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Nursery at Axminster Community Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Language, familiar stories and learning to take turns give Little Acorns its early learning character. This is Axminster Community Primary Academy’s own nursery, based within the school on Stoney Lane and welcoming children aged 2 to 5. A Nursery Lead works with a team of practitioners, with support from the Head of School. The provision belongs to a school supported by First Federation Trust.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The core day runs from 9am until 3.30pm during term time. Families can choose mornings, afternoons or a full day, with lunch added to either shorter session where space permits. Morning sessions finish at noon; lunch occupies the next half-hour, and afternoon sessions begin at 12.30pm. That gives families a choice between a shorter visit and a day spanning both sessions.
Within the early years foundation stage, language receives close attention. In May 2025, activities were matched to children’s existing skills, while children needing additional help received support with communication or physical development. The practical emphasis is on building from what a child can already do.
Familiar poems and stories are part of nursery learning. Alongside this, early years children practise sharing turns in joint activities, and established routines teach them when to listen. These are useful foundations for joining in with other children: conversation, attention and cooperation matter alongside learning new words.
Lunch can come from home or from the school’s on-site canteen. A morning snack is free, with water or milk to drink. Some children attending a full-day session may qualify for a free school meal; families can check eligibility through the Devon Citizens Portal. The choice of packed lunch or school dinner lets parents select the arrangement that suits their child.
Nappy-changing facilities support children who still need them. Parents supply the nappies, sacks and wipes, making those items part of the everyday packing routine.
For children needing extra help, the school’s support can involve a teacher or teaching assistant working individually or with a small group. Personalised learning may be discussed with parents and reviewed each term through a My Plan. Speech therapy or educational psychology may also be involved when the school needs specialist help. This sits alongside the early years support for physical and communication skills seen in May 2025.
Attending Little Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Devon residents apply through Devon’s online admissions service between 15 November and 15 January; families living elsewhere apply through their home council, with the same closing date.
The nursery team works closely with the Reception teacher as a Foundation Stage team. That staff connection supports continuity between the stages, but families should keep the Reception application separate from their nursery booking.
Extended care offers a 7.30am to 5.30pm day, which can form a funded 10-hour day. Breakfast and after-school sessions can also be added to a regular booking for an additional charge, with those sessions booked termly. Core session combinations remain subject to availability.
Funding includes the universal 15-hour entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds, from the term after they turn 3 until they start school. Eligible working families may receive 30 hours, while a separate eligibility scheme supports some 2-year-olds with 15 hours. Non-funded hours are paid through Parent Pay, with invoices divided into half terms. Contact the school for current charges.
To arrange a visit, email littleacorns@axminster-primary.devon.sch.uk or call 01297 33005. Visits are optional and do not influence nursery admission decisions.
The nursery welcomes children aged 2 to 5 and is based within Axminster Community Primary Academy.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, lunch from noon to 12.30pm, and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. A full core day runs from 9am to 3.30pm. Extended care can cover 7.30am to 5.30pm, subject to the booking arrangement.
Yes. Families can order a meal prepared in the on-site canteen or supply a packed lunch. Some children attending a full-day session may qualify for a free school meal through the Devon Citizens Portal.
No. A separate Reception application is required. Devon residents apply through Devon’s online admissions service between 15 November and 15 January; residents of other local authorities apply through their home council.
Email littleacorns@axminster-primary.devon.sch.uk or telephone 01297 33005 to make an appointment. A visit is optional and does not affect the nursery’s admission decision.
