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Stepney Park Nursery School

Description

Service Description

Nursery schools provide early learning and childcare for children between 3 and 5 years old. They can be linked to an infant or primary school. Nursery places can be for half day or a whole day.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Smithy Street first opened its doors under the name of ‘Smithy School’ in 1899.

Over the years it taught children of many different cultural backgrounds, including Irish, Chinese, Jewish and most recently Bangladeshi.

Due to a falling role and declining birth rate in the local area, the school closed its doors in the early 1970’s

For the next 20 years or so, the school was used as an adult education centre. Classes included hairdressing, car mechanics, tap dancing, wood work and art.

In the late 1980’s there was a sharp rise in the population of Tower Hamlets, with an increasing number of Bangladeshi children needing a place in Primary School. It was therefore decided that Smithy School would open its door again to primary aged children.

On the 5th of September 1991, the school re-launched under the name ‘Smithy Street’ Primary School. Ms Barbara O’Carroll, as acting Head teacher and Ms Diane Dorr, as acting Deputyhead, opened the school, with just 65 children and 3 newly qualified teachers.

Initially, there were just 4 classes, a Year 1 class, a Year 2 class, a Year 3 class and a mixed Year 4, 5 and 6 class.
Eventually a Nursery and Reception class were added.
Roll was growing continually, and soon the school was up to its 1 form entry capacity, with a healthy waiting list.

In the year 2000, it was decided that Smithy Street Primary School should become a 1.5 form school. Again, roll rose steadily, and we now are a 2 form entry school with a present capacity of around 450 pupils, with waiting lists in all year groups.

Suitable for ages

Age of Users
From 3 To 4.5

Costs

Cost
Free

Questions & Answers

Are The Premises Accessible For Wheelchair Users?
Yes
Can Families Self-Refer To The Service?
Yes
Do You Have Child Protection Policies And Procedures
Yes
Do You Offer Specific Support For Children With Additional Needs?
Yes
Has A Service Description?
Yes

OFSTED Information

OFSTED Last Inspection and Summary
10 March 2009
Outstanding

Further Information

Provider Type
Nursery Schools / Classes Nursery Schools / Classes
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Delivery Channels
Telephone Office / Premises