West Exe Nursery School: the nursery day

A vegetable garden, woodland and a cob pizza oven give West Exe’s outdoor life its own character. The gardens cover a third of an acre, with a fire pit adding another distinct feature. Outdoor exploration is part of the day throughout the year, so this is a nursery where suitable clothing matters.

West Exe is a state-maintained nursery school on Cowick Street in Exeter, within the Exeter Nursery Schools Federation. Its provision welcomes children aged two to four. Teachers, learning support assistants and play workers plan around children’s interests and needs, combining activities chosen by children with those led by adults.

At the July 2023 inspection, independent play alternated with group activities alongside a key person. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) took practical form through language, movement, social learning and early mathematics: children counted objects, compared weight using scales and explored the textures of gloop and play dough. These activities connected words and ideas with things children could handle.

In July 2023, inspectors found that children were enthusiastic about learning and that the curriculum responded closely to their needs. At that inspection, stories invited participation rather than passive listening. Children repeated familiar phrases, acted out characters and joined songs and nursery rhymes, including Incy Wincy Spider. Books represented the local community, connecting storytelling with people around them.

In July 2023, tree climbing, trikes and monkey bars provided different physical challenges. Children also put on coats and applied sunscreen themselves, practising everyday independence. Outdoor access continues in every season and weather. Adults support children as they explore, while sharing bikes brings practice in waiting and taking turns.

Each child has an allocated key person, giving the family a consistent contact. After an application is received, the nursery arranges a home visit. This creates an opportunity for contact with the family before nursery begins, alongside a home-school agreement about supporting the child.

In July 2023, communication support included flash cards and Makaton. Staff adapted activities for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and checked development to identify where additional help was needed. At the school café, children chose fruit and practised polite requests and waiting.

Families can also approach the Family Services Lead through their child’s keyworker or reception. Support covers development, behaviour and family relationships, with meetings possible at home or school. Safeguarding was effective in July 2023: staff training supported prompt identification of concerns, and leaders pursued help from outside agencies when needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.

Preparation for primary school is one of the nursery’s aims. The everyday work on dressing, independence, sharing and communication seen in July 2023 gave that aim practical substance. Those experiences should be considered separately from the application for a school place.

Families can choose term-time childcare or attendance across the year. Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club provide additional care around the nursery day. Funded sessions can be used on their own; extra paid sessions are subject to availability.

The funding arrangements include 570 annual hours for eligible two-year-olds from the term following their second birthday, and 570 for three- and four-year-olds from the term following their third birthday. Some families qualify for the Extended Entitlement of 1140 hours annually; an eligibility code is required and the claim must be revalidated each term. Contact the nursery for current charges.

For enquiries, call 01392 279361 or email admin@wecc.devon.sch.uk. The office operates daily between 8:30am and 4pm. Pack named spare clothes, suitable shoes and, for water and outdoor play, wellies and a splash suit. Tell staff about a different collector: otherwise collection is restricted to people on the application form, unless alternative arrangements and a password have been agreed.