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Nursery at St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Learning to take turns starts at two here. The nursery at St Thomas of Canterbury CofE Primary School in Lapford brings children into the school's early years provision, with sharing and helping each other part of their first experience of learning together. Social development has a practical place alongside language and number work.
In June 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. This is a judgement of the school's early years provision, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Conversation, stories and songs give the day its clearest character. Adults demonstrate speech and talk with children to develop their language, while nursery learning introduces the sounds that will support later reading. The emphasis is on children hearing language, trying it themselves and having an adult respond. That makes everyday interaction part of teaching, rather than something reserved for a formal activity.
The early years curriculum builds understanding of numbers, vocabulary and the surrounding world. In plain parent language, the learning foundations here include communicating, beginning to understand number and becoming curious about what children encounter. Activities are arranged deliberately to encourage that curiosity. The purpose is to give young children something to explore and think about, supported by adult conversation.
Sharing, waiting for a turn and helping another child are also learned from the start. For a two-year-old, these are substantial parts of joining a group. Adults' interactions help children encounter fresh ideas, so learning involves both the activity itself and the exchange with the person supporting it. Staff training supports delivery of the curriculum, with an individual approach to children's beginnings in education.
Warm adult relationships support children's development. In June 2026, early years care included close attention to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as well as those experiencing disadvantage. The important detail for parents is the combination of care and learning: adult interactions support children as they explore ideas, while their individual needs remain part of the provision.
Language support also runs through those relationships. Talking, singing and storytelling give staff several ways to engage children, rather than relying on spoken instructions alone. For families weighing a child's first group setting, the strongest evidenced feature is this responsive contact with adults. Care and curriculum work together through the people supporting the child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as separate decisions: becoming familiar with the setting does not itself secure the next place.
The school is on Eastington Road, Lapford, Crediton, EX17 6QE. For nursery enquiries, telephone 01363 83292. School term dates are coordinated across Chulmleigh Academy Trust, giving families a shared calendar across its schools.
Children join the nursery from two years old.
The early years curriculum develops language, number understanding and curiosity about the surrounding world, alongside sharing and taking turns.
Staff use conversation, storytelling and songs, and demonstrate speech. Children also begin learning about sounds in Nursery.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
The June 2026 Ofsted judgement for the school's early years provision was Expected standard. It is not a separate nursery grade.
