Hayes School Nursery Review

Artificial grass and permanent play equipment give Hayes School Nursery a concrete outdoor identity, alongside a self-contained base in the purpose-built Early Years Building. The nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds in Paignton, with provision running during school terms. It sits within the school while having its own nursery space.

At the Ofsted inspection on 26 and 27 November 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children's interests help shape early years learning. Hayes combines their ideas with resources chosen to extend development, giving children's curiosity a role in what they explore. Outside, the nursery playground combines artificial grass with fixed play equipment, providing a physical setting for play alongside the indoor nursery base.

The early years foundation stage takes practical form through learning to share, following instructions and building early number knowledge. In November 2024, children had different opportunities to recognise and name numbers, while adults spotted mistakes and addressed them quickly. Practice comes with timely help.

Stories sit alongside songs and rhymes in early years learning. These experiences help children develop an interest in reading, while familiar routines support listening, sharing and safe behaviour. The emphasis is on small skills that children can use throughout their day.

Many early years staff had expertise in child development in November 2024, and understood children's needs and interests. Their work on routines helped children respond to adults and cooperate with each other. A nursery teacher works within an early years team that also includes teaching assistants.

For children joining the school, Hayes offers home visits so families can discuss their child and raise questions in familiar surroundings. Children can also attend introductory sessions to become familiar with staff, other children and their new setting. These offer contact before the move into school life.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities involves parents as well as staff. Individual support plans are reviewed at least once a term with families and relevant professionals. The school works with services including speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. For families, this provides a route to coordinated support rather than relying on a single conversation.

School meals are cooked on site, and menus include allergy information. Scopay handles meal bookings. This makes choosing meals a practical part of planning the child's attendance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through their home local authority; Torbay residents apply through Torbay Council. The normal application window runs from 1 November to 15 January before admission.

There are two specific ways nursery attendance can affect priority. Children attending Hayes School Nursery at application receive priority under the third oversubscription category only when their parent or carer has applied for early years pupil premium or pupil premium and the child is eligible at that time. Nursery attendance also takes precedence when applicants cannot be separated by the distance tie-breaker. Neither provision guarantees admission.

Transition support is a separate matter. For a child with additional needs starting Reception, a meeting with the SEND coordinator identifies a transition plan. That allows support to be discussed before the change of class.

The nursery opens on weekdays from 8.45am until 3.15pm, during term time. Nursery applications go directly to Hayes, with admission taking place in the first week of each half term.

Hayes accepts children entitled to 15 or 30 government-funded hours. For the 30-hour entitlement, families must apply beforehand and have their code verified by the school before agreement. Additional sessions can be purchased when space allows; contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a tour or discuss an application, telephone 01803 557336 or email admin@hayes.torbay.sch.uk. Tours give families an opportunity to meet the team, see children learning and ask questions.