Children at Odessa School in about 1983.

Odessa primary school was originally a West Ham Board School and was opened in 1874, with places for 703 children. It was enlarged in 1880 and again in 1889 when it was reconstructed internally, increasing the accommodation to 1,312. Owing to its isolated position it was not until 1945 that the school was reorganised fro mixed juniors and infants.

Newham Council was in the forefront of nursery education, before it became compulsory. During the late 70s and early 80s the council was able to use a government funding programme which enabled them to establish nursery units across the borough. This photograph was used in one such submission for funding.

Photo: Newham Council