Georgeham Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

A room of its own, with the school's nature area beyond it: Georgeham's pre-school combines a distinct indoor base with access to the wider school grounds. Children can join from 2 years upwards. The room sits among the early years and Key Stage 1 classrooms, placing the provision alongside the school's younger children.

This is part of Georgeham Church of England Primary School, managed by The Harbour School Partnership and the school's governing body. For families choosing a nursery within a primary school, that relationship is a defining practical feature: the pre-school team works alongside the school's early years team.

Play is the basis of learning here. Activities are planned around individual children's needs, covering both the youngest 2-year-olds and children preparing to move into school. The nursery aims to help each child achieve through purposeful play, rather than treating the different ages as one group with identical needs. That gives parents a useful focus when considering whether the provision suits their child's stage of development.

Outdoor learning extends beyond the nursery room. Children can spend time in the outdoor area for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), as well as the nature area and wider grounds. Within the EYFS, children learn by exploring through play, taking an active part in activities, creating and thinking critically. Activities reflect children's interests and their next steps in learning. The curriculum draws on the local environment, so the surroundings form part of children's learning. These are concrete spaces for play and exploration, with the dedicated room providing the indoor base.

A key worker system forms part of the nursery's approach to individual support. The school links this with the small scale of the setting and activities adapted to children's needs. For parents, the emphasis is on their child as an individual, including the different needs of younger children and those approaching school age.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; Devon County Council manages school admissions centrally. Keep that application separate from the decision to take a nursery place.

For Devon residents, the route is the council's application service. The application window runs between November and January in the academic year before the child starts school. Preparation for moving into school is part of the nursery's individual approach to play and learning, but it should not be confused with securing admission.

The pre-school opens every day of the week, and children can use care before and after school if required. This offers an option for families needing care beyond their nursery attendance.

The nursery accepts the 30 hours extended childcare entitlement for children aged 3 and above who meet the eligibility criteria. Nursery applications use a pre-school application form, alongside a parent declaration relating to funding. Enquiries and school visits can be arranged through the office on 01271 890 440.