Monkerton Community Primary School Nursery

Stories and conversation give Monkerton’s nursery its character. Reading starts with engaging books, while adults help children develop language through planned activities. This is the nursery within Monkerton Community Primary School on Sestertius Road in Exeter, part of the Cornerstone Academy Trust.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 7 and 8 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. For parents, the useful detail is the sustained involvement in learning and the support children received to extend their understanding.

Language is a substantial part of the learning day. In June 2023, early years children stayed absorbed in activities, with adults using those opportunities to build speaking and listening. The emphasis goes beyond keeping children occupied: conversation helps them explore ideas and develop what they know.

Reading begins in Nursery through carefully chosen books that capture children’s interest. Stories combine enjoyment with learning, building children’s interest in reading.

Digital equipment also forms part of the trust’s nursery provision. Cornerstone uses devices in its nurseries alongside its broader aim of helping children solve problems and work together. These are resources for learning, rather than evidence of an individual device allocation for nursery children.

Assessment. The June 2023 inspection required some teachers across the school to establish children’s understanding more accurately and adjust subsequent teaching. This was a school-level improvement action; the early years findings separately described children extending their knowledge successfully.

Familiar routines support the social side of early learning. In June 2023, routines began in early years, helping children learn how to share, wait for a turn and care for others. These everyday habits matter alongside language and books.

For additional needs, Cornerstone uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review and Devon’s Graduated Response Tool. Support can involve a speech and language therapist or school nurse, with referrals to outside services where necessary. The process gives families a structure for identifying needs, planning support and reviewing its effect.

Food choices across Cornerstone Dining include vegetarian dishes. The Autumn 2026 menu includes vegetable korma and a pasta bake with cheese and tomato, alongside fruit salad and yoghurt options. These examples describe the trust’s dining offer.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Devon Admissions within the normal application round, meeting the deadline for their child’s intake. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Wraparound care. The school’s breakfast and after-school clubs exclude nursery-aged children. Families planning care around work should therefore avoid counting those clubs as an extension of the nursery day.

For enquiries, contact the trust at admin@tcat.education. Ask the school for current charges before committing to a place.