Mary Dean's Nursery Review

Play, minibeast discovery and Forest School give Noah's Nursery its character. This is the nursery at Mary Dean's CofE Primary School and Nursery in Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth, with children able to start from three years old. It sits within a Church of England primary school, bringing early learning into a school setting.

In October 2024, Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children in the nursery were developing familiarity with routines, sharing and taking turns: practical foundations for learning alongside other children.

Learning through play shapes the provision. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and children's social and emotional learning, alongside literacy, mathematics, creative work and understanding the world. These areas overlap in activities, so one task can exercise several skills.

Sharing construction bricks involves discussion and joint planning as well as handling and balancing materials. Pedalling, pushing and pulling develop movement and coordination. Forest School adds listening to instructions and conversation about discoveries, including minibeasts. The youngest children use the school grounds for Forest School activities; an outdoor classroom is also available to all pupils. Outdoor learning has a physical place here.

Across early years, number activities include matching bricks to number cards and putting numerals in order. Books and storytelling sit alongside mark-making in play. Gardening explores what plants need, while colour mixing and painting bring experimentation into creative work. Digital resources are accessible during EYFS creative play too. These are concrete ways to connect language, counting and curiosity, rather than treating them as isolated exercises.

In October 2024, the early years curriculum gave children experiences that developed knowledge progressively, with opportunities to revisit learning and pursue their curiosity.

Settling starts before the first nursery term. An induction meeting with the nursery teacher takes place in the preceding term and includes a short nursery visit. Children can begin getting to know the surroundings, staff and other children before starting their sessions.

For additional needs, the school's support structure includes a SEND coordinator, learning support and development, social, emotional and mental health support, and a special educational needs teaching assistant. Parents can contact the SEN team through the office by telephone or email. This gives families a direct route for discussing their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process; the school directs applications to Plymouth's school admissions service. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Term-time sessions run Monday to Friday, from 8.45 to 11.15am and from 12.30 to 3pm. Lunch club occupies the interval, from 11.15am to 12.30pm. These timings matter when arranging collection and care around the nursery day.

Funding covers 15 hours each week from the term after a child's third birthday. Paid sessions allow children to start from age three before that funding begins. Some parents qualify for extended funding of 30 hours; eligibility is discussed with the school office. Contact the school for current charges.

Return the nursery application form to the office or email office@marydeans.plymouth.sch.uk. Acceptance of the form guarantees neither a place nor the requested sessions, so families should wait for confirmation before organising care around their preferred pattern.