Wolborough Nursery Review

Child-chosen games, short group activities and shared learning spaces shape life in Bakers Class, the nursery at Wolborough Church of England Nursery and Primary School. It belongs to the school's Foundation Unit, where nursery children spend part of their learning time alongside Reception children. That shared routine gives the nursery a clear place within the school's early years provision.

Play leads the learning. Bakers Class favours children choosing their activities wherever possible, with adults joining in and helping them develop what they are doing. The emphasis is on extending children's ideas: an adult guides an activity the child has selected, rather than directing every choice.

The day usually includes four brief group focuses, bringing children together for singing, learning and games. Between these, Playing and Learning Time opens up three spaces: the outdoor area, Forde class and Bakers class. Children can choose where to play and learn. The outdoor space is part of this choice, alongside the classrooms.

Activities include construction, pretend play and making things from scrap materials. Children also explore books, make marks, paint and create music, with encouragement to invent games themselves. These are practical routes into the EYFS learning described here: developing early mathematical and literacy skills, expressing ideas, understanding the world and building confidence in relationships. Learning takes several forms, rather than relying on one activity.

An adult leads the nursery's focused teaching, while the early years teaching team plans and oversees its activities. Teaching assistants support Bakers Class, and Reception staff also work with nursery children during the shared play period. Planning and day-to-day support therefore involve the wider early years team.

For children needing additional help, the school's SEND coordinator works with teachers and learning support assistants, involving outside agencies when necessary. Parents are consulted about decisions concerning their child, and children's views are also considered. Families can arrange a discussion through the school office about support, progress or concerns.

Across the Link Academy Trust, SEND support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff consider a child's needs, plan support, put it into practice and revisit it. Adaptations can include visual timetables or extra time to process information. This gives families a process for discussing how support changes as their child's needs become clearer.

Children with medical needs will usually have an Individual Health Care Plan developed with their parents or carers. This brings families into planning the child's medical support.

Sharing the Foundation Unit gives nursery children contact with Reception children and staff during ordinary learning time. That familiarity is separate from admissions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a fresh application to Devon County Council through the normal Reception admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Nursery applications go directly to the school; the next stage requires a separate application to the local authority. Keep that distinction clear when planning the move into school.

Morning nursery sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions run from noon to 3pm. These are distinct three-hour periods, so the start and collection times matter when arranging family routines.

For nursery applications, contact the school directly. Visits can be arranged by calling 01626 202050 or emailing adminwolborough@thelink.academy, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before applying.