Eden Park Academy Nursery Review

A garden with space for bikes, a room for quieter sensory exploration and stories from the age of two give Eden Park's nursery its character. Wrens takes children aged two to four at Eden Park Academy on Forches Avenue in Barnstaple. This is the school's own nursery provision, with a large main room and outdoor space that gives children several different ways to play.

At the Ofsted inspection on 31 October and 1 November 2023, early years provision was judged Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The nursery opens at 9am, lunch falls at noon and children leave at 3pm. Within that day, language has a clear place. Children hear stories individually and in groups from the two-year-old provision, with fiction and nonfiction selected to develop vocabulary and interest. Rhymes, songs and listening games are everyday activities. These make early learning concrete: children listen, join in and become familiar with words and sounds.

Essential Letters and Sounds provides a named approach to early language work. Nursery activities include tongue twisters, rhyming, alliteration and recognising the first sounds in children's names. Books can also go home for sharing with parents, extending the opportunity to enjoy stories beyond the nursery session. In October and November 2023, nursery children enjoyed stories and rhymes that helped develop their language knowledge.

Indoors, the main room contains activities children can return to and explore, while a separate sensory room provides a smaller, calmer space. Outside, children can access a covered patio and a large garden. Climbing equipment and the bike area make room for active play; the sand pit, vegetable area and wildlife area offer different materials and things to explore. The choice between busy play and quieter space is a useful feature for young children.

A nursery lead teacher works alongside Foundation Stage practitioners. The sensory room also has a practical care purpose: children can use a calmer setting when they need it, rather than remaining in the larger room throughout their session.

Before starting, families are invited to a nursery parents meeting in the preceding half term. It gives parents time to raise questions, discuss the sessions they need and learn more about the setting. Lunch has its own noon slot in the day.

For families with concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the school's SENCO accepts queries. Eden Park also participates in Operation Encompass with Devon and Cornwall Police, allowing schools to receive early information about children exposed to domestic abuse.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, using Devon County Council Admissions Online. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as separate decisions: joining Wrens does not secure the next place.

Sessions are discussed at the pre-start parents meeting. Eden Park aims to accommodate families' preferred pattern, but this depends on how many children are already attending. The nursery's 9am to 3pm opening hours are the relevant times for planning the day.

Children can start from their second birthday. Funded hours begin the term after a child turns three; attendance before that point and hours beyond the funded allocation are charged. Ask the school for current charges.

A visit is encouraged before completing the nursery application pack. Contact the School Office Team on 01271 343214 or email edenpark@thsp.org.uk to enquire and arrange the next steps.