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Nursery at Ernesettle Community 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A wild meadow, an outdoor classroom and access to a 3G pitch give Ernesettle’s youngest children room to explore beyond their play spaces. Indoors, refurbished early years rooms use a neutral colour scheme. This is nursery provision within Ernesettle Community School in Plymouth, with children joining Nursery from age 2 and moving to Pre-School from age 3.
Qualified teachers work alongside nursery staff. The school aims to develop independence, curiosity and confidence through play, with Pre-School children gradually taking part in more of school life. The grounds are part of that experience, rather than simply a backdrop.
Play and conversation shape the learning approach. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s learning, development and care up to age 5. Here, the school emphasises active experiences and opportunities to remember earlier learning, so children can build on what they already know.
Oracy means learning to express ideas and listen to other people. Starting in Nursery, the school aims to help children expand their vocabulary, organise their thoughts and speak confidently with adults and other children. This gives everyday conversation an educational purpose: children practise explaining themselves as well as joining in.
Books have a physical place throughout the early years classrooms, with comfortable reading areas where children can settle with a story. Outdoor learning adds a different rhythm. Pre-School children explore more of the grounds and participate in trips and visits; the school favours active exploration over screen use.
In January 2025, early years children developed their spoken language successfully and became confident in making relationships through structured activities. They also learnt school routines exceptionally well. These findings concern early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.
Each child has an allocated key worker. That adult gets to know their preferences, routines and needs, including allergies, and keeps parents involved in their development. A familiar contact gives families someone who knows their child individually, while the wider team shares responsibility for care.
Nursery and Pre-School leadership includes a lead teacher with an associate SENCo role, alongside room leadership and teaching and learning assistants. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents participate in reviewing progress towards individual goals. Support follows a graduated approach, combining universal provision with targeted or specialist strategies as needed.
The Family Support Advisor can help with new starts and settling in, as well as family routines, eating and sleep. This is practical support for parents alongside their child’s nursery experience.
A separate application matters. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s intake. The application route is Plymouth City Council.
For the 2025/2026 intake, the closing date was 15 January 2025. Nursery attendance carried conditional priority at criterion 4: children had to receive early years pupil premium, pupil premium or service premium when applying, with a completed premium supplementary form providing evidence. Attendance alone did not confer that priority. Families choosing nursery now should check the arrangements for their child’s Reception intake.
Participation in school life is a separate benefit. Pre-School children become familiar with wider parts of the grounds and school activities; that familiarity should be understood separately from the allocation of a Reception place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Families can choose up to five mornings, five afternoons or two-and-a-half days. Full-day options are also offered.
Eligible two-year-olds and all three- and four-year-olds can access funded places. Families entitled to funding can use 15 hours, with some eligible for up to 30 hours. Additional sessions, lunch clubs and wraparound provision carry charges; ask the school for current charges. Extra paid sessions and wraparound arrangements depend on availability.
Breakfast Club extends care from 7.30am, and After School Club runs until 6.00pm. To book or enquire, contact the office on 01752 201177 or email ecs@ecs.timat.org.uk. Requests for a place or changes to sessions use the relevant application forms.
Nursery welcomes children from age 2, with Pre-School starting from age 3.
Morning, afternoon and full-day options are offered. Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons are 12.15pm to 3.15pm.
Funded places are offered for eligible two-year-olds and all three- and four-year-olds. Entitled families can access 15 hours, with some eligible for up to 30 hours.
No. Reception requires a separate application. For the 2025/2026 intake, conditional nursery priority applied to children receiving one of the specified premiums at application, supported by the premium supplementary form.
Every child has a key worker who learns their routines, preferences and needs, and keeps parents involved. The whole team also supports the child and family.
