St Peter's Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Curiosity gives this nursery its direction: children’s interests shape activities, with discovery and the confidence to try again guiding the approach. Nursery provision starts with three-year-olds at St Peter’s Church of England Primary School on Moor Lane in Budleigh Salterton. It belongs to the school’s Foundation Stage Unit, placing early learning within the primary school setting.

Learning begins with the skills children need to participate: talking, listening, moving and managing feelings. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum gives nursery children a focus on emotional and social development alongside communication and physical skills. For parents, that means preparation for school includes relationships and expressing needs, as well as early literacy.

Children’s interests help determine what they explore. The approach encourages them to investigate, attempt something challenging and recover from setbacks. Reading and spoken language are central to the early-years curriculum, with speaking confidence and listening developed alongside the beginnings of reading.

There are concrete examples of learning through making. An activity described on the Eco School page brought nursery children together with the Eco Champions to turn used paper into new sheets. Older children helped the younger group try the process themselves, connecting recycling with a messy, practical task.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that nursery teaching supported children’s movement, communication and early mathematical development well. Carefully planned learning and purposeful adult interaction were strengths, giving substance to the emphasis on discovery.

Parents have a role in the early-years learning programme. Events across the year bring families into discussions about progress and activities that support learning, making communication part of the curriculum rather than just an administrative exchange.

For additional needs, the school uses Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision and has a SENDCo coordinating assessment, interventions and contact with families and outside agencies. This gives parents a defined route through the school office for discussing support.

Individual support. In September 2022, some pupils across the school still needed more accurately tailored SEND support, and curriculum implementation remained incomplete in some subjects. These were school-wide concerns; families considering nursery should keep their child’s individual learning needs central to discussions about provision.

Lunch arrangements. A September 2018 reminder explicitly included nursery children in arrangements for packed lunches or school dinners. This is a historical example of how meals fitted into attendance, rather than a current booking instruction.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a separate application through Devon County Council, rather than applying directly to the school. The admissions page gives 15 January as the closing date for September starters. Keep this application separate from nursery arrangements: joining the nursery is not the same as receiving a school place.

Nursery applications go directly to the school. For enquiries, contact the office at admin@sps1.org.uk or telephone 01395 443167. School tours can be booked through head@sps1.org.uk.

Early Years Pupil Premium provides additional education funding for eligible three- and four-year-olds. Economic and non-economic declaration forms can be obtained through the office, giving eligible families a practical way to support the provision their child receives.

Parking. The site has no school car park. Street parking around Moor Lane or Moormead means allowing time for a short walk at drop-off and collection.