Stoke Hill Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Settling into school life and choosing to write independently are two revealing features of Stoke Hill’s early years provision. This nursery belongs to Stoke Hill Infant and Nursery School in Exeter, placing it within an infant school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 25 and 26 February 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school. For parents, the detail matters: successful settling sits alongside concerns about how consistently adults recognise children’s need for extra help.

Independent writing gives a concrete glimpse of early learning here. In February 2025, many early years children chose writing activities for themselves, using different materials and media. This gives children opportunities to explore writing through their own choices, rather than only through tasks directed by an adult.

Curriculum planning begins in early years and sets out the knowledge children should learn at successive stages. The intention is to give teaching a clear sequence, so new learning builds towards the next stage. Personal, social and emotional development is also part of that early learning: helping children understand expectations and take part in school life matters alongside writing.

Matching learning to the child. In February 2025, some tasks in early years fell short of the curriculum’s ambition. Adults did not consistently recognise when children needed more support or greater challenge, restricting what some learned. The February 2025 report also found that some beginners were assigned writing beyond their current handwriting, spelling and punctuation skills. Insufficient support and overly difficult tasks slowed their progress. This concerned the school’s writing provision, which begins in early years.

Relationships help the youngest children settle. In February 2025, staff supported successful settling in early years through the relationships they built with children. This is a useful strength for families considering a first experience of school.

Support with emotions and social development. Some early years children did not receive enough help with their personal, social and emotional learning in February 2025. Adults needed stronger expertise in recognising additional needs and responding through their interactions. This affected children’s ability to follow expectations and their preparation for the next stage.

For inclusion enquiries, families can contact the infant team at infant.inclusion@stokehill.devon.sch.uk. The federation also directs parents to Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS) for independent SEND advice, and to Devon County Council’s Local Offer for information about services and agencies. These provide routes for discussing a child’s needs and seeking advice beyond the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a fresh application through Devon County Council, rather than applying directly to the school, and meet the normal Reception application deadline. The school gives www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline as the online application route. Treat this as a separate application, even when your child already attends the nursery.

Applications for nursery places go directly to the school. Contact the infant office on 01392 258894 or email infant.admin@stokehill.devon.sch.uk to enquire.

Visits can be arranged by telephone or email through the school office. This provides a direct way to explore the setting before making a nursery application.