Lew Trenchard Church of England Primary School Nursery

Stories, yoga and a turn as Kindness Captain give Lew Trenchard’s early years a character beyond first letters and numbers. In June 2023, children took time over activities they had chosen, with play forming the basis of their learning.

Yes Tor is the school’s pre-school provision in Lewdown. The school runs its own nursery for two-, three- and four-year-olds. At the Ofsted inspection on 7 and 8 June 2023, early years provision was graded Good within the school inspection.

Play and adult-led storytelling provide two distinct ways into learning. In June 2023, the early years environment was arranged around learning through play, and children stayed absorbed in their chosen activities. That gives the day an emphasis on sustained attention as well as choice: children had time to concentrate rather than simply move between tasks.

Daily reading brought traditional stories and nursery rhymes into the early years. Adults’ storytelling helped children enjoy language, while their expressive reading gave children an example to follow. Activities also helped children practise listening and maintaining attention. These are concrete foundations for joining in with stories and learning alongside others.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the curriculum framework. Here, its early years learning included play, language and the beginnings of mathematics; the mathematics curriculum started in the early years. Personal development had a place too. Yoga featured alongside Kindness Captain, a role through which children could demonstrate considerate behaviour to their peers. In June 2023, children understood staff expectations and followed familiar routines, giving their independent play a predictable structure.

A pre-school manager who is also an EYFS teacher works alongside pre-school teaching assistants. This gives the nursery a specific team structure within the primary school, rather than leaving its staffing indistinguishable from the older classes.

For families with concerns about development or additional needs, the child’s teacher is the school’s first contact. Its SEND arrangements include individual provision maps explaining learning targets and teaching support, shared with families each term. That provides a concrete basis for discussing what support a child receives and what it is intended to achieve.

The school also has access to a play therapist and family practitioner for children identified as needing those services. Other professionals, including health services and the local authority, can become involved when necessary. Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the designated safeguarding lead or deputy through the school’s contact channels.

Reception applications are separate. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process and meet its deadline. School admissions go through Devon LA Admissions; pre-school enquiries go to the school office. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

For pre-school admission enquiries, telephone the school office on 01566 783273. The school’s general email address is lewtrenchard@andaras.org. The office is the direct enquiry route for families considering Yes Tor.