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Nursery at Exwick Heights 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play sets the pace at Exwick Heights: children choose their own activities, while adults bring stories, conversation and movement into guided learning. Nursery and Pre-school form part of the school’s early years provision on Exwick Lane in Exeter. They have distinct learning programmes, with Nursery concentrating on communication, relationships and physical development, and Pre-school extending into number, sounds and exploration of the world.
In October 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children have room to follow their interests. Nursery combines resources children can use independently with activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is approached through play: talking and listening, understanding feelings and developing movement skills sit alongside exploration. This gives children both choices and time learning with an adult.
For Summer 2 in June 2026, Nursery learning drew on Grumpy Frog, Oh No George and Monkey and Me. Stories prompted questions, repeated phrases and conversations about feeling happy, grumpy or determined. Singing included Five Little Speckled Frogs. Daily physical activity included practising jumps, throws and catches, linking language and emotional learning with active play.
Pre-school’s Summer 2 programme added daily storytelling, oral blending and recognising children’s own names. The Pirates Are Coming and Gigantic helped shape learning about forces and sea creatures. Number activities worked towards understanding numbers up to 10 through counting, comparisons and patterns. Indoors and outside, movement included running, twisting and hopping; creative activities let children explore materials through their own play.
Independent learning. In October 2023, adults demonstrated new ideas and supported language development in early years, but independent activities had less precise learning goals. Some children consequently made less progress in deepening their understanding. Ask how adults extend learning during children’s chosen activities as well as during guided sessions.
Settling begins before a child starts. A programme of Nursery visits introduces the setting, with extra visits arranged when needed. Parents are usually invited to a meeting to help prepare their child for the routines ahead. In October 2023, warm adult-child relationships helped early years children settle, and children learned routines successfully.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the SENDCo meets new parents before entry to discuss concerns and possible solutions. Nursery practitioners assess children regularly, providing opportunities to identify difficulties early. The school’s SENDCo belongs to the senior leadership team and holds the National Award for SEND Coordination.
Physical access includes an accessible toilet in the early years building. Children on the SEND register have support plans reviewed each term, with parents involved in discussions about progress and next steps. For Nursery learning questions, parents can speak directly to their child’s teacher or use the school email address.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority where they live; Devon residents can apply at www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline. For September 2026 entry, the application window ran from 15 November 2025 to 15 January 2026. Those dates belong to that intake.
There is conditional priority: for 2026–27, oversubscription criterion six covers children attending Exwick Heights Primary pre-school who are also eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium, Pupil Premium or service Pupil Premium. Families seeking this priority must complete the supplementary form or provide other eligibility evidence. Attendance alone does not qualify a child for this criterion, and priority does not guarantee admission.
Preparation for change is a separate matter. In Summer 2, Pre-school children discussed their feelings about either remaining in Pre-school or moving to Reception, reflecting on what they had achieved. This makes the next step a subject children can talk about.
The school is on Exwick Lane, Exeter, EX4 2FB. For enquiries, contact admin@exwickheights.devon.sch.uk or telephone 01392 209030. Visits can be arranged by appointment through the school, giving families an opportunity to discuss joining.
Adult-guided activities focus on language, social and emotional development, and physical skills. Children also choose activities and explore their own interests.
Children have planned Nursery visits, with additional visits when needed. Parents are usually invited to a meeting to prepare for school routines.
Nursery practitioners assess children regularly. The SENDCo meets new parents of children known to have SEND before entry, and support plans for children on the SEND register are reviewed each term.
For 2026–27, criterion six gives conditional priority to attendees eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium, Pupil Premium or service Pupil Premium. Eligibility evidence or the supplementary form is required. A separate Reception application remains necessary, and a place is not guaranteed.
Contact the school on 01392 209030 to arrange an appointment.
