Fremington Primary School Nursery Review

Frosty grass, handprints in ice and a nursery with its own outdoor play space give Fremington’s youngest children something concrete to investigate. The nursery sits on the primary school site and welcomes children from three. Its class is called Periwinkles, giving this first stage of school life an identity of its own.

The early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Vocabulary was a clear strength: adults demonstrated words connected with learning, and children brought that language into their play.

Outdoor exploration has a practical place here. In February 2025, nursery children investigated frost across the school grounds, pressed handprints into it, made marks with their names and left tracks in the grass. Ice discovered in a tray became something to touch and break apart. This was learning through direct experience, with cold surfaces and changing weather providing the materials.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach includes helping children understand their surroundings through observation and exploration. People, technology, places and the natural world are part of that learning. The frost activity gives a useful example of what this means for a young child: looking closely, trying something and noticing what happens.

Language also runs through the early years curriculum. In February 2025, staff’s modelling helped children use new vocabulary in play, connecting adult teaching with their own activities. Early years phonics teaching follows Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. Creative learning includes exploring art materials and techniques, while computing concepts begin in nursery with ideas such as sequencing and tinkering. These offer different ways to experiment, communicate and solve small problems.

Starting is staged. Before entry, children are invited to two settling sessions. During the preceding half term, a nursery parents’ meeting gives families time to raise questions and discuss their preferred sessions. That creates an opportunity to talk through the start before regular attendance begins.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses a cycle of assessing needs, planning support, putting it into practice and reviewing its effect. Individual Education Plans record targets and support, with parents involved in planning. Families receiving SEND support can have formal discussions with the class teacher at least three times a year. This gives them scheduled opportunities to review how their child is getting on.

Attending Fremington Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process by its closing date. Devon County Council manages Reception admissions; families living in another local authority area should use their own authority’s application route. Treat nursery attendance and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Funded hours begin in the term following a child’s third birthday. Hours beyond the funded allocation are charged; contact the school for current charges. Session preferences are discussed before entry, and the sessions offered depend on how many children are already attending, so the booking pattern needs to fit both the family and the nursery’s capacity.

An application pack is required, and families are encouraged to visit before applying. Arrange a visit or make an enquiry through the school office on 01271 373979 or at fremington@thsp.org.uk. The nursery is on Beechfield Road in Fremington, Barnstaple.