The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Padstow School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Water play, domestic role play and a strong emphasis on language give Fledglings, Padstow School’s nursery, its character. This is early learning through exploration and conversation, with adult teaching woven into children’s own choices. Children can start from the term after their second birthday.
The nursery belongs to Padstow School on Grenville Road. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023; that judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Children choose activities and also take part in sessions led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about relationships, communication and movement with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In parent terms, play and conversation sit alongside the beginnings of more formal learning.
Continuous Provision is the organising approach: children have resources they can return to, practise with and use independently. Water play and the domestic role play area provide concrete starting points. Learning extends indoors and outdoors, with children able to explore different areas during the day. That gives them opportunities to follow an interest rather than move only between adult-directed tasks.
Each half-term topic opens with a question. Adults gather children’s existing ideas and use their interests when planning what follows. Language also has a deliberate place in activities. In September 2023, the youngest children experimented with paint using their hands while adults supplied vocabulary for the colours they created. Stories were another early-years focus, with adults spending time helping younger children enjoy books. Exploration becomes an opportunity to talk and listen.
All nursery staff hold paediatric first aid qualifications. The nursery team includes a manager and an EYFS assistant, while the school also has a nursery lead teacher. Families can communicate through the school’s open-door approach, and Tapestry shares photographs, observations, progress and next steps. It gives parents a window into learning beyond the session itself.
Wellcomm uses brief questions matched to children’s ages to assess language development. Play activities support communication in class, and families receive activities linked to their child’s next steps after assessments. In September 2023, communication needs were assessed as children joined early years, with support arranged promptly when difficulties emerged.
For additional needs, the SEND coordinator works with teachers and teaching assistants on individual support programmes. Speech and Language Therapy and the Hearing Support Service are among the external services the school works with. Parents’ discussions contribute to identifying needs, so their knowledge of their child has a place in the process. Children can bring a packed lunch.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and the full day from 08:45 to 15:15. Families can combine morning, afternoon and all-day sessions, subject to places being available.
For three- and four-year-olds, the 15-hour funded entitlement equates to five sessions each week. Some two-year-olds also qualify for 15 funded hours. Funded full days. Funding covers six hours, from 08:45 to 14:45; staying until 15:15 attracts an additional charge. This changes the collection time families need to plan around. Contact the school for current charges.
At 11:45 collection and 12:15 drop-off, use the Pellew Close gate only. Both the school gates and Pellew Close gate open for the morning arrival window of 08:45 to 08:55 and at 15:15 collection.
Nursery enquiries go to nursery@padstowschool.org or 01841 532510. An expression of interest form starts the application process. Visits can be booked by telephone or email, allowing families to see the setting before deciding.
Children can attend from the term following their second birthday, with entry at the beginning of September, January or April.
Morning sessions are 08:45 to 11:45, afternoon sessions 12:15 to 15:15, and all-day sessions 08:45 to 15:15. A funded whole-day session ends at 14:45 unless families pay for the extension.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process.
Tapestry shares photographs and observations alongside progress and next steps. Wellcomm activities linked to language assessments are also sent home.
Email nursery@padstowschool.org or call 01841 532510 for nursery enquiries. Telephone or email the school to book a visit.
