Drake's Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Children’s interests shape the starting point at Drake’s preschool: staff add to what catches a child’s attention to develop their learning and skills. The provision belongs to Drake’s Church of England Primary School in East Budleigh and sits within its Foundation Stage Unit. The school’s early years aim emphasises individuality, relationships and belonging, with the intention of helping children become confident learners.

Planning combines children’s interests with observation across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for early learning and development. Staff use observations to assess the different areas of development, rather than relying on a single measure of progress. Planning covers all learning areas over a two-week cycle, giving the interest-led approach a broader structure.

Assessment begins when a child joins. Further checkpoints fall on their birthday and six months after it, with development tracked in months. That gives staff regular points at which to consider how learning should move forward for each child.

Music adds an expressive strand. Charanga forms the basis of the school’s music curriculum, which introduces musical ideas to younger children and returns to them as learning develops. Its EYFS goals include familiar songs and nursery rhymes, storytelling with other children, and performing with movement where appropriate. These connect language, imagination and expression. Alongside this, the 5 Star Pledge includes opportunities for outdoor exploration, performance and collaboration between age groups. These are school-wide aims, rather than a preschool session timetable.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school’s SENDCo coordinates individual provision and works with families, staff and outside professionals. Across the Link Academy Trust, support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: needs are considered, help is planned and its impact revisited. Parents of children receiving SEND support can meet the class teacher during the year to discuss progress. This makes family involvement part of the support process.

Lunch can be brought from home or ordered through ParentPay. Preschool meals are available each day, with a vegetarian choice, a main meal or a jacket potato with a filling. Lunches must be booked before Wednesday midnight for the following week and paid for in advance through ParentPay. Families therefore need to plan meals ahead.

Preschool attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a fresh application through Devon County Council, rather than applying directly to the school. The online route is www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline; an application form is another option. Treat this as a separate decision and application process.

For children with SEND, the trust aims to adapt transition arrangements to the child’s needs, including the move from preschool into school. That support concerns continuity of provision; it does not secure admission.

Preschool runs Monday to Friday during term time. Drop-off is possible from 8.35am, while collection is at 3.15pm. The funded-hours period is 9.00am to 3.00pm. Children use the gates at the lower end of the playground to enter and are collected from the playground.

Own clothes and school uniform are both permitted, allowing families to choose. Preschool applications go directly to the school. To discuss joining or arrange a visit, contact the administrators on 01395 443871 or admindrakes@thelink.academy.