Shebbear College Nursery Review

Cygnets and Swans give Shebbear College’s pre-school provision its own identity within an independent school in rural Devon. Families can meet the children and staff through an individual tour, then try a day in the provision before accepting a place. That makes the taster an opportunity to experience the routine before making a decision.

The wider school occupies an 85-acre campus. A nature trail and outdoor classroom are features of those grounds, giving the school a substantial physical setting; they should be distinguished from the nursery’s own daily activities.

A pre-school taster involves joining the children for a day, rather than simply looking around. The admissions procedure usually proposes one or two such days. For a young child, this provides time with the group and staff; for parents, it gives a concrete starting point for deciding whether to proceed.

Food punctuates the nursery day. Children receive daily snacks, with examples including smoothies made from fruit, paninis with cheese and ham, and flapjacks. Fresh fruit is also supplied each day. These are specific parts of the routine rather than a promise of any particular snack on a particular date.

Early Years qualifications feature in the nursery staffing list: nursery staff hold the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years. This identifies the team’s training separately from the qualifications of teachers elsewhere in the college.

Catering takes dietary requirements into account. The food team receives training in managing allergens and other dietary needs, and prepares individual food where needed. Families dealing with an allergy therefore have a specific catering process to discuss before their child starts.

Across the school’s lunch provision, choices include a vegetarian or vegan dish, pasta or jacket potatoes, salads and fruit. Nursery snacks are explicitly included in the catering arrangements, keeping food relevant to the youngest children as well as older pupils.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should apply separately through the school’s admissions process. Reception entry has its own visit and taster stages, followed by a written offer if the family wishes to proceed and the school considers the placement suitable. Acceptance involves returning the forms and paying an acceptance fee.

Keep that admissions decision separate from familiarity with the school. Spending time in the nursery is an experience of its provision, not a promise of a later place.

Wraparound care. The pre-school is included in care running from 8am to 5pm, described as carrying no additional charge to parents. Earlier drop-off and later collection can therefore help families fit care around their day.

Funding. Families eligible for 15 or 30 funded hours should notify the school so that charges can be calculated for their circumstances. Contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a visit, use admissions@shebbearcollege.co.uk or 01409 282009, or complete the enquiry form. Individual tours can be booked throughout the year, allowing families to meet the pre-school team before arranging a taster.