Homelands Primary School Nursery

Fresh-fruit drinks, dolls housed in Nipa huts and children tackling their own wet-weather clothing: practical learning gives Homelands’ early years its character. Language and independence run through these activities, so learning involves both talking about the world and managing small tasks for oneself.

The maintained nursery sits within Homelands Primary School on Westhill Road in Torquay. It serves children aged 3 and 4, with a Nursery Teacher and Nursery Nurse. There are 52 places across morning and afternoon provision, with 26 children per session. Children can start in the term following their third birthday.

Communication takes a prominent place in the early years curriculum. Ofsted’s February 2026 report judged early years to meet the Expected standard and found that teaching and curriculum design supported children’s learning, with language development receiving particular attention. Activities are planned around children’s needs and their next learning steps.

Making fruit drinks gives that approach a concrete shape. Children practise concentrating on a task while adults introduce precise words for different tastes. Describing sweetness and sourness links vocabulary to something children can experience directly. Other tasks develop hand control and knowledge about the world, bringing physical skills and understanding into the same activity.

Cultural learning is practical too. Making Eid cards and constructing Nipa huts for dolls give children ways to explore different backgrounds and share their own heritage. These are examples from the school’s early years provision, rather than a fixed timetable for each nursery session.

Independence also gets deliberate practice. Children work on putting on wellies and clothing for wet play, building the skills needed to manage these routines themselves. Early years phonics teaching supports children’s learning, with additional help provided promptly when needed. The emphasis is on developing skills through activities and everyday tasks.

Lunch is another opportunity to practise independence: early years children learn to handle cutlery themselves. Health routines include toothbrushing and learning why gum care matters. These practical habits make personal care part of the learning day.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support arrangements include small-group work or individual help where needed. A sensory room and garden are among its support spaces. The school works with Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists, giving families access to specialist input through its support arrangements.

Parents and class teachers review an Individual Support Plan each term, agreeing next steps together. That provides a regular point to discuss progress and adjust support. The school also uses an open-door approach to communication with families.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Homelands’ school admissions are managed by Torbay Council; its admissions team can be contacted at pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk.

Learning to manage clothing, use cutlery and communicate more precisely supports children’s growing independence. Those developmental benefits are separate from the allocation of a school place.

Morning and afternoon sessions form the nursery’s booking model. Minimum attendance. A place requires at least 12 hours, so families need to accommodate that commitment when choosing their pattern.

Nursery application forms are returned to the school office. For enquiries, contact office@homelandstorbay.org or call 01803 328264. School visits can also be arranged through the office, offering families a direct way to explore Homelands before applying.