Mini Matts Nursery at St Matthew's, Plymouth

Play and growing independence give Mini Matts its focus. This is the on-site nursery at St Matthew's Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy in Plymouth, for three and four year olds, with a maximum of 24 children attending at once. It shares the wider school's Christian values, including courage, forgiveness and hope. Nursery life sits within the school community, while its sessions have their own timetable.

Morning, afternoon and all-day sessions give families distinct ways to shape the day. For children staying all day, the lunch period remains part of their learning rather than a separately charged break when included in a funded session. Nursery lunch starts at 11.30am.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, relationships, movement, reading, mathematics, creativity and the world. In parent terms, learning extends beyond early letters and numbers. Mini Matts aims to develop independence through play and creative exploration. Early years children can use their outdoor area throughout the day, rather than waiting for a fixed playtime, giving outdoor activity a place within the learning routine.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 29 and 30 March 2022. At that time, adults responded thoughtfully to children's needs and planned opportunities for questioning, exploration and play; children's interest supported independent learning and readiness for their next stage.

Settling starts before the first term. Once a place is confirmed, the nursery manager contacts families during the preceding term to arrange a settling session. Children meet their key person and nursery colleagues while parents discuss their child. That gives the team a starting point for understanding individual needs before regular attendance begins.

Help with personal care is explicit. Staff assist nursery children who cannot yet manage toileting alone, while encouraging independence, and spare clothing is kept at school. Where support is ongoing, an Intimate Care Plan agrees arrangements between home and school; families also provide spare clothes. Parents can raise additional needs through the office with the SENCO or Inclusion team.

Food choices allow for different family routines. Children are offered breakfast, snacks and a light teatime snack; lunch can be brought from home or supplied by the academy kitchen, which caters for dietary requirements. CaterEd provides hot and cold meals, booked ahead through MCAS. Families qualifying for free school meals receive a free lunch when their child attends both before and after the lunchtime period. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and products containing them.

Attending Mini Matts does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority and meet the deadline for their child's admission round. Plymouth residents apply through Plymouth's school-place application service. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; families choosing a later intake should use that intake's arrangements.

For the 2026-27 admission year, nursery attendance gives sixth-category oversubscription priority, below the category for other children living within a two-mile radius. Children must attend Mini Matts when the application is made and use at least half of their free Early Years Entitlement there. Buying additional sessions gives no extra priority. This is a conditional place in the allocation order, so families should keep the Reception application separate from their nursery booking.

Core sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, or 8.30am to 3.30pm for an all-day place, during term time. The nursery opens Monday to Friday. Attendance is booked in blocks; changes generally take effect at a term's start, and requested hours depend on availability.

Before-school provision runs from 8.00am to 8.30am. After-school options run from 3.30pm to either 4.30pm or 5.45pm. These sessions can involve different adults and older children. Agree the collection time when booking a longer day.

Government-funded sessions begin in the term following the third birthday: 15 hours are automatic, while 30 hours require an application and eligibility. Charges apply to attendance beyond the funded entitlement. Consumables have no additional charge; trips or visiting activities may prompt a voluntary contribution. Contact the school for current charges.

Uniform is optional, with jumpers available to buy. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact smpa.office@stcmat.org or 01752 395969. Nursery applications require both the Nursery Application Form and Parent Declaration Form.