lose (as do some adults!) so it’s helpful if they’ve had this experience before starting school. Help them by playing games where they’re not always the winner, and encourage your child to congratulate others.

Please and thank you

Remind your child to use good manners with their teachers, friends and when they’re at home.