Doubletrees School Nursery Review

Communication and individual EHC plans shape the early years provision at Doubletrees School. This is specialist education: the school supports children with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex or multiple needs. Its youngest learners’ education starts with their individual needs, giving families a clear focus for discussing learning and support together.

Ofsted judged the early years provision Good at the inspection on 11 and 12 July 2023. Age context. There were no children younger than four enrolled at that time. Families should distinguish that historical picture from the nursery provision when considering suitability for their child.

The early years curriculum concentrates on communication and foundational learning, with each child’s EHC plan directing the work. That connects learning to individual goals rather than treating the youngest children as a single group with identical needs. In July 2023, children were successfully prepared to begin a curriculum pathway as they progressed beyond early years.

Communication also has its own place as a core subject across the school’s pathways. The school aims to match teaching methods and resources to individual communication needs, bringing in external specialists where additional input is needed. For a parent, the practical significance is the emphasis on helping a child express themselves and participate in interactions.

Makaton provides a concrete example of the wider school’s communication work. A new sign is the focus each week, linked to a season, event or theme, and families are encouraged to practise alongside their children. The aim is to help children use signing in different settings, connecting school learning with life at home.

Every learner at Doubletrees has an EHCP, and its outcomes guide their provision. A yearly review considers how education, health and care support is helping the child work towards longer-term goals. Parents and carers take part, alongside relevant agencies where appropriate, so the discussion brings family knowledge together with professional input.

Professionals supporting an individual learner are invited to contribute or attend. Meetings can take place at school or online through Teams. That gives families two ways to participate in reviewing their child’s support. The school also aims to work with families on communication strategies that can be used at home and in the community.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Discuss the next stage with the local authority through the child’s EHCP and placement review process.

At Doubletrees, special-school placements follow the EHCP pathway. Cornwall Council’s Statutory Special Educational Needs Panel makes allocation decisions, and admission requires the local authority to name the school in the child’s EHCP. Existing placements are reviewed annually for their continuing suitability. This makes the child’s plan and placement review central to discussions about what happens next.

Visits can be arranged by emailing enquiries@doubletrees.org.uk. General enquiries can also go through the administration team on 01726 812757, with staff passing them to the appropriate colleague when needed. A visit offers families a practical starting point for discussing the specialist provision and their child’s needs.