Nursery at Abbey 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Growing courgettes for lunch gives Abbey’s nursery a practical connection between outdoor play and everyday care. Children and parents help produce vegetables and herbs in the grounds, bringing something tangible from the garden to the table.
Abbey School’s nursery in Torquay caters for children aged 0 to 4, with Foundation 1 forming the preschool stage. It belongs to an independent school, but the nursery day has its own shape: an EYFS programme during core hours, shorter session choices and additional care around them.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s physical, emotional and social development. At Abbey, that means music, play, drama and topic activities alongside early language and number work. Core curriculum hours run from 9am to 3pm; timetables on the nursery noticeboard help parents follow the programme.
Language has a substantial role. The May 2025 ISI inspection found that early years children progressed well, with conversation, listening and vocabulary developed through stories. Counting real objects and making pictures with shapes gave mathematical ideas a practical form. These are activities parents can recognise and build on at home.
Spacious nursery rooms contain equipment for different aspects of development. Outside, the grounds support play across the seasons, with more time outdoors when conditions allow, especially in summer. Growing beans, potatoes and salads connects children with where food comes from. Learning extends beyond the playroom.
In May 2025, early years children also had swimming and PE lessons, with dancing, outdoor climbing and hand exercises supporting movement and preparation for writing. Adults helped children practise fair sharing and consider how their behaviour affected others. Physical activity and social learning both had a place in the day.
A nursery manager leads a team of nurses and assistants. Nursery staff undertake training updates covering the curriculum, safeguarding, health and safety, and first aid. In May 2025, early years staffing ratios were correct and paediatric first aiders were available. Children also received help to discuss difficult feelings, including disappointment and sadness.
Parents receive email news each week and can discuss progress and agree achievable goals with staff. The family support team includes the SENDCO, safeguarding staff and an online safety lead, giving families a route to support beyond everyday nursery conversations.
Lunches are prepared in the school kitchen, with menus displayed on noticeboards. Separate dishes can accommodate dietary needs or religious requirements through discussion with the catering team. That makes food arrangements something families can agree before attendance.
Safety and staff development. In May 2025, risk management and health and safety requirements affecting early years were unmet; supervision meetings addressed welfare concerns but lacked individual coaching. The ISI monitoring visit on 21 November 2025 found that all standards within its scope were met, including early years premises and risk arrangements. Staff had received risk assessment training, and hygiene, outdoor space and fire procedures met requirements. This was a focused follow-up, rather than a new assessment of the whole nursery programme.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission arrangements and any notice requirements with the school. Treat planning the next stage as a distinct decision from booking nursery sessions.
Foundation 1 is the preschool stage within Abbey’s foundation programme. Transition support focuses on children becoming confident and independent in the larger school setting. That support concerns settling into school life; it should remain separate from securing admission.
The fees page offers mornings from 9am to noon, a morning including lunch until 1pm, afternoons from 1pm to 3pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm. Early Room starts at 8am; Late Room runs until 5.30pm. At least two sessions each week are required.
Attendance follows a 38-week term-time model. Abbey Adventures Holiday Club can be booked separately for holidays, with closures on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year.
Eligible children can use 15 or 30 funded hours, with eligibility codes required where applicable. Funded time can be claimed on weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm during term time. Meals, consumables and additional activities sit outside the funded entitlement. Families may decline the consumables charge, arranging their own food in advance or paying separately for meals and activities. Ask for current charges before booking.
Enquire through the admissions form or call 01803 327868 to arrange a visit. Leaving requires written notice covering a full term, submitted by the first day of the final term, otherwise fees in lieu apply.
The nursery page gives an age range of 0 to 4 years, including babies and preschool children.
Yes. The fees page lists morning and afternoon options alongside a full day, with a minimum of two sessions per week.
No. Confirm Reception admission arrangements and any notice requirements with the school.
Abbey accepts 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible children. Eligibility conditions apply, and meals, consumables and extra activities are treated separately.
Abbey Adventures Holiday Club can be booked separately. The nursery offer includes closures on bank holidays and during the period between Christmas and New Year.
