Moretonhampstead Primary School Nursery

Little Tors brings preschool and Reception together in one early years unit. That shared organisation gives Moretonhampstead Primary School’s nursery its character: the youngest children belong to a school setting, with a senior teacher working across preschool and Reception and an early years teaching assistant among the support staff.

The school admits children from age two and occupies a modern building with spacious grounds in Dartmoor National Park. For parents considering a school nursery, the important distinction is between sharing an early years setting and securing a later school place. These are separate questions.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the basis for the early curriculum. Here, the concrete learning examples include language, mathematical ideas and exploring the world, rather than simply preparing children to sit through lessons.

In December 2022, early years children were enthusiastic about the activities organised for them. Outdoor learning included seasonal changes and craft work. Children used words to explain shape properties and discussed water changing into ice: practical experiences that gave them vocabulary for describing what they noticed. This is learning through things children can observe and talk about.

Early reading began with listening. In December 2022, children as young as two were encouraged to recognise rhymes and sounds, while staff across the combined early years provision used a consistent reading approach. The emphasis at that age was on noticing what words sound like, providing a foundation for later phonics learning.

Food preparation takes place at school: the catering team cooks meals on site. This connects the provision to a school kitchen rather than an external meal delivery arrangement.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follows the trust’s Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Classroom adjustments can include visual prompts, individual work and extra time to process information. The purpose is practical: change how a child accesses learning, then review whether the support meets their needs.

Parents of children receiving SEND support can meet the class teacher or SENCO during the year to discuss progress. The SENCO completed the National SENCO Award in October 2024. For children with medical needs, an Individual Health Care Plan is prepared with parents or carers, bringing care arrangements into a shared plan.

Separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a fresh application through Devon County Council, using the normal Reception application process and its deadline. Nursery applications go directly to the school; Reception applications go to the local authority.

For children with SEND, the trust plans to adapt transition arrangements to the child’s needs and best interests; this may include the move from preschool into school. That is support for a change of stage, separate from the decision about admission.

Nursery enquiries and applications are handled by the school. Visits can be arranged by calling 01647 440482 or emailing adminmoretonhampstead@thelink.academy, giving families a direct way to meet the team and discuss joining.

The school is on Betton Way in Moretonhampstead, with postcode TQ13 8NA. Keep the two application routes distinct when planning ahead: contact the school for the nursery, and apply through Devon County Council for Reception.