Cranbrook Education Campus Nursery Review

Daily soft play in Carle classroom and outdoor learning in all weathers give Cranbrook’s youngest children a day built around movement and exploration. The nursery and preschool serve children aged two to four within the campus’s Early Years provision. Two-year-olds start in the nursery room, moving to preschool in the term following their third birthday.

Carle accommodates up to 20 children aged two to three and has an outdoor area of its own. There are also two preschool classes, each accommodating 26 children aged three to four, with a qualified teacher guiding their learning. Ofsted graded the campus’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 21 and 22 May 2024; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Exploration carries much of the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) starts the youngest children with communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships. Literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression gain greater weight as children develop confidence and experience. Adults work with individuals, small groups and the class, while continuous provision gives children activities and resources to explore independently.

The Curiosity Approach adds real objects and authentic materials to that work. Resources are within children’s reach, so choosing an activity is part of learning to do things for themselves. Indoors, children can build with construction toys, investigate water trays, shape Playdoh or use the reading and writing areas. Familiar rhymes and stories support early reading. In May 2024, the nursery and preschool’s emphasis on language was helping children extend vocabulary and develop social skills.

Outdoor learning has substantial space: two large gardens, securely fenced play areas and access to the campus’s forest school and field. Mud kitchens, a Wendy house and chalk and paint boards bring imaginative play and mark-making outside; trikes, scooters and bicycles add movement. Children also visit the school library weekly and use the hall for PE. Wellies and waterproof coats are everyday kit.

Independence begins with ordinary routines. Each child has somewhere to store belongings and registers themselves, with an adult helping them organise their things. Bathrooms include changing facilities alongside toilets and handwashing units. Parents give consent for intimate care, including nappy changes and help with toileting, and supply nappies, wipes and spare clothes as needed.

Lunchtime brings children together whether they have a school meal or a healthy packed lunch. School meals are ordered through SchoolGrid. The campus excludes food with nuts or peanuts as ingredients, while allowing products labelled as potentially containing traces. That distinction matters when packing lunch.

For additional needs, the campus’s primary SEND coordinator and support staff provide a route into support. The SEND team works with families and agencies on individual plans, reviewing them regularly; speech and language specialists and educational psychologists may be involved. This gives families a way to coordinate support across home, school and specialist services.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a fresh application through Devon County Council’s normal admissions process, even when their child already attends the nursery or preschool. Applications go to the local authority rather than directly to the campus, using Devon’s online admissions service or application forms. Apply again by the normal deadline for the relevant intake.

The nursery’s own move into preschool takes place after a child’s third birthday. That internal progression is separate from securing a school place. Parents also consent to information being passed to the child’s next school when they leave nursery or preschool, supporting continuity of care and learning.

Term-time sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30 in the morning, 11:30 to 15:15 in the afternoon, or 08:30 to 15:15 for a full day. Wraparound care covers 07:30 to 08:30 and 15:15 to 18:00. New children can join in September, January or April when space permits. Requested sessions cannot be guaranteed, so the booking pattern matters as much as the start date.

Apply directly to the campus using the nursery registration form. Viewings can be arranged on 01404 823293. Paid sessions are invoiced monthly in advance; contact the campus for current charges. Reducing sessions or leaving requires at least four weeks’ written notice, and session changes take effect the following term.

The compulsory uniform items are a grey Cranbrook Nursery sweatshirt and green logo t-shirt. Children also need practical footwear and at least two changes of clothes. Morning collection is beside the graffiti area and Nursery exit gate; afternoon collection is outside the classrooms. Breakfast and after-school club use the Carle classroom gate.