Hartland Primary School Nursery Review

Two-year-olds have a place in Hartland’s pre-school class, with nursery provision on the primary school’s grounds in Hartland. This is a school-linked start: pre-school staff work with the Reception teacher on planning and sharing practice, connecting the adults responsible for children’s next stage of learning.

Hartland Pre-School follows a term-time calendar, opening on five days each week for 38 weeks annually. School holidays are closure periods. That makes the school calendar a practical consideration for families arranging childcare around work.

Morning and afternoon sessions give the day its structure. From Monday to Friday, mornings run from 8:50 to 11:50, while afternoons begin at 12:20 and finish at 3:20. Lunch sits between those sessions. The timetable gives families two distinct blocks around which to organise their day.

Language development is a clear strength in the early years. At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that this included support for the youngest children in the pre-school class. The benefit reaches beyond conversation: these early language skills help children prepare for later reading and writing.

Shared activities also bring pre-school children into school life. The gallery records Christmas craft and singing alongside Class 1, while older pre-school children took part in a Harvest Assembly and performed a song. These are concrete examples of children joining group activities beyond their own class.

Early writing. The January 2025 inspection also identified a school-level weakness in deciding which writing knowledge to teach and check first. This matters when considering how early language learning develops into written work; the finding should not be read as a separate nursery judgement.

A School & Pre-School SENDCo gives parents a contact for special educational needs and disabilities across both parts of the setting. Families can reach that role through the school office by telephone or email, providing a direct route for discussing their child’s needs.

Support for families extends beyond classroom learning. Hartland works with Harbour Food Bank, the Toy Bank and Hartland Parish Council, and offers an Early Help route when a family needs additional support. For parents dealing with difficulties at home, the office is the contact point for that wider network.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Devon residents apply through Devon County Council; families living in another local authority apply through their home council. The stated primary application window runs from 15 November to 15 January.

Staff collaboration is useful preparation, rather than an admissions entitlement. Pre-school staff and the Reception teacher plan together and exchange practice, linking children’s learning across the two stages while the application remains a separate responsibility for parents.

For enquiries, contact the office on 01237 441258 or email admin@hartland.devon.sch.uk. The school also accepts requests to look around: arrange a suitable time with the administrator. A visit gives families an opportunity to see the school setting before deciding whether to pursue a nursery place.