High Street Primary Academy Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and a purpose-built nursery unit give High Street’s youngest children their own starting point within the primary school. The nursery takes children aged two to four at the High Street site in Stonehouse, Plymouth. Its accommodation is on the ground floor, with an accessible toilet in the nursery building.

Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 July 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. In July 2023, children made quick gains from their initial levels of development and became increasingly independent in their learning.

Language gives the nursery day a clear thread. Children sing songs and learn rhymes that introduce letter sounds, giving them an early route into reading through familiar rhythms. The nursery reading programme includes Owl Babies, Jasper’s Beanstalk and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. These provide specific stories for children to encounter alongside their songs and rhymes.

At the July 2023 inspection, vocabulary teaching gave early years children the words to explain their learning confidently. The emphasis reaches beyond completing an activity: it helps children explain it.

The Early Years Foundation Stage connects these early steps in learning: building vocabulary, exploring letter sounds through songs and rhymes, and developing the skills to learn independently. Nursery practitioners also check development regularly, including at age two, to identify difficulties and plan support. The nursery has its own outdoor play area, which is under refurbishment. This is a practical consideration for families weighing the outdoor element of the day.

Parents have a part in children’s learning. In July 2023, early years staff explained learning expectations and shared suggestions for activities at home; parents valued that help. Across the academy, families receive spoken progress updates three times a year and an annual written account. An All about Me page combines information from home and school, allowing family knowledge to contribute to personalised targets.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities extends explicitly to the nursery. The Plymouth Graduated Approach to Inclusion uses a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing its impact. Nursery practitioners may provide individual help or work with a small group, with progress monitored by the special educational needs coordinator. Parents participate in decisions about SEND support and referrals to outside professionals.

The academy’s specialist connections include NHS Speech and Language Therapists and the Communication and Interaction Team. Its nurture space is available to all children, while additional emotional support can involve the nurture leader. These are school support arrangements that nursery families can draw into discussions about their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the relevant deadline. High Street participates in Plymouth’s local authority admissions procedures.

Transition support is a separate matter. When children change year groups, they spend time with their next teacher in the new classroom. Children with more specialised needs may have an Enhanced Transition Meeting involving family members, staff and relevant professionals. Familiarity and information sharing support the change of class; they do not secure admission.

For nursery enquiries, email the senior office manager at high.st.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk. School tours can be booked by calling 01752 225649.

Physical access. The nursery is at ground level and has an accessible toilet, but the route to the school playground includes a steep slope. Families with mobility needs should take that distinction into account when considering the site.