High View School Nursery Review

Play, familiar adults and a school setting shape the nursery at High View School in Efford, Plymouth. Children can join from 3 years old, and the nursery forms part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Its approach centres on children exploring, talking and developing independence, with activities planned for both indoor and outdoor learning.

The school aims to make these first experiences feel familiar and reassuring. A nursery teacher works alongside nursery assistants, giving the provision its own teaching team within the wider school. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play is the main vehicle for learning. Children investigate their interests, tackle problems and practise communicating through activities and interactions with adults. Indoor and outdoor environments are planned to support this approach, so learning extends beyond the classroom. The emphasis is on participation: children explore and try things for themselves.

The EYFS framework brings together seven areas of development. Language, movement and relationships sit alongside early reading and writing, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. In parent terms, this connects learning to talk and get along with others with the beginnings of literacy, number work and making sense of everyday experiences. Activities are adapted to individual needs.

In November 2023, children in early years developed secure recognition of letters and sounds, giving them foundations for subsequent reading. Art included experimenting with lines and colour. Social learning mattered too: children learned to cooperate and share during play. These are useful, concrete examples of how early learning combines subject knowledge with the skills needed to take part in a group.

Settling begins with visits and opportunities to become familiar with the setting. Consistent routines and familiar adults support that process, while staff take account of each child’s interests and needs. The school aims to help children become independent at a pace that suits them, rather than treating settling as a single event.

Communication gives parents several ways to stay involved. Class Dojo carries class learning and news and allows questions to teachers; Arbor handles school messages and reminders, with a route to contact the office. Regular sharing of children’s progress is part of the early years approach, helping connect experiences at home and school.

For children with SEND, the school emphasises identifying needs early and working with families and external professionals. Its aim is to adapt support while encouraging independence. Parents can discuss their child’s needs with the school, making that conversation part of planning support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority route, using the common application form submitted to Plymouth City Council.

Check the admission arrangements and application deadline for your child’s Reception entry year.

The nursery accepts 15 and 30 hour funding. Additional sessions beyond funded hours are offered as morning or afternoon blocks lasting 3 hours. Spare hours can be purchased after hours have been allocated; private bookings are also offered. Lunch sessions carry a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be arranged through the school. For nursery enquiries or to organise a visit, email office@highviewschool.org.uk or telephone 01752 772 984. This provides a direct route to the team before choosing a booking pattern.