Our Nursery
The Solebay Primary Academy Nursery is part of our Early Years and Foundation Stage department, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
We provide nursery places for two and three year olds, and children can start as soon as they have their second birthday – they don’t have to wait for the next term to start as they do at other Nurseries.
We have three sessions available –
Mornings: 8.00-12.00
Afternoons: 1.00-5.00
All day: 8.00-5.00
Children can either attend part-time (15 hours) or full-time.
The Nursery is on the second floor of the school which gives children free-flow access to our outdoor deck, where they can engage in a range of activities and play with outdoor toys. This area is shared with the Reception children which encourages interactions with others, and also helps when it comes to transition from Nursery. Inside, the classroom is designed specifically for children of this age, with areas for roleplay, art, music and more. We also take the children to nearby Shandy Park once a week so they can explore the outdoor world.
Learning
We aim to promote healthy independence, self-assessment of limited risk and continuous indoor play at Solebay. Experienced staff encourage children’s development through play, and provide a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities. We work hard to build strong links between home and nursery so we’re able to support children and their families effectively.
First Days
We understand starting Nursery can be an anxious time for both children and their parents/carers, so we do our best to make the whole experience as very easy, and soothe as many worries as possible! Every child who joins our Nursery, along with their parent/carer, is invited to a meeting in the school before they start so they can familiarise themselves with the surroundings. This is also a chance for our nursery staff to find out more about your child so they can get to know them better.
We make sure children are introduced gradually to their new routine – on their first day they will stay for two hours in the morning, then two hours in the afternoon on their second day so they are not overwhelmed. The next day we try to have the child in for the whole day, but this is dependent on how well they are coping – if we think they aren’t ready then we stick with half day sessions until the time is right to introduce full sessions.
Applying for a Nursery place
To apply for your child’s Nursery place at Solebay, please call into the school and pick up an application form. Alternatively, you can go through Tower Hamlets directly. Either way, once we have your application we will contact you as soon as a Nursery place becomes available for your child.
Funding
All children are entitled to 15 hours per week of free early years education for 38 weeks each year. This usually starts from the first school term after their third birthday, but we allow them to join as soon as they turn three, providing there is a free place for them. If you take a place at Solebay Nursery your child must attend for the full 15 hours.
An extra 15 hours per week may be available free for families where both parents are working (or the sole parent is working). You can find more information on whether you will be eligible for the extra funding here. Anyone who can’t get the additional free 15 hours can choose to pay a top-up fee instead to secure a full-time place.
FAQs
What age do children begin at Solebay Nursery?
Children can join us as soon as they have their second birthday.
What are the opening times?
The Nursery is open 8.00-5.00 Monday to Friday during term time.
What food/drink is provided?
We provide lunch for all Nursery children free of charge, and make fruit and milk available throughout the day.
Is there a uniform?
Yes, children in our Nursery wear the Solebay uniform, which is a simple white t-shirt and grey trousers. Parents/Carers just need to buy iron-on Solebay logos from the school and apply them.
My child has a special need, what support will you provide for them?
Solebay is an inclusive school, so we feel that every child should be able to participate in every aspect of school life with a sense of belonging and a sense of being valued. Where it is necessary, we have early intervention for pupils that have special educational needs.