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Nursery at St Edward's CofE Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and questions shape F1 at St Edward's: children sing, solve problems and test their ideas as they explore. This is the school's nursery for three- and four-year-olds, within its Early Years Foundation Stage unit on Fort Austin Avenue in Eggbuckland, Plymouth.
Opened in September 2020, the nursery shares the school's Church of England identity. St Edward's aims to develop children's confidence and resilience through play. The emphasis is on having a go, persevering when something proves difficult and finding ways to put an idea into practice.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes a practical form here: children investigate, practise skills through play and make connections between their ideas. Singing and talking sit alongside problem solving, giving children opportunities to express themselves as well as try things out. Learning involves both exploration and persistence.
In May 2025, nursery children explored stories including Jack and the Beanstalk through role play and picture sequences. Indoor and outdoor activities included constructing peg towers, growing flowers from seed and acting out familiar poems. These are concrete ways to connect stories, language and hands-on investigation. Children also worked together, giving their play a social dimension.
Across the early years in May 2025, phonics introduced sounds in sequence before children combined them into words. Reading books reflected the sounds children had already learned, while additional help supported those beginning to fall behind. That connects practice to what a child can already do.
Learning sometimes extends beyond the school site. In December 2025, F1 children joined an EYFS visit to Plymouth Christian Centre to explore the Nativity story, linking an outing with the school's religious character.
Food comes with some choice. Nursery children whose booking includes lunchtime can bring food from home or have a charged school meal. A fruit or vegetable snack is provided daily in F1. In May 2025, children practised helping themselves and one another at the snack table, making an everyday care routine an opportunity for independence.
The EYFS team includes an early years leader, teaching assistants and a mealtime assistant. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school's My Plan sets small targets, with reviews at least three times a year and opportunities for parents to discuss support. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns.
Classrooms use neutral display colours and reduce clutter. These adjustments address visual distraction rather than relying only on adult support. Families can discuss SEND concerns by phone, face to face or through Dojo messaging, keeping communication connected to the child's support plan.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2026 entry, Plymouth residents applied through plymouth.gov.uk/apply-school-place; the normal closing date was 15 January 2026.
For the 2026-27 intake, nursery attendance carries fifth priority when applications exceed places, after catchment priority. Children must attend St Edward's nursery when applying and take at least half their free Early Years Entitlement there. Paid sessions add no priority. That is a conditional preference, not an assured place.
For SEND transitions, the school involves families and uses meetings, transition packs and home visits. This practical preparation is separate from the admission decision.
Eligible families can access up to 30 funded hours. Additional nursery childcare can be booked by the hour, with current charges obtained from the school. Applications require both a Nursery Application Form and a Parents Declaration Form, returned to the school.
Timings. The EYFS unit hours are 8.45am to 3.45pm, while hourly nursery sessions run from 8.30am to 3.00pm. F1 Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 8.30am; after-school bookings have slots from 3.00pm to 4.00pm and 4.00pm to 4.45pm. Families should use their agreed booking times when planning collection.
Enquiries can be made on 01752 705130 or at edw.office@stcmat.org, with a contact form also available.
St Edward's nursery caters for children aged three and four.
Complete the Nursery Application Form and Parents Declaration Form and return both to the school.
Children attending over lunchtime can bring a packed lunch or order a charged school lunch. F1 also provides a daily fruit or vegetable snack.
No. A separate local authority application is required. For 2026-27, qualifying nursery attendance carries fifth oversubscription priority, provided the child attends when applying and takes at least half their free Early Years Entitlement there. Paid sessions add no priority.
Eligible nursery families can access up to 30 funded hours. F1 has Breakfast Club and after-school booking slots, alongside additional hourly nursery childcare.
