Little Acorns at The Topsham School

Toy cars became a way to practise recognising quantities in Topsham’s early years: a small example that captures learning through play. Little Acorns is The Topsham School’s nursery, within its Foundation Stage Unit. In November 2022, the nursery catered for children aged three and above.

The wider school site includes a large playground and an extensive playing field. These are school facilities, rather than a description of a separate nursery garden. For families choosing a school nursery, the distinction matters: Little Acorns sits within a primary school, while its admission process remains separate from the application for a school place.

In November 2022, Ofsted found that children in the early years learned successfully, with adults helping them extend their understanding and vocabulary. Staff worked alongside children, making conversation part of the learning rather than leaving play entirely to the children themselves.

Practice was built into the early-years curriculum. Children explained subitising, recognising how many objects there are without counting them individually, and applied it while playing with cars. That gives parents a concrete picture of the learning: an idea introduced by adults could be used again in a familiar play activity. The emphasis was on understanding and using knowledge, with vocabulary developed alongside it.

Support for additional needs involves staff working with parents, children and other agencies. The school aims for an inclusive curriculum that allows children with different needs and abilities to make progress. A special educational needs coordinator provides a contact route through the school office email, giving families a way to begin a conversation about support.

Meals are cooked on the school site. The school links these to its aim of encouraging a balanced diet and healthy lifestyles. Food therefore forms part of the wider school’s approach to wellbeing, alongside its stated emphasis on children’s physical and mental health.

Attending Little Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route; for The Topsham School, this is Devon County Council’s online application process. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as two separate steps.

Application timing. Late school applications are accepted, but timely applications take precedence where a school is oversubscribed. Applying on time matters even when a child already attends the nursery.

Nursery applications go through the school office, with a Little Acorns application form also available. Contact the office at admin@topsham.devon.sch.uk or telephone 01392 874 498 to enquire about joining.

Breakfast and after-school provision extends from preschool through Year 6. This gives preschool families an option for care around the education day, making wraparound provision a practical part of the choice alongside the nursery itself.