Stover School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning and close relationships with adults give Stover’s youngest children room to build confidence. The nursery serves children aged three to four within the Preparatory School, on Stover’s 64-acre Devon campus near Newton Abbot. It is part of the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery setting.

At the ISI inspection of 30 April to 2 May 2024, there were 30 nursery children on roll. That is a historical attendance figure, not a measure of places available today. The early years findings give parents a useful picture of children learning together, developing physical confidence outdoors and trusting the adults who care for them.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together the beginnings of reading and number work with communication and physical development. In April and May 2024, children made good progress in these skills through effective teaching. Learning involved listening, exploring their surroundings and working alongside other children. Those activities matter beyond the task itself: children practise paying attention and cooperating as well as developing their own ideas.

Outdoor learning also helped the youngest children become more physically confident. The emphasis is on development through exploration, with adults supporting children’s learning and watching how they progress. Children were absorbed in their activities and listened well. For parents, that combination gives substance to the curriculum: early learning includes how children communicate, move and take part with others, alongside literacy and numeracy.

Relationships are a substantial part of the early years picture. In April and May 2024, children showed considerable trust in adults, while experienced, qualified staff worked closely with families and supported children’s wellbeing. This connects care at nursery with the people who know the child at home.

Individual needs received attention too. Early years leaders understood the children in their care, monitored their development and arranged help quickly when additional needs became apparent. The practical implication is timely support as needs emerge, rather than waiting for difficulties to become established.

Safety has a concrete staffing detail behind it: everyone working in the early years had paediatric first aid training at that time. Management of the early years team also supported children’s safety and progress.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must treat Reception admission as a separate process, applying again through the normal route by the relevant deadline. Keep that decision separate from the benefits of becoming familiar with school life.

Transition support has its own value. In April and May 2024, staff helped early years children prepare for their next setting, and the move into the prep school was managed effectively. That preparation supports the child’s next step; it is not an admissions entitlement.

Breakfast Club can be booked in advance for nursery children from 8am. Collection points in the nursery day are 1pm, 4pm and 4.30pm, corresponding to session endings. Families register the sessions they require, with an offer dependent on those sessions being available.

Booking ahead. Stover describes its nursery as usually fully booked more than a year ahead. Early registration therefore matters if your family needs particular sessions.

Nursery tours with the Nursery Manager normally take place on Wednesdays. Contact admissions on 01626 354505, or use the school’s enquiry form, to begin an enquiry. Refer to the school for current charges.

Collection requires an adult to collect the child in person. If someone other than a parent or official guardian will collect, notify the class teacher or Preparatory School Office beforehand. This gives families a clear procedure for arranging another authorised collector.