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Nursery at Marine Academy Primary
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, stories and conversation give Marine Academy Primary’s nursery provision its character. Rhyme Time uses repeated songs, gestures and sounds to encourage children to listen and join in. Language learning starts with something children can enjoy together.
Nursery and Pre-School have distinct curriculum plans within the primary school in St Budeaux, Plymouth. The on-site pre-school is managed by school leaders. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 15 and 16 March 2022; that judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, movement, relationships, reading, numbers, creativity and the surrounding world. Assessment happens through watching children during ordinary activities and through planned tasks with individuals or small groups. For parents, this means development is considered across several areas, rather than reduced to early reading alone.
Rhyme Time gives the Nursery curriculum a clear daily thread. Children repeat a main rhyme each day, imitate gestures and explore rhythm and tempo. The nursery aims to extend vocabulary and encourage speech through these sessions. Familiar repetition gives children opportunities to contribute sounds and words as their confidence develops.
Sensory play connects with stories too. Nursery activities include a tuff tray containing leaves and branches, while other planned trays use transport toys or blue sensory materials with boats. These give children objects to explore alongside the language of a story. Nursery children also visit the Academy’s Library regularly, choosing books or spending time with the Library Assistant. Books can travel home for families to share.
Pre-School adds practical story-linked experiences. Children make and decorate gingerbread biscuits, use ingredients to make bread and explore porridge-making. Garden activities include digging, watering and planting vegetables. Building tasks use boxes, sticks and materials such as straw, wood and bricks. The connection is concrete: children can talk about a story while making, growing or testing something themselves.
Speaking and listening activities in Nursery and Pre-School are planned around children’s developing needs. Teachers use observations and continuing assessment to decide who needs additional support and who is ready for more challenge. This makes attention to language part of everyday teaching.
In March 2022, early years staff gave language and communication a strong emphasis, using books and opportunities for conversation to develop vocabulary. For a child still finding the words to express themselves, that focus matters. Families with teaching, pastoral or progress concerns can contact the school and speak to the teacher, giving them a direct route to discuss their child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Plymouth City Council is the local authority for admissions to Marine Academy Primary. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
The provision sits at Marine Academy Primary on Trevithick Road, St Budeaux, Plymouth, PL5 2AF. For enquiries, contact primary@marineacademy.org.uk or telephone 01752 213939. A contact form also accepts enquiries directed to Primary. School tours are offered, giving families an opportunity to see the school before deciding.
Rhyme Time uses songs, repeated language, rhythm and gestures, with a main rhyme repeated daily.
Yes. They visit the Academy’s Library regularly to choose books or work with the Library Assistant, and can borrow books to share at home.
Planned activities include making bread, decorating gingerbread biscuits, building with different materials and planting vegetables in the garden.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process.
Email primary@marineacademy.org.uk, call 01752 213939 or use the school’s contact form and select Primary.
