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Nursery at Trinity CofE Primary and Nursery School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, an orchard and a covered play area give Owlets Nursery an outdoor character. This is Trinity’s nursery for two-, three- and four-year-olds in Exeter, with 30 places: four for two-year-olds and 26 for children aged three and four. It shares a purpose-built Foundation Unit with Reception, putting its youngest children within the wider school while giving them spaces designed for their age.
The school’s Ofsted judgement is Requires Improvement; that is a whole-school judgement, not a separate nursery grade. The nursery’s practical appeal rests on its play spaces, session choices and gradual introduction to school life.
Play drives the day. Children use familiar objects and toys, revisit favourite stories and sing songs and nursery rhymes with pictures and actions. Repetition gives them opportunities to practise communication through activities they recognise. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines activities chosen by children with adult teaching and work individually or in small groups.
Trinity’s ACE EYFS Curriculum aims to develop independence, confidence and relationships alongside learning. Its Plan, Do, Review approach puts thinking about learning into the process: children are encouraged to consider their activities as well as take part in them. Speaking confidently is another stated priority.
Indoors, the Home Corner supports imaginative play, while soft furnishings and a quieter reading and resting space provide a change of pace. A snack area includes drinks children can serve themselves, making everyday routines opportunities for independence.
Outside, wheeled toys and larger equipment offer room for movement. The grassed space has a mud kitchen, and children have access to school grounds containing an orchard, grassy banks, hedges and a fenced pond. A covered outdoor area keeps outdoor play possible in wet weather. Some physical development sessions take place in the school hall, extending the nursery day beyond its own rooms.
Settling starts before the first regular session. A few weeks before a child begins, the nursery aims to arrange Stay and Play, a home visit, or both. These meetings let staff learn about the child and confirm their start date. Parents or carers should be ready to remain for the initial sessions until their child feels comfortable staying independently.
The nursery describes its leadership as a qualified early years teacher working with a teaching assistant. Across the school, an Inclusion and Nurture lead includes the SEND coordinator role, giving families a contact for questions about additional learning needs. The nursery lead also holds a deputy safeguarding role within the school’s safeguarding team.
Lunch needs planning: children attending an afternoon or a full day bring a packed lunch; morning-only children do not have lunch at school. Registered under-fives can receive free milk through Cool Milk. Each registered child receives a daily 189ml serving of semi-skimmed milk, providing another part of the food routine.
Attending Owlets does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their local authority. Devon residents apply through Devon County Council’s online admissions service between 15 November and 15 January; families living elsewhere apply through their own council.
Familiarity is a separate benefit. Nursery children can join suitable school celebrations and assemblies, meet other adults and use the hall. These experiences help them get to know the school before a possible move into Reception, but do not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 09:00 to 12:00, afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00, and full days from 09:00 to 15:00, including lunch. Families can combine sessions subject to availability. Extra sessions bought by families require a term’s commitment, with payment monthly in advance.
From the term after a child turns three, the nursery offers the 15-hour funded entitlement, with 30 hours for eligible families. The Bee Happy Club provides charged additional care for children aged three and above: breakfast provision starts at 07:30 and after-school care runs from 15:15 to 16:30.
Uniform is optional. Comfortable clothing and Velcro shoes are encouraged; families supply a coat, while the nursery supplies wellies and wetsuits. For nursery enquiries, email nursery@trinity.acexcellence.co.uk or call 01392 790151.
Owlets has 30 places: four for two-year-olds and 26 for three- and four-year-olds.
Yes. Mornings run from 09:00 to 12:00 and afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00. Full days run from 09:00 to 15:00. Combinations depend on availability.
Children staying for an afternoon or a full day need a packed lunch. Morning-only children do not eat lunch at school.
The nursery aims to arrange Stay and Play, a home visit, or both before starting. A parent or carer is expected to stay during the first few sessions until the child feels secure.
No. Reception requires a separate application through your local authority. Devon residents apply between 15 November and 15 January; residents elsewhere use their own council.
