Leigham Primary School Nursery Review

Language comes early at Leigham: children begin developing phonics knowledge in Nursery through Essential Letters and Sounds. This is the school's own provision for children aged 3–4, based on its Plymouth site at Cockington Close. It offers a start within the primary school rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Communication is a clear early years focus. In December 2024, children were developing the language and vocabulary that would support later learning, alongside confidence in expressing themselves. For parents, that gives talking and understanding a place alongside the first steps towards reading.

Essential Letters and Sounds provides the named phonics approach from Nursery. The programme connects spoken sounds with their written forms to help children read words. Its nursery use should be distinguished from the school's later daily teaching timetable: the useful nursery detail is the early introduction to phonics knowledge.

Outdoor learning has a substantial school setting around it. Leigham's grounds include a vegetable garden, chicken run and pond, while an outdoor classroom and covered areas support learning outside in different weather. These are school facilities, rather than a description of a dedicated nursery garden. They give the site a practical connection to plants, animals and the natural world.

A Nursery Manager sits within the Early Years team. For families, that provides an identifiable nursery role within the wider school structure. The school's SEND team works with parents on support suited to individual needs, giving families a route for discussing barriers to their child's participation.

Arbor is the school's main communication channel, with staff able to send messages about children's learning. Parents can also contact the office by telephone or email. This gives home and school several ways to keep in touch.

Meals across the school are prepared on site using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Choices include jacket potatoes and vegetarian dishes alongside a main option. The school is nut-free, a practical consideration when packing food. These are school meal arrangements; they should not be read as a promise that lunch is included in a nursery booking.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing this nursery and securing a school place as two separate decisions.

Nursery opening hours are 9am–3pm each day. Use those nursery hours when planning collection and work commitments.

Enquiries go through the school office at admin@leigham-primary.plymouth.sch.uk or 01752 790990. Guided school tours can be requested during school time or after school, offering a practical opportunity to meet staff and see the facilities.

If another adult will collect your child, tell the class teacher in the morning or leave a message with the office team. This keeps a change of collection arrangements clear to staff.