Sticklepath Community Primary Academy Nursery

Words come first at Sticklepath: Language Led Learning gives this teacher-led nursery a clear focus on talking, vocabulary and the beginnings of reading. The provision sits on the school site in Barnstaple and admits children aged two to five. For parents, its defining feature is the emphasis on helping young children communicate before their learning becomes more formal.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 November 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language Led Learning is the nursery's named planning approach. Vocabulary and oracy, meaning spoken communication, shape the curriculum. The emphasis gives parents a concrete picture of the learning priorities: developing words, using them aloud and building the skills that support reading. Nursery children also develop blending skills, bringing sounds together as an early step towards reading words.

In November 2022, the early years focus on communication and vocabulary helped children prepare for later learning, including reading. This is the clearest strength in the nursery's educational character. The school's curriculum also places vocabulary development and reading from nursery onwards alongside opportunities for children to explain their thinking.

The nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm, with lunch between 12.15pm and 1.15pm. That gives families a school-day timetable to plan around, with a defined midday break rather than an uninterrupted learning session.

The nursery team includes a Foundation Stage Supervisor, a Foundation Stage Senior Practitioner and Foundation Stage Workers. These are nursery-specific roles within the wider school staffing structure, giving families a distinct team for their child's early years.

For children with special educational needs, the school's approach involves families throughout the support process and makes provision in partnership with them. Parents therefore have a role in discussing their child's needs and the support arranged around them.

Lunch connects the nursery day with the school's catering provision. Meals are prepared in-house, and the school supports local food suppliers. Children can have a school dinner or bring a packed lunch; meals are eaten in classrooms or the dining hall, with children sitting together regardless of their lunch choice.

A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

Transition support is a different matter. In November 2022, collaboration between nursery and Reception staff helped children move successfully between the two stages. That supports the change in their learning experience; it does not establish an admissions advantage.

Daily timing. The nursery's 9am to 3pm hours are the timings to use when planning childcare around work. For younger and new children, parents can accompany them to the classroom door and collect outside the classroom, giving a direct handover point.

Enquiries go to the school office on 01271 342455 or sticklepath@thsp.org.uk. The school is at Woodville, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 2HH.