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Nursery at Newport Community School 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A bright, open room with direct access to its own outdoor play area gives Newport’s nursery a clear indoor-outdoor character. Children can move between planned activities and choices of their own, with stories and singing bringing the group together. This is an onsite school nursery in Barnstaple, welcoming children from age 3.
The nursery belongs to Phase 1, the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) phase. At the Ofsted inspection on 11 and 12 March 2025, early years provision received an Outstanding judgement. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
A session may begin with children registering themselves, choosing lunch and settling, followed by a group register and a story. Adult-planned activities sit alongside play children choose for themselves, both outdoors and inside. Group learning, songs and a change of books follow, before lunch or home time. The pattern gives children opportunities to make decisions as well as join shared activities.
The EYFS framework shapes the curriculum. In practical terms, learning here includes language, number ideas, movement and cooperation through activities rather than simply sitting and listening. In March 2025, early-years children were using mathematical language to explore one more and one less. They also sustained their attention during independent learning. Children worked together to create obstacle courses and managed turns themselves, putting physical challenge and social skills into the same activity.
Direct access to the outdoor area makes outside play part of the session’s learning choices. A potions station, made especially for the nursery, adds another concrete feature to the play environment. Singing also has a purpose beyond joining in: nursery children explored the Nativity story through songs during a visit from the local church community.
Established routines helped nursery children settle quickly in March 2025. The nursery team includes a teacher and an EYFS supervisor whose responsibilities also include speech and language. For families thinking about communication development, that is a useful role within the team. The wider inclusion team includes a SENDCo, teaching assistants and additional needs practitioners; the SENDCo can be contacted through the school office.
Lunch can be a school meal or a packed lunch. School meals are booked that morning and paid for through My Child at School. Packed lunches are encouraged to include healthier choices, such as wholemeal bread and fruit or vegetables. Children also bring a piece of fresh fruit for each session in a labelled container.
Day-to-day care includes clear exchanges with parents. Staff tell families at collection about head bumps or scrapes, and parents are asked to explain existing injuries. Medicine requires a completed form. If a child becomes unwell during a session, the nursery contacts their family to collect them.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting the applicable deadline. Devon County Council manages Reception admissions, so the nursery enquiry and the school-place application are distinct steps.
Within Phase 1, nursery and Reception children join phase activities, including break times, assemblies and curriculum experiences. These shared experiences can build familiarity with the next stage. They are separate from the decision about allocating a Reception place.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office, using the enquiry form, calling 01271 376252 or emailing newport@thsp.org.uk. The nursery is on Landkey Road, Barnstaple, EX32 9BW.
Green nursery T-shirts and sweatshirts are encouraged, but parents may choose suitable alternative clothing. Sturdy footwear with closed toes and straps or Velcro supports practical play. Waterproof coveralls, wellies and sunhats are provided; children should bring a coat and spare clothes. Encouraging children to manage their own shoes and dressing makes those everyday routines opportunities for independence.
Children are welcomed from age 3 at the onsite nursery.
A session may include self-registration, a story, adult-planned and child-chosen activities indoors and outdoors, group learning, singing and changing books, followed by lunch or home time.
Yes. School meals can be booked that morning and paid for through My Child at School. Children can bring a packed lunch instead.
No. A separate application is required through the normal Reception admissions process, managed by Devon County Council.
A green nursery T-shirt and sweatshirt are encouraged, but parents may choose other suitable clothing.
