St Stephen Churchtown Academy Nursery

Porth and Polzeath give the nursery two distinct age groups: Porth for children aged 2-3 and Polzeath for those aged 3-4. Both belong to St Stephen Churchtown Academy in Creakavose, St Stephen. Nursery leads and assistants work across the two classes, giving families a school nursery with provision beginning at age 2.

Play, talk and growing independence shape its approach. The emphasis is on children making choices and developing the confidence to explain their thinking.

Three-hour sessions provide the practical shape of the day, with a morning and an afternoon option. Within them, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, language and relationships with early literacy, maths, creative work and learning about the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond reading and counting to how children communicate, move and get along together.

Children help direct their play. Resources are arranged to encourage independent choices, while adults support exploration and thinking. Choosing Chimp represents independence; Reflective Rhino encourages children to talk about their learning. These named characters give children concrete ways to recognise habits the nursery aims to develop.

Balance bikes and We're Going on a Bear Hunt are specific examples of the nursery's activities. Books and conversation sit alongside movement. In July 2024, nursery children practised familiar rhymes and songs, and staff planned learning to build independence. The outdoor learning space supported different curriculum areas, making it part of the learning environment rather than simply somewhere for a break.

Before children begin, the Early Years lead arranges meetings with new entrants so their needs can be understood. This gives families an opportunity to bring individual needs into the conversation before nursery starts. In July 2024, children in the two-year-old provision settled promptly, helped by predictable routines and clear expectations.

Additional needs are considered through observation, assessment and conversations with parents. The school's SENDCo works alongside teachers and teaching assistants to plan support; external partners include the Early Years Inclusion Service and Speech and Language Therapy. Parents can discuss progress with the class teacher or SENDCo. For children needing coordinated support, staff attend Early Support TAC/Multi Agency meetings to help transitions between phases.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at St Stephen Churchtown Academy. Nursery entry and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception route by the applicable deadline.

Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. Children joining Reception can watch their new teachers reading stories and explaining an All About Me box. These offer a way to become familiar with the adults before starting. For children with additional needs, multi-agency transition meetings provide a further opportunity to coordinate support.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Plan collection around the nursery timetable. Polzeath children are collected at the side door, with children released individually from class.

To apply, complete the Nursery Application Form and a team member will contact you. Families can also arrange an appointment through the office. The school can be reached on 01726 822568 or at hello@ststephenchurchtown.org.uk.