Kenton Primary School Nursery Review

A place in the school’s EYFS unit gives Kenton’s nursery its character: early education within a primary school, with mornings, afternoons or a full day to choose from. The nursery offers provision for children aged 3 to 4. During the 2025–26 nursery admissions cycle, entry also extended to children from the funding period after their second birthday. The 2025 intake limits were eight children aged 3 and 4 and four two-year-olds at any one time.

Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection of 30 April and 1 May 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the educational framework. In plain parent language, this is learning through play, adapted to the individual child. Kenton aims to develop children’s independence and communication, placing value on outdoor time as part of their physical and mental development. Conversation and relationships are central to that stated approach.

Session choice changes the shape of the day. A morning runs from 8.45am to noon; the afternoon starts at noon and finishes at 3pm, including lunch. Choosing the full day, from 8.45am to 3pm, brings both parts together. These sessions run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time, so the nursery fits a school-week pattern rather than providing care throughout the holidays.

Settling was organised in three stages for 2025–26: a parent or carer stayed for a 30-minute play visit, followed by an hour independently, then two hours independently. The increasing time apart gives families a gradual introduction to nursery attendance.

For that cycle, children attending over lunchtime could bring food from home or have a bought school lunch. Free meals depended on eligibility and attendance on both sides of the lunch period. The school’s meals use a three-week rotation, with jacket potatoes, vegetarian dishes and a main option each day, plus fresh fruit. Orders go through Arbor in advance.

Additional needs are addressed through the school’s Assess, Plan, Do, Review process. Parents contribute to individual support plans and their reviews, giving them a role in deciding the next steps. The SENDCo coordinates provision with staff, families and external agencies. The school building is on ground-floor level and has a disabled toilet.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. Devon County Council administers school applications, with an online application route.

For children with SEND changing classes, information is passed to the next teacher beforehand and individual plans are shared. Extra transition activities can be arranged, and a book explaining the change can be made where it would help the child. These preparations support the move; they do not secure admission.

Both funded sessions and bought sessions are offered. Children aged 3 to 4 have the universal 15-hour entitlement from the term after their third birthday until Reception starts; the extended 30-hour entitlement requires an application and eligibility.

The 2025–26 arrangements also included eligible two-year-old funding and additional bought hours. Nursery uniform was optional. Contact the office on 01626 890465 or admin@kentonschool.co.uk to enquire or arrange a visit. The school is at The Playing Field, East Town Lane, Kenton, EX6 8JT.