Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Bumblebees brings nursery and pre-school children into Plaistow Hill’s school setting on Roman Way in Plymouth. Provision starts with two-year-olds. At the April 2022 inspection, the youngest children learned with older nursery peers and also spent individual time with a key worker. That combination characterised the provision then: shared activities, with attention to the younger child’s needs.

Stories and practical number activities give a concrete picture of early learning here. In April 2022, nursery children, including two-year-olds, listened to a dinosaur story linked to their learning theme. Reading aloud connected the book with what children were exploring, rather than treating story time as an isolated activity.

In April 2022, the early years curriculum specified learning content and the order in which children would encounter it. In parent terms, learning has a planned direction alongside opportunities for children to make choices. In April 2022, children selected mathematical resources themselves, while adults also directed activities. Outdoor learning gave them opportunities to work together and use their number skills.

Assessment was a qualification to that picture. Checks on learning did not consistently lead to changes that helped pupils retain concepts. The curriculum needed more responsive adaptation, a relevant consideration alongside the planned learning sequence.

Individual attention matters for the youngest children. In April 2022, two-year-olds had time alone with their key worker as well as learning with older children. Early years children settled promptly and responded attentively to adults’ instructions. Several early years staff held paediatric first-aid training, adding a specific care qualification to the team’s teaching role.

For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), support is organised around the child, family, class teacher, teaching assistants and SENCO. Teaching can be adjusted, with individual adult support, visual cues or specialist equipment according to need. Colourful Semantics and support from the NHS Speech and Language Team are among the options. These are responses to individual needs, rather than activities every nursery child receives.

Parents have a practical starting point: discuss concerns with the class teacher. Targeted support involves consultation with families, and individual plans set goals for the child. Teaching staff hold Qualified Teacher Status, while pastoral support assistants have completed Emotional Literacy Support Assistant training. This gives families routes to discuss both learning and emotional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using the Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.

There is a limited nursery-related priority for 2027/2028 entry. The fourth oversubscription category covers children attending the school’s nursery if, when applying, they receive one of three premiums: early years pupil premium, pupil premium or service premium. A Pupil Premium Supplementary Information Form is required. Attendance alone does not qualify, and this priority does not guarantee admission.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children visit their next class and teacher during the summer term; some have extra visits or a booklet with pictures to use at home. Staff also exchange information about individual needs, helping the next team prepare for the child.

Morning nursery runs from 08:30 to 11:30, and the afternoon session from 12:00 to 15:00. The all-day pattern starts at 08:35 and finishes at 14:30; staying until 15:00 carries an additional charge. The different finishing times matter when arranging collection.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01752 365410 or email office@plaistowhill.co.uk. The school is on Roman Way, St Budeaux, Plymouth, PL5 2DT.