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Nursery at Oldway Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Camp building, planting and water play give Shells Nursery its character. Oldway Wild Learning brings those experiences into the nursery curriculum, giving children things to investigate and talk about rather than relying only on activities at a table.
Shells runs within Oldway Primary School in Paignton, part of Riviera Education Trust. Since September 2026, it has welcomed children from age two alongside three and four-year-olds. Places are limited, and an expression of interest starts the enquiry process rather than securing a place. At the Ofsted inspection on 25 and 26 June 2024, the school's early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the early years phase, rather than being a separate nursery rating.
Children's interests help shape learning, alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Development Matters guidance. In parent terms, this combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early literacy, number work, creativity and discovering how the world works. Indoor and outdoor provision gives children access to these areas, with adult-guided activities sitting alongside play they initiate themselves.
Oldway Wild Learning takes place weekly across the early years. Children count objects from nature, make marks and practise working together. The mud kitchen provides opportunities to mix pretend food and potions; water areas indoors and outside encourage investigation. Planting, camp building and using real tools add practical experiences to discuss. Getting dressed independently for outdoor sessions is part of the learning too.
Reading and language have named approaches. Read Write Inc introduces phonics in the nursery, while Talk for Writing uses stories, role play and drawing to develop early writing. Funky Fingers activities exercise the small movements needed for letter formation. In June 2024, early years children linked The Very Hungry Caterpillar with drawing and watching a caterpillar become a butterfly. Staff extended children's vocabulary, and children practised listening and taking turns through role play. Books, conversation and practical discovery work together here.
Health routines have a place in the day. Early years children share healthy snacks daily, learn about food choices and take part in supervised toothbrushing. These are practical opportunities to build habits as well as talk about self-care. The school's Caterlink meals are cooked on site and ordered through ParentPay, with tailored menus for children who have allergies or other dietary requirements.
Seesaw connects families with their child's class through messages, photographs and videos of learning. Parents can send messages too, although replies are not immediate or expected outside working hours. For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact, supported by the SEND coordinator. Individual Learning Plans are reviewed with parents each term, providing a regular opportunity to discuss support and next steps.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must submit a fresh application through the local authority, separately from their nursery application. For September 2027 entry, applications go through Torbay Admissions from 1 November 2026 and must be submitted by 15 January 2027. Applying late may put a family at a disadvantage. Treat that deadline as a separate task, even if your child already attends Shells.
The nursery operates for 38 weeks annually, following school holidays, with its core day running from 8.45am to 3.15pm. Eligible children can access up to 15 or 30 funded hours weekly from the term after their second birthday; additional paid sessions depend on availability. Shells has no chargeable extras. Contact the school for current session charges.
Wraparound care. Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 8.45am, and After-School Club from 3.15pm to 5.30pm for nursery children aged three and four only. These hours can be funded, subject to a maximum of 10 funded hours daily, or paid for separately. Places require confirmation, and regular club bookings use the same sessions each week. Families needing occasional bookings should contact the office to check availability.
Use the nursery expression-of-interest form to enquire, or call 01803 557190. A nursery visit can also be booked by telephone.
Children can join from age two, following the September 2026 expansion. The nursery also welcomes three and four-year-olds.
Weekly Oldway Wild Learning sessions include counting natural objects, making marks and learning to work together. Children also plant, build camps and explore water.
Breakfast Club and After-School Club are for nursery children aged three and four only, subject to space and a confirmed booking.
Eligible children can access up to 15 or 30 funded hours each week from the term after their second birthday. Additional paid sessions are subject to availability; Shells has no chargeable extras.
No. A separate application is required through the local authority. For September 2027 entry, apply through Torbay Admissions by 15 January 2027.
