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Nursery at Exeter A Learning Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen potions, vegetable growing and trips to the local library give Exeter’s early years a practical, exploratory character. The nursery is Foundation Stage 1 at Exeter A Learning Community Academy on Brayford Avenue in Corby, serving two-, three- and four-year-olds. There are 68 places in each morning and afternoon session, with 16 places for two-year-olds.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding following the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Two sessions shape the nursery day: a morning from 8:45am to 11:45am and an afternoon from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each gives families a defined block of nursery time, with separately purchased care around the sessions.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum basis. Here, the June 2023 early-years findings show what learning through play meant in practice: children hunted for small creatures, experimented in the mud kitchen and brought early reading and number skills into their games. Growing vegetables and cooking the produce over an outdoor firepit connected learning with something children could make and use.
Adults extended these activities rather than simply supervising them. Children developed concentration and independence, and enjoyed completing bucket challenges. These are concrete examples of purposeful play, with tasks that give children a reason to persist. Nursery children also visited the local library, taking their interest in books beyond the classroom.
Settling begins with contact before the first session. Families are offered a home visit to meet Foundation Stage key workers, and children can attend Transition Day with a parent for the morning or afternoon they have been offered. For September, January and April starters, a parent meeting introduces the Foundation Stage team.
Attendance builds gradually from a part-time start. This gives the settling process a staged structure rather than expecting children to take on their eventual session pattern immediately.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses Pupil Support Plans with an assess, plan, do and review cycle. Formal reviews take place three times a year with parents involved, giving families regular opportunities to discuss targets and progress. Support can include visual schedules, now-and-next boards and extra time to process instructions. The SENDCo can refer children for specialist advice, including speech and language support, where appropriate.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority’s coordinated admissions process. For children starting Reception in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027. North Northamptonshire residents apply through North Northamptonshire Council’s primary school places route.
For September 2027 entry, nursery attendance gives no oversubscription priority. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to stand on the nursery experience itself, with the Reception application treated as a separate decision.
Transition support is a different matter. When children change classes within the school, information passes to the next teacher and children have a day with their new teacher. Some children may receive a personalised programme involving the Wellbeing Team or other support staff. Familiarisation supports the move; it does not determine admission.
Purchased wraparound care covers 8:15am to 8:45am, 11:45am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 6:00pm daily. Those separate blocks matter for families planning care before a session, between sessions or after the afternoon finishes. Additional nursery sessions can also be purchased where places are available; contact the school for current charges.
Funded places for children under three depend on meeting the eligibility criteria. The two-year-old funding programme offers eligible children up to 15 hours a week, and Exeter Children’s Centre staff can help families apply. Eligibility and additional paid sessions should be considered separately when planning attendance.
For nursery enquiries, telephone the Academy office on 01536 204765. Families can also arrange a school visit by calling the office for an appointment, giving them a chance to discuss the provision before choosing a session pattern.
The provision includes two-year-olds, with admissions for three- and four-year-olds in September, January and April, subject to places being available.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Yes. Purchased wraparound care runs daily from 8:15am to 8:45am, 11:45am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Additional nursery sessions can be purchased where available.
Families are offered a home visit and a parent-accompanied Transition Day visit. Children start part-time, with the number of sessions increasing gradually.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission or confer priority for September 2027 entry. A separate application through the home local authority is required, with a deadline of 15 January 2027 for that intake.
