Pinecones Nursery School

Tyres, wooden boards and low tree branches give Pinecones Nursery School's outdoor play a practical, adventurous character. Children build routes, balance and work together, with physical challenge woven into the learning observed in August 2025.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 5 August 2025 inspection, finding effective safeguarding and good progress across the curriculum. Pinecones serves children aged 24 to 60 months in Salcombe Regis, Sidmouth.

In August 2025, children rearranged tyres and boards to create a climbing route, making cooperation part of the challenge. Tree branches and swings offered further opportunities to practise balance and strength. Toddlers used chunky chalk on logs, combining sustained concentration with movement of their hands and fingers.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: play brings together language, movement, relationships and growing independence. In August 2025, citrus printing prompted discussion of fruit segments, giving children new vocabulary through something they could handle and examine.

Children also helped choose what to bake with blackcurrants and rhubarb from their gardens. Voting gave them a practical way to express preferences and influence an activity. Staff had undertaken mathematics training, with mathematical learning then incorporated into shared play.

At the August 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff tracked development and worked effectively with other professionals when children needed help, but support for children needing assistance with communication was inconsistent. This matters for families whose child needs reliable ways to express a wish, an idea or discomfort.

Everyday independence was encouraged in August 2025 through small, concrete tasks. Children cleaned their faces and used mirrors to check their efforts; putting on boots and hats gave them further opportunities to persevere.

Parents received feedback about achievements and next steps at that time. Staff also helped children prepare for changes such as a new sibling, while sharing information with schools supported the move beyond nursery.

Pinecones Nursery School's address is Unit 1b, 1c, 4,5, Kingsdown Business Park, Salcombe Regis, Sidmouth EX10 0PD.

In August 2025, opening hours were 8am to 5pm on weekdays. The nursery operated across the year, closing for two weeks at Christmas, one week at Easter and one week during summer. Government-funded childcare was offered at that time.

• Communication support. In August 2025, children needing extra communication help did not consistently receive the same strategies from staff. Ask how those strategies are now agreed and used throughout a child's day.
• Understanding other communities. August 2025 findings identified too little consistent attention to ways of life beyond children's own experience. This is a useful topic when discussing how activities broaden children's understanding.
• Attendance planning. The August 2025 operating pattern included closures at Christmas, Easter and in summer. How would the current opening and closure pattern fit your family's childcare needs?

Pinecones suits families who value active outdoor play, practical independence and children having a voice in their activities. The August 2025 account gives those qualities substance: balancing challenges, baking choices and everyday self-care all had a place. Communication support and learning about other communities deserve equal attention when weighing the nursery's fit for your child.