The leadership team ensure that practitioner knowledge and practice remains current, and that activities and resources best reflect the learning and development needs of the current cohort of children. We strive to deliver high quality interactions and vigilance at all times.

We are available to answer any queries or concerns and to ensure that your child and family have the best experience during your time with us.

Chelmes Corbett Nursery Manager Abbey Nursery, Barking

Chelmes Corbett
Nursery Manager

My role here is to continue the amazing work with children and families that the previous management team and our current staff, have provided and to empower parents to become active participants in their child/children’s care and education. I have worked in childcare and education in neighbouring boroughs for just over 20 years, and I am passionate about providing children with experiences that nurture the love of life-long learning. At Abbey we aim to provide an environment where children are considered to be important individuals, regardless of their age, gender, religion, ability, race, culture or background. I look forward to working alongside you and your child/children and can’t wait to show you around.

Emma Townley Deputy Nursery Manager and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) Abbey Nursery, Barking

Emma Townley
Deputy Nursery Manager and Special, Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

I have been working at Abbey Nursery since 2009 and with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham from 2004. I have had over 25 years’ experience working in childcare. I took on my new role as Deputy Manager and SENCO in February 2023 and enjoy working alongside the parents/carers, my colleagues and other professionals to create the best possible outcomes for children and parents that attend our nursery, providing an environment that the children can thrive in.

Lucy Elliott Third in Charge and Second SENCO, Senior Early Years Practitioner Abbey Nursery, Barking

Lucy Elliott
Third in Charge, Second SENCO, Senior Early Years Practitioner

I support the Manager and Deputy and I am also our settings 2nd SENDCo, working alongside the team to support children with Special Educational needs and Disabilities. I am currently based in our Term-time Pre-school. I have been at Abbey Nursery for almost 5 years and have experienced working with all age groups at our Nursery. I love how rewarding our work is on a daily basis and look forward to meeting you and your child on one of our parent tours.

All our managers and early years practitioners/educators have qualifications in early years and childcare, first aid and food safety awareness and Ofsted has rated us a good nursery. The nursery promotes equalities and diversity in line with the policies of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Ofsted stated in its report about the Quality of teaching, learning and assessment:

“The leadership and management team is strong and it demonstrates a good understanding of its roles and responsibilities. It evaluates effectively and continually improves aspects of the provision to provide a high-quality service. For example, it analyses parents’ questionnaires, gives feedback and publishes the results.”

“Staff are well qualified and have high expectations of children based on their accurate assessment. They observe children’s achievements and take notes about what they have seen.”

“They use this information successfully to plan rich and varied experiences that are appropriate to each child’s interests and help support their next steps of development. Staff understand that children learn through play. Staff enthusiastically engage and sing nursery rhymes, using the actions to help extend children’s learning.”

“Staff incorporate the targets of specialist services into their educational plans for the children. This helps to support all children, including those with additional needs.”

Our Commitment

We have high expectations about the activities and experiences on offer at our setting. We strive to support staff to follow the child’s interests and development in line with guidance from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework 2025. A play-based EYFS curriculum alongside experienced and knowledgeable staff, supports our children to develop and grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

Children benefit most when parents and nursery staff work together. Partnership is about making sure that parents and carers have enough information to be able to take part in planning their child’s development and any decision-making.

The nursery will respect your views and ideas. You will be kept fully informed about the everyday activities in the nursery, and we will encourage you to contribute your own particular skills to enhance childrens experiences. You may be asked to support trips and outings as part of our curriculum experiences.

  • you are welcome to visit the nursery at any time
  • you will have easy access to the nursery’s policies which are readily available
  • you will be involved in sharing information about your child, both formally and informally. We aim to meet with parents at least 3 times per year
  • you will be able to look at your child’s records on request
  • you will be able to discuss your child’s progress with your child’s key person
  • staff from the nursery will also be available to offer advice and support
  • we regularly provide information about nursery activities, events and any changes in routines
  • we welcome your comments and suggestions at all times

If you would like to know more about the EYFS, please ask the manager if you can look at copies of these documents.