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Nursery at St Meriadoc CofE Infant Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland play and a growing appetite for stories give this nursery its character. Children aged 2–4 attend the nursery at St Meriadoc CofE Infant Academy in Camborne, with learning organised around play that children initiate and activities adults plan. Outdoor learning continues in different weather, making the woodland area part of the learning environment rather than an occasional outing.
The nursery sits within the infant academy on Rectory Road. Its emphasis is on developing communication, movement and social confidence alongside the beginnings of reading: a combination that gives families a clear picture of the education their child will encounter.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the curriculum. Here, the emphasis falls on language and communication, physical development, and children's personal, emotional and social development. In parent terms, talking, moving and learning to manage relationships are central to the day. Children have opportunities to learn inside as well as outdoors.
Stories have a practical role. Dragonfly Nursery's reading programme includes a Story Corner and role play linked to books such as Dear Zoo and Handa’s Surprise. Stories That Shape Us books are available for children to explore daily. Adults model fuller spoken sentences and connect stories with children's experiences. Fred Games, including Fred Says and Fred I Spy, introduce sound blending through games, pictures and props. Read, Write, Inc begins when children are ready, so readiness matters alongside the planned sequence.
In March 2023, nursery children stayed engaged with activities, while early years children understood routines and responded to adult instructions. Familiar songs, rhymes and stories supported participation; the room for three- and four-year-olds also introduced letters and sounds. Early mathematics involved shapes and beads, with children using mathematical vocabulary to describe patterns. These are concrete ways to connect words with something children can handle and discuss.
The same inspection identified weaknesses across some school subjects: intended knowledge needed greater precision, and teaching needed to help pupils retain learning and connect ideas. Those were school-wide improvement requirements, rather than findings specifically assigned to the nursery.
Support for additional needs includes a school SEND coordinator and opportunities for parents to discuss development, progress or behaviour. The school has helped families access speech and language support, advice about toileting and sleeping, and visits from the Early Years Inclusion team. These examples give parents useful starting points for discussing a child's particular needs.
For children receiving personalised SEN Support, an Individual Education Plan records targets and is reviewed with parents each term. Support follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, giving families a recurring opportunity to discuss what is helping and what should change. A school dinner is available during the separately charged lunch period.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Choosing this nursery should therefore be a decision about the nursery experience itself.
Preparation for that next stage includes learning routines and beginning Read, Write, Inc when ready. These educational steps are separate from the allocation of school places.
Families can book between 2 and 10 morning or afternoon sessions each week. Younger children often begin with fewer sessions and increase attendance as they get older, allowing the weekly pattern to develop with the child.
The nursery offers 15- and 30-hour funded arrangements for two-year-olds, and 15- and 30-hour arrangements for three- and four-year-olds. Funded sessions can be supplemented with paid sessions; funding can also be used for Breakfast Club and After School Club. Refer to the school for current charges, including the lunch period and school dinner.
For nursery enquiries or a visit, email min-nursery@rainbowacademy.org.uk. Visits can be arranged by appointment. An Expression of Interest can be submitted at any time, with a start depending on the child's age and available space.
The nursery caters for children aged 2–4.
Yes. Families can book between 2 and 10 morning or afternoon sessions weekly, and younger children often begin with fewer sessions.
Children learn in the woodland area in different weather, alongside opportunities for indoor learning.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Email min-nursery@rainbowacademy.org.uk to enquire or arrange a visit by appointment.
