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Nursery at Copper Valley Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led exploration and conversation give Copper Valley's nursery its shape. Children can start from age two, joining the school's early years provision in Drakewalls, Gunnislake. This is a school nursery with its own outdoor area.
The school aims to build learning around children's interests while introducing the knowledge and skills they need next. For parents, the useful distinction is the balance: children have opportunities to follow their own ideas, alongside activities directed by adults.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care, development and learning together. Here, staff get to know children's abilities and interests when they start, then use that understanding to plan activities. The balance between adult direction and children's own choices changes with their needs. There is room for independent play, with adult help when a child needs support to take an idea further.
Indoors, learning centres on experiences with a practical purpose. Outside, children are encouraged to test themselves and explore nature. The nursery's outdoor area gives this part of learning a physical home. Planning, thinking and discussion are part of the approach too: gathering resources before making a den illustrates how play can involve preparation as well as action.
Drawing Club is used in the Foundation Stage to encourage writing. Language has a wider role than preparing children to put words on paper. In April 2025, Ofsted described a nursery emphasis on interaction and language, alongside early years children enthusiastically taking part in songs, familiar stories and rhymes. These activities give children opportunities to practise speaking and join in with others.
Regular conversations and handovers connect home and nursery. Seesaw provides another communication route, while workshops and home learning opportunities help parents take part in their child's learning. Staff discuss successes and the next steps, giving families something specific to work on together.
Support for additional needs sits within the school's SEND arrangements. Teachers work with the special educational needs coordinator and teaching assistants; support can involve smaller groups, additional help in class or specific resources. Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychology are among the outside services involved. The child's teacher is the first contact for learning concerns.
Individual support. The April 2025 inspection also identified a school-wide concern: a small number of pupils needed clearer steps and more precisely targeted help to meet expectations for learning and behaviour. Families whose children need additional support should discuss how their child's goals and strategies will be agreed.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Cornwall Council School Admissions. The application window runs from September to January, so choosing the nursery and applying for school remain separate decisions.
Within early years, staff adjust the balance of learning as children progress towards Reception. Parents are involved through feedback about development and next steps. That continuity in learning is separate from the allocation of a school place.
For enquiries or to arrange a visit, call 01822 832550. School tours can be arranged through the secretary, giving parents an opportunity to see the nursery and its surroundings before deciding.
The address is Drakewalls, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9EN. Visitors must sign in at the site office, so allow for that when attending an appointment.
Children can start from age two.
No. Families need to apply separately through Cornwall Council School Admissions, with the application window running from September to January.
Yes. The nursery has its own outdoor area, and outdoor learning encourages children to explore nature and challenge themselves.
Communication includes regular feedback and handovers, Seesaw, and discussions about successes and next steps. Workshops and home learning opportunities also involve parents.
Speak to your child's teacher first. The school's special educational needs coordinator can provide further help through the school office on 01822 832550.
