Exeter Road Community Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, stories and conversation give Exeter Road’s nursery its character. Communication and language shape the early learning here, with familiar rhymes helping children build vocabulary. For a young child, that puts learning into activities they can join in with before they can read or write.

This is the on-site nursery at Exeter Road Community Primary School in Exmouth. The February 2025 inspection described provision for two- and three-year-olds and graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach gives children opportunities to explore through play, pursue ideas and think through problems. Children initiate activities as well as using planned provision. The practical emphasis is on taking part and trying things, with adults supporting the next steps in their learning.

ShREC is the named approach to adult interaction. Staff build on what children say, adding language and continuing the conversation through back-and-forth exchanges. This gives everyday talk a teaching purpose: a child’s contribution becomes an opportunity to extend their vocabulary rather than simply receive an answer.

Physical challenge also forms part of the learning environment, alongside skills that prepare children for writing. Children work together and take risks in their learning, supported by resources and adults. Movement and cooperation therefore sit alongside language development, rather than learning being confined to listening.

In February 2025, children in early years, including the youngest two-year-olds, interacted positively with one another. Familiar stories, songs and rhymes supported their vocabulary development. These are accessible ways for children to participate together while practising the language they will use in later learning.

For families discussing additional needs, the school’s special educational needs coordinator can be contacted at senco@exeterroad.devon.sch.uk. The SEND page also directs parents to Devon’s Local Offer and Devon Information Advice & Support (DiAS). Those routes give families a school contact and access to wider advice when considering support for their child.

Staff use CPOMS to log safeguarding concerns. Recording concerns provides a route for information to be passed on within the school’s safeguarding arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Exeter Road directs school applicants to Devon County Council’s admissions information, so nursery enrolment should not be treated as that application.

Language development is useful preparation for the next stage: familiar rhymes and stories help children acquire words they can use in learning and conversation. Educational preparation and the allocation of a school place are separate matters.

Nursery gate opening times are 9am, noon and 3pm. An outdoor buggy park is locked between those times, giving families a specific place for buggies and a timetable around which to plan access.

Personal tours can be arranged through the office on 01395 272935 or by emailing admin@exeterroad.devon.sch.uk. The tour is organised around discussing your child, making it a useful first step for families considering the nursery.