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Nursery at Stowford School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Early independence gives Stowford's nursery its clearest character: children build everyday routines while developing the curiosity to explore. Early years provision starts at age two, within Stowford School on Exeter Road in Ivybridge. In June 2023, the nursery served two-, three- and four-year-olds, bringing the years before compulsory schooling into the school setting.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, this means learning through play, with activities adapted to a child's stage of development. The framework brings together learning and care, rather than treating education as a separate part of a young child's day.
Communication, movement and emotional development sit alongside early reading, mathematics, creative expression and discovering how the world works. These are the EYFS learning areas, giving parents a useful way to think about development beyond letters and numbers.
In June 2023, children in the early years were developing independence, becoming familiar with routines and showing an appetite for discovery. That gives the nursery day a practical purpose: helping children become more capable in everyday life as well as interested in learning.
Relationships are the strongest evidenced feature of nursery care. At the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023, staff established trusting connections with nursery children promptly, and pastoral care began in the nursery. For a young child beginning time away from home, that focus on familiar adults matters.
Stowford aims to include children with differing needs. Across the school, these include difficulties with learning, sensory needs, communication needs and emotional or mental health difficulties. Parents can raise concerns with staff and contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office, giving families a direct starting point for discussing support.
Physical access has concrete provision at school level: ramps and double doors, an accessible parking space and two lifts. A medical room contains a hoist and changing facilities. These features matter for families considering mobility or personal care needs, alongside an individual discussion about their child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For the 2026-27 intake, it brought no admissions priority: oversubscription criteria applied if there were more applications than available places. Familiarity with the school must therefore be kept separate from entitlement to a place.
Families must make a fresh Reception application to the local authority for their home address. Devon residents apply through Devon's online admissions service or use the paper D-CAF1 form; families living in another council area apply through that council. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed.
The school office is the contact point for enquiries, on 01752 894163 or at admin@stowford.devon.sch.uk. For a child with additional needs, parents can also use the office to reach the special educational needs coordinator and begin discussing their child's circumstances.
Early years provision begins at two. In June 2023, the nursery catered for children aged two, three and four.
The Early Years Foundation Stage combines play-based learning with children's care and development, with learning adapted to individual needs.
No. A separate application is required, and nursery attendance conferred no priority for the 2026-27 intake.
Apply through the local authority where your child lives. Devon residents can apply online or request a paper D-CAF1 form. The deadline for September 2026 entry was 15 January 2026.
Parents can discuss concerns with staff or contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office.
