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Nursery at East Anstey 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A purpose-built nursery unit gives East Anstey’s youngest children their own physical base within a small village primary school in rural North Devon. This is school-attached provision: nursery children belong to Class 1, a mixed-age group that also includes Reception and Years 1 and 2. That organisation matters for families choosing between a nursery embedded in school life and a separate childcare setting.
At the March 2024 inspection, the on-site nursery catered for children aged two, three and four. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good on 20 and 21 March 2024; this was an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Talk and practical exploration give the nursery curriculum its clearest character. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities that involve discussing ideas, experimenting with materials and drawing on familiar experiences. Primary Learning Pathways is the school’s named curriculum for Years 1 to 6, rather than the nursery’s framework.
Creative work is hands-on. Early years art activities include playdough, chalk and paint, with children experimenting by adding water to chalk or sand to paint. They practise handling brushes and describing their creations, linking movement and material exploration with language. Design activities bring different challenges: children explore boxes, fabric and wood, practise using scissors safely, try ways of attaching materials and explain how their models were made. Cooking and activities involving unheated food introduce food hygiene too.
Understanding the World, an EYFS strand, introduces children to their immediate surroundings and the world beyond. The school also has an outdoor learning area developed for painting, drawing and sculpture, alongside construction and shelter work.
In March 2024, nursery language development was a strength: adults extended children’s speech and encouraged new vocabulary. There was a curriculum caveat, however. Some subjects lacked sufficiently precise learning steps beginning in early years, leaving gaps in knowledge and weakening preparation for later learning. The same report identified a school-level weakness in staff expertise in some wider curriculum subjects, making teaching inconsistent and limiting learning. It required further support for staff to strengthen their subject knowledge and teaching. These findings make the progression of learning an important consideration alongside the practical activities.
Early years practitioners form part of the staff team. For children needing additional help, the school’s support approach includes targeted or individual assistance across communication, learning, emotional needs and physical or sensory needs. Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher or contact the SENCo, giving families a direct route to discuss support.
Food choices sit within the school’s catering arrangements. Meals are prepared fresh daily, with three hot options including a vegetarian dish and a jacket potato with fillings. The school allows a daily choice between its meals and packed lunches; confirm nursery children’s access to these arrangements with the school. The school is nut free, so that restriction matters when preparing food from home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. East Anstey is a maintained community school, and applications go through Devon’s county admissions team.
Sharing Class 1 with Reception children describes the nursery’s place within the school. It does not secure admission: familiarity with the class and the allocation of a Reception place are separate matters.
For enquiries, contact the school on 01398 341369, email eastanstey@exmoorlink.org or use its online contact form. Families moving to the area can telephone to arrange a visit, providing a way to explore the school before making their choice.
Lunch planning. Confirm nursery meal access with the school before planning lunches. The school’s catering arrangements allow daily choices between school meals and packed lunches, and food brought from home must respect its nut-free rule.
The March 2024 inspection described an on-site nursery for two-, three- and four-year-olds.
They follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. Activities include creative materials, model-making, talk and exploration of their surroundings.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Devon’s county admissions team.
The school’s catering arrangements include three hot meal choices, with a vegetarian option and jacket potato, or a packed lunch from home. Confirm nursery children’s access with the school. Food brought from home must respect the school’s nut-free rule.
Telephone 01398 341369, email eastanstey@exmoorlink.org or use the school’s online contact form. Families moving to the area can telephone to arrange a visit.
