Combe Martin Primary School Nursery Review

Leaves become painting tools and the Gruffalo becomes a play theme at Tiddlers, Combe Martin Primary School’s nursery. This is the school’s own early provision on Hangman Path in Combe Martin; children can join the school from age two. Nature, stories and conversation provide concrete examples of what its youngest children do.

A nature walk focused on listening gives a useful picture of learning here. In November 2024, Tiddlers children talked about the sounds around them, gathered leaves and used natural materials for painting. They also shared the Gruffalo story and explored a themed tuff spot. These activities connect conversation, creative work and a familiar story rather than treating them as separate tasks.

Communication has a clear place in the nursery’s learning. In December 2024, staff helped nursery children develop language and communication as preparation for learning to read. For parents, that makes children’s growing ability to talk and understand an important part of the day, alongside the visible activities.

There is a substantial teaching concern to weigh against those examples. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Requires improvement at its inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024. At that point, adults’ learning intentions were sometimes unclear, limiting children’s progress. Some children also received insufficient support across several areas of learning. Staff needed greater expertise to help children extend their understanding and establish firmer foundations for later learning.

The staffing structure includes a Level 3 senior practitioner and Tiddlers team members. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school provides personalised support through teachers and teaching assistants, linked to an individual My Plan or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Classroom support is used where possible, with small group sessions another option. This gives families a concrete framework for discussing their child’s needs.

Across the school, the Social Inclusion Team can listen to families and direct them towards further help. All staff receive regular safeguarding training. These are school arrangements that sit around the nursery provision.

Physical access. The school building presents mobility challenges: stairs lead to the hall, classroom routes include steps and thresholds, and a slope provides access to the playground. Families whose children have mobility needs should factor those features into their choice.

Attending Tiddlers does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery applications go directly to the school, but Reception requires a fresh application through Devon Local Authority, including for children already attending the nursery. Families therefore need to treat the two applications as separate decisions.

Applications can be made through Devon’s online admissions service or using its application forms. Familiarity with the school does not replace that formal application.

Nursery enquiries and applications go to the school. Contact the office on 01271 883226 or email combemartin.sch@alumnismat.org. Prospective parents can arrange a school tour and a meeting to discuss their child’s educational needs, giving families an opportunity to consider the setting and their child’s requirements together.