Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School Nursery

A purpose-built early years classroom and the Whispering Woods Sensory Room give Cheriton Fitzpaine’s nursery two distinct spaces for young children’s learning. One provides the classroom base; the other creates opportunities to explore sensory experiences at a child’s own pace. The nursery belongs to Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School in the village near Crediton.

The school grounds include a small allotment, a field and covered teaching areas. These are school facilities rather than a separate nursery site. For families, the setting combines an early years classroom with the physical resources of a primary school.

Sensory exploration is a concrete part of the provision. Whispering Woods, installed in March 2026 with support from The Wooden Spoon Charity and PTA donations, brings together sounds, textures and gentle visual experiences. Children can explore gradually, with activities chosen around their sensory preferences, communication and developmental stage.

Staff use this room for play that supports learning and wellbeing. Its purpose includes helping children handle sensory input and regulate emotions, so participation can be adjusted to the child rather than demanding the same response from everyone. It also provides a place to pause and relax.

Number learning has an early years inspection finding behind it. At the November 2022 inspection, children in the early years developed confidence with numbers and used this understanding to reason and solve problems. The practical significance is learning to use number knowledge, rather than simply remembering it.

Individual special educational needs inform activities in Whispering Woods. Staff select experiences to suit each child, giving sensory support a specific physical setting and a place within learning through play.

The federation’s support structure involves SEND coordinators working alongside teachers and teaching assistants, with outside agencies involved where needed. Its guidance describes additional help individually or in small groups. This gives families a team structure for discussing learning needs, rather than relying on a single classroom role.

Breakfast club includes breakfast, while after-school care includes a snack. These are useful provisions for children whose booked day extends beyond their nursery sessions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate formal application through Devon County Council’s normal admissions process. The school’s admissions page directs parents to the council’s online application service or application forms.

Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions. Being familiar with the school does not replace applying for a place through the admissions authority.

Term-time wraparound care accepts children from age two. Breakfast club runs Monday to Friday, 7.45–8.45am; after-school club operates on the same weekdays, 3.30–6pm. These hours describe the clubs, rather than the nursery session timetable.

Bookings follow a termly model, with payment required for booked sessions even when a child does not attend. Ad hoc after-school bookings depend on space. The MCAS app displays bookings and payments; ask the school for current charges.

For enquiries or to arrange a visit, call 01363 866456 or email cheritonadmin@exevalleyfederation.org.uk. The school office is the contact point for questions about joining.