St Michael's Church of England Academy Nursery

Drums, rhythms and experiments with sound give this Paignton nursery a distinctive note. Lullabubbas music sessions let children try instruments, change how loudly they play and explore the vibrations they produce. It is a concrete example of learning through doing.

St Michael's nursery caters for children aged two to four within a Church of England primary academy on Fisher Street. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 30 April and 1 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play is the main route into learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) develops children's communication, concentration and social confidence alongside early reading and mathematics. Children have opportunities to choose activities for themselves, with structured play helping them practise skills and express ideas before they can write them down.

Indoor learning and outdoor activities both feature. Art, imaginative play and music give children different ways to explore and communicate; sharing, singing and solving problems form part of the nursery day. The combination makes room for children's own interests as well as adult teaching.

In April and May 2024, vocabulary teaching began in Nursery, including accurate mathematical terms during measuring activities. Children worked together for extended periods and began connecting sounds into words. These are useful foundations: learning to explain a measurement or listen closely to a word gives practical purpose to early language work.

Lullabubbas adds a named musical experience to that mix. Exploring volume, rhythm and vibration turns instruments into something children can investigate, rather than simply listen to.

Lunch falls between 11.30am and noon. Children whose sessions include lunchtime can bring food from home or have a charged school meal. The catering team cooks meals on site using fresh ingredients, with vegetarian and meat choices each day. Pasta, baked potatoes and salad provide further options, so families can choose between a packed lunch and the school's food.

Eligible nursery children may receive a free school meal when they attend sessions on both sides of lunch that day. This condition matters when arranging hours.

For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), families can speak with the class teacher or arrange an appointment with the school's SEND coordinator through the office. This provides a clear route for discussing a child's needs. Nursery enquiries and help with the My Child At School (MCAS) account also go through the office team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate formal application through their home local authority. For Torbay residents, the normal application window runs from 1 November to 15 January, using Torbay Council's school admissions service. Keep that application separate from nursery bookings: choosing the nursery does not complete the Reception application.

Term-time nursery opening hours are 8.30am to 3pm on weekdays. Booked time slots must last at least three hours in a day, giving families a minimum booking length to work around. Children are collected directly from Nursery when their session finishes.

Funded entitlement is either 15 or 30 hours, with up to 30 hours accessible for eligible children aged two to four. Additional paid sessions are offered, and Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers are accepted. Contact the school for current charges.

Tours include meeting the nursery team and discussing the provision. To enquire or arrange a tour, email stmichaels@lapsw.org; nursery applications can also be made using the application form.