St Gabriel's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Play with a purpose shapes the early years at St Gabriel's: children are encouraged to make choices, develop independence and think about their learning. The pre-school admits children from two years old and belongs to St Gabriel's CofE Primary School in Redhills, Exeter. Its term-time pattern offers morning, afternoon and all-day attendance, giving families a choice between shorter sessions and a day that includes lunch.

The school took over the pre-school in September 2024. At the December 2024 inspection, children in the pre-school were settling successfully and developing trusting connections with staff. That finding gives parents a concrete indication of how children were adjusting to the provision at that point.

The ACE EYFS Curriculum combines play with adult guidance. EYFS means Early Years Foundation Stage; here, the approach brings together activities children choose themselves, direct teaching and work with individuals or small groups. The school aims to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships through purposeful play.

Plan, Do, Review is a named approach to helping children think about their actions and learning. The emphasis is on self-regulation and thinking strategies: supporting children as they learn to manage themselves and reflect on what they do. The school aims to assess learning and use that information to plan interactions around individual needs.

Natural materials furnish the light, airy early-years classroom. Outdoor learning extends the provision, with access throughout the year and different materials through which children can practise developing skills. This gives learning an indoor and outdoor dimension, rather than confining it to a classroom activity.

Relationships matter alongside learning. The early-years approach places importance on working with parents to support children's wellbeing, while the pre-school has a designated safeguarding lead and a deputy. Those roles give safeguarding a defined team structure within the provision.

For additional needs, the school's support structure includes a SENDCo, an assistant SENDCo and an Inclusion Support Team. The school aims to identify needs early and discuss concerns with parents from the outset. Support can combine adjustments to everyday teaching with structured interventions; an Educational Psychologist also works with staff. Where outside professional help would benefit a child, the school discusses this with parents before arranging support. Regular reviews can involve external agencies.

Lunch needs planning at home. Children attending an afternoon or all-day session must bring a packed lunch, because both options include lunchtime. Families should therefore build lunch preparation into their nursery routine.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route, administered by Devon County Council. Nursery attendance is not among the listed oversubscription priorities, so choosing the pre-school should be a decision about the nursery experience itself rather than an expectation of admission advantage.

Morning sessions run from 8.35am to 11.50am; afternoons run from 11.50am to 3.15pm. All-day attendance starts at 8.35am and finishes at 3.15pm. The provision operates during term time, and additional morning or afternoon sessions can be booked ahead with a charge. Contact the setting for current charges.

All three- and four-year-olds have a 15-hour funded education entitlement starting with the first full term after their third birthday until they enter full-time education. The pre-school also offers 30 funded hours for some three- and four-year-olds, alongside funding for some children aged two to three. Eligibility therefore matters when planning a weekly pattern.

For enquiries, call 01392 255555 or email office@stgabriels.acexcellence.co.uk. Parents should also notify pre-school staff whenever their child will be absent.