Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, Barnstaple: Nursery Review

Vegetables on weighing scales and timers for taking turns give a concrete picture of early learning at Our Lady's: children practise explaining their ideas and managing shared activities. The school's own nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds within the Catholic primary school on Chanters Hill, Barnstaple.

Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 March 2025. That judgement covers the school's early years provision. In March 2025, children showed enthusiasm for learning, while their relationships with staff helped them feel secure. For parents, the useful combination is practical learning alongside attention to children's confidence.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Learning includes its prime and specific areas, with exploration and vocabulary connecting the activities children encounter. The school aims to help children think as scientists, artists and mathematicians, as well as readers and writers. Stories and rhymes are part of its approach to developing an interest in reading.

Past and present begin with storytelling in pre-school. Children consider characters and settings, exploring what differs between earlier times and now. This gives an abstract idea a familiar starting point: a story they can discuss.

In March 2025, early years activities encouraged children to communicate through practical experiences. Weighing vegetables gave them something concrete to compare and explain to one another. Timers helped children organise turn-taking independently, rather than relying on an adult to manage each exchange. Together, these examples illustrate language, comparison and social learning. They also show children practising small responsibilities for themselves.

Warm relationships with adults supported children's sense of safety in March 2025. The care picture therefore includes emotional security as well as learning: children could engage with activities while feeling supported by staff.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the Plymouth CAST approach to nursery provision calls for a qualified teacher to coordinate support. Parents are involved when additional provision is being considered, with support planned together. Assessment, planning, action and review form a repeating cycle, so the response can be reconsidered as a child's needs develop.

The school's support process responds to children's needs rather than requiring a diagnosis first. Families can raise concerns with their child's teacher and contact the SENCO through the office. This provides a route into discussing both difficulties and strengths, then agreeing the next steps together.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate formal application through the local authority, following the normal Reception application timetable. Plymouth CAST is the school's admissions authority, responsible for admission decisions.

For children with SEND preparing to start Reception, the class teacher or SENCO contacts the previous setting to exchange relevant information. A visit to the child's pre-school may also take place, alongside attendance at planned summer-term meetings. This is preparation for supporting the child in a new setting; it does not confer an admissions advantage.

The school is on Chanters Hill, Barnstaple, EX32 8DN. Prospective parents can arrange a school visit by calling the office on 01271 345164. An appointment provides an opportunity to discuss joining the school and see the setting.