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Nursery at Brixington Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Elms gives two-year-olds a small-group start, with space for 10 children; Willow takes children aged three to four. These are distinct stages within Brixington Primary Academy’s nursery in Exmouth. Elms is led by Level 3 nursery practitioners, while Willow has a qualified teacher working with practitioners. The structure changes as children grow.
Based in the Foundation Stage Unit (FSU), nursery children learn alongside Reception children. In the Ofsted inspection published in April 2026, early years met the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, including its two-year-olds, rather than giving the nursery a separate grade.
Play has recognisable spaces here: a book corner, an area for numeracy, creative space and a corner for role play. Children can move between the classroom’s learning areas through free-flow play. Outdoors, they have an outdoor play space with multiple learning areas, while Willow has a large outdoor learning space. There is room for both quieter exploration and physical activity.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides learning, alongside Development Matters. For Elms, the emphasis is on developing movement, relationships and communication. Daily exploration of the school grounds sits alongside opportunities to practise coordination and early language. Willow extends that work into early mathematics and literacy, with outdoor activities involving sensory exploration, sharing turns and playing together.
In April 2026, early-years activities included rope play outdoors, walks focused on sounds and guided mark-making. These give children practical ways to develop the foundations of reading, mathematics and writing. Language receives close attention: adults demonstrate how to use words, and children needing extra help receive targeted language support. Reading is a priority, with phonics introduced when children are ready.
Emotional development is part of the learning. In April 2026, early-years staff demonstrated calm responses, helped children tackle problems and supported them in recognising and managing feelings. Children were happy and safe, and were learning to make healthy choices and do more for themselves. For families, this connects care with the everyday skills children need to participate in a group.
Additional needs were recognised quickly, with support tailored so children could join activities. Staff worked with parents and carers to tackle barriers across home and school. Younger children who found the move from home into school difficult also received help to settle. For practical contact, the telephone system has a Nursery Plus team option and a separate option for the SENDCO and Family Support Worker.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to the local authority through the normal admissions process. Devon’s online school-place application is the route for Reception; keep that application separate from the nursery booking.
Learning alongside Reception children within the FSU provides contact with the next stage before the move. That shared learning arrangement is useful preparation, but it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 09:00 to 12:00, and afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00. Sessions are chosen at the beginning of each term and confirmed by the office. Changes take effect at a term or half-term boundary. Reducing sessions. Half a term’s notice is required to reduce either funded or paid sessions, so families need to plan changes ahead.
The nursery accepts Early Years Entitlement Funding for up to 15 hours weekly, and extended funding for up to 30 hours with a relevant code. The universal 15-hour entitlement for three- and four-year-olds begins in the term after their third birthday. Extra sessions beyond the entitlement are charged and booked through the office; contact the school for current charges. Tax-free childcare is accepted for session payments.
Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01395 266997. Nursery applications use the nursery application form, with an expression of interest form also available. An appointment gives families a chance to see the nursery’s learning spaces before applying.
Elms is the two-year-old provision, with capacity for 10 children. Willow caters for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 09:00–12:00 and afternoon sessions are 12:00–15:00. Bookings are selected at the start of each term and confirmed by the office.
Yes. The nursery accepts up to 15 hours of Early Years Entitlement Funding weekly and up to 30 hours of extended entitlement funding with a relevant code. Sessions beyond the entitlement are charged.
No. A separate Reception application must be made to the local authority through the normal admissions process. Devon provides an online application route.
Call the school office on 01395 266997 to arrange an appointment.
