Ilfracombe Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

A separate nursery building, its own outdoor space and access to a school swimming pool give this provision a distinctive balance: a nursery base with school facilities to draw on. Ilfracombe Infant and Nursery School’s teacher-led nursery has 28 places. Children can start in the term containing their third birthday and stay until they begin school.

The March 2025 Ofsted inspection judged early years provision Requires improvement. Its nursery-specific findings were more positive: children enjoyed learning, adults supported them well, and needs were recognised early. The judgement covers early years across the school, rather than being a separate nursery rating.

Choice shapes the session. With the outdoor doors open, children can move between indoor play and the outside area, choosing activities and spending time developing their own ideas. Adult-guided work sits alongside this freedom. Small-group activities can involve counting, using scissors, early phonics or practising pencil skills, with conversation helping children understand the day’s activities and explain their thinking.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. In parent terms, this brings language, physical development and relationships together with early reading, mathematics, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Topics give play a focus, while the indoor and outdoor areas support the same learning framework. Children have room to choose, but the play has a purpose.

Physical activity extends beyond the nursery’s outdoor space: children can use the school’s gym equipment and swimming pool. Within the nursery, simple expectations include speaking quietly indoors, listening to others and sharing. These give children practical ways to practise being part of a group.

Each child has an allocated key person. Settling starts with a visit, and shorter visits can continue until the child is comfortable with a complete session. Staff also spend individual time with new starters. That makes the induction responsive to the child rather than dependent on one fixed timetable.

Tapestry gives parents access to an online record of photographs, activities and children’s words. Newsletters and a planning noticeboard add context, while staff discuss progress and provide verbal or written updates through the year. The key person and teacher also prepare an end-of-year report for parents and the receiving teacher.

Food fits into the nursery routine. Each session includes fruit and milk or water at no charge, and children can use a nursery-provided water bottle. Lunch is at noon and eaten in the nursery. Families can supply a packed lunch or choose a paid school meal, including a hot option. Nut products are prohibited because of severe allergies; some children attending all day may qualify for a free meal. Children using nappies should bring nappies, wipes and spare clothes.

For additional needs, the school uses the Devon Graduated Response to SEND Support tool, with Individual Learning Plans and SENDCo reviews each term. In March 2025, nursery children’s needs were identified promptly and activities captured their interest. Safeguarding arrangements across the school were effective at that inspection.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A separate application is required through Devon County Council, rather than directly to the school; families must follow the normal Reception application timetable. Applications can be submitted through www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline or the council’s application forms.

The end-of-year report shared with the receiving teacher provides a practical handover about the child’s learning. This is separate from admission. Early years continuity. In March 2025, provision became inconsistent as children moved into Reception: assessment did not give staff a sufficiently clear picture of children’s knowledge, and activities could lack challenge. Families should weigh that concern alongside the positive nursery findings.

Provision runs during term time. Morning sessions are 9am to noon; afternoon sessions run from noon to 3pm. Funded hours begin in the term after a child’s third birthday, with 15 hours available. Some three- and four-year-olds qualify for 30 hours, requiring an eligibility code. Additional sessions, and sessions in the birthday term, can be paid for; refer to the school for current charges.

Register interest by collecting an application form from the school office. Nursery visits can be arranged on 01271 863462 or at adminilfracombe@goodilf.org.uk.

There is no compulsory uniform. Choose clothes suitable for messy play and easy toileting, label belongings and bring a change of clothes. A coat is needed daily, with a sunhat and sun cream for summer; waterproof clothing and wellingtons are supplied for wet-weather play.