Chagford Church of England Primary School Nursery

Wellies belong in the nursery kit here. Purpose-built rooms connect directly with secure outdoor play space, giving children opportunities to explore inside and out at their own pace. Chagford’s nursery takes children from age two and forms part of Chagford Church of England Primary School on Lower Street.

A nursery lead works alongside a nursery teaching assistant. The early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 8 and 9 June 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play provides the structure for learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities guided by adults with those children choose themselves. Communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships sit alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, this means learning takes place through exploration and interaction, rather than only through formal tasks.

Continuous Provision is the name given to the planned learning environment. Activities remain accessible for children to pursue independently, while staff build learning around their interests and use questions to extend their thinking. Outdoors, the emphasis includes exploring nature. Easy access from the rooms makes outdoor learning part of the nursery’s everyday approach.

Books connect with practical play. In June 2022, the early years curriculum followed a clear sequence, and staff supported children effectively in using the indoor and outdoor spaces. Building-themed books in the construction area linked reading with what children were doing. Nursery children also prepare for Read Write Inc., the school’s phonics programme, through its Read Write Inc. Ready approach.

The child’s keyworker is the first contact for concerns about nursery care. Parents can request verbal updates about progress; photographs may also contribute to learning journals, with permission sought for photography. This gives families ways to discuss both development and everyday worries.

For children anxious about separation, the school encourages parents to tell staff and practise saying goodbye with their child. Predictable routines and a plan for asking an adult for help are among its suggested strategies. These are practical ways for home and nursery to work together around difficult separations.

School meal arrangements allow either a packed lunch or a meal ordered through School Gateway, with orders due by 9:30am. Food containing nuts must stay at home. Medicine administration requires parental consent through a medicines form.

Additional needs support involves the SENCo and assistant SENCo. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review to organise support, with parents involved in agreeing targets and reviewing progress. Individual Learning Plans identify the help and resources a child needs, so discussions can focus on specific next steps.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority where they live. For September 2027 entry, Devon residents apply through www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027. Nursery attendance confers no priority for that intake.

Transition support is separate from allocation. Summer-term meetings and activities accompany normal-round admission. For children with SEND moving classes, information and learning plans pass to the next teacher; additional classroom visits or a transition group may be used where appropriate.

The nursery operates on weekdays in term time, from 8:50am until 3:20pm. Sessions are booked for a whole term. The school will try to accommodate requests for extra sessions or extended hours, making these requests subject to agreement rather than a guaranteed booking option.

Termly agreements distinguish funded hours from any top-up hours and charges. Additional childcare, including care following late collection, may incur charges. Ask the school for current charges. Reducing booked hours or leaving requires at least four weeks’ written notice.

Submit a completed nursery application to nursery@dmatschools.org.uk. General enquiries and visits can be arranged through the office on 01647 432412 or admin@chagfordprimary.org.uk. Parents must identify authorised collectors; an unfamiliar collector needs proof of identity. Pack wellies for outdoor learning.