Nursery at Matford Brook Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories and nursery rhymes give Chapter One its character. Matford Brook Academy’s Nursery and Preschool forms part of the school’s early years provision in Matford, Exeter, with children starting from age two. Nursery and Preschool have their own bespoke classrooms within a purpose-built early years space, giving the youngest children a setting designed for their stage of learning.
The school calls its early years phase Chapter One and places language development at the centre of its approach. This is school-attached provision, with a Nursery Lead and Preschool Teacher within the team. There is no Ofsted graded rating yet.
Children’s own choices sit alongside activities guided by adults. Indoor and outdoor experiences allow children to explore their interests, while stories and nursery rhymes connect the learning. The emphasis is on learning through play, with opportunities both to act independently and to join an activity supported by a member of staff.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covers seven areas of learning and development. In parent terms, children build knowledge and skills through play, stories and planned speaking and listening activities. Speaking and listening receive deliberate attention: Nursery and Preschool children take part in planned activities adjusted to their developing needs.
Staff use ongoing assessment and observations to decide how to extend children’s learning and when extra support may be needed. That makes language work responsive to the child, rather than a single activity pitched at everyone alike. The bespoke classrooms and access to outdoor experiences provide different contexts for this play and communication.
Starting involves a home visit before children join Nursery or Preschool. A settling session is also arranged as part of confirming their start. These offer opportunities for the family and team to begin building a relationship before regular attendance.
Famly carries observations shared with parents, billing and a collection password used by nursery staff. My Child at School (MCAS) handles eligible hot-meal orders and some wider school communications. Parents therefore use two apps, with different purposes.
Lunch begins at 11:50am. Children attending both core sessions can have a packed lunch or a hot meal, with hot meals charged as an optional extra. Those starting at noon can bring a packed lunch and eat with the other children. Eligible free school meals can only be booked when a child attends both the morning and afternoon core sessions that day.
For children with SEND, the school uses Pupil Passports to record needs, support strategies and goals, with termly communication involving families. Parents can contact the SENCo to discuss concerns. This provides a school-wide route for planning and reviewing support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority; Devon residents apply through Devon County Council. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026. Nursery attendance conferred no Reception priority for the 2026–27 intake.
Transition support is a separate matter. For children joining Reception in September 2026, the school pledged a home visit, contact with their existing childcare setting where applicable, and a meet-and-greet session with other joining families. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not replace the admissions application.
The core day runs from 9am to 3pm, with morning and afternoon sessions and wraparound care spanning 7:30am to 6pm. A separate Special Day Rate session runs from 8am to 6pm. Provision operates for 38 weeks during term time and closes on school non-pupil days, so families need to plan cover around those closures.
Session blocks can be arranged within a 15- or 30-hour entitlement. An administrative payment is required before a place is confirmed, and delayed payment may affect the sessions secured. Contact the school for current charges.
Families can complete an Initial Interest Form online or through the School Office, arrange a visit, or call the Nursery and Preschool team on 01392 717140. Requested hours and a start date are confirmed before the full application proceeds. Nursery and Preschool children do not need uniform; clothing should suit play, and a pair of wellies is required and can be kept at school.
Matford Brook Academy’s Nursery and Preschool welcomes children from age two.
Yes. Core morning runs from 9am to noon, and core afternoon from noon to 3pm, subject to confirmation of available hours.
Provision is term time only, operating for 38 weeks a year. It also closes on school non-pupil days.
Children attending both core sessions can bring a packed lunch or have an optional charged hot meal. Children starting at noon can bring a packed lunch. Eligible free school meals require attendance at both core sessions that day.
No. A fresh application is required through the local authority. Nursery attendance gave no Reception priority for the 2026–27 intake.
