Mayfield School Nursery Review

Play, sensory exploration and learning to make choices shape Mayfield’s early years provision. It belongs to the specialist school on Moor Lane in Watcombe, Torquay, where education is designed for children with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) informs their provision. Individual needs set the direction.

The early years approach is called EYFS – Exploring. Its emphasis is on helping children interact, investigate and develop interests, with adults supporting their next steps. For parents, the central feature is the connection between everyday learning and their child’s particular communication, physical, emotional and medical needs.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning through play and children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Mayfield uses continuous provision: children can explore and practise skills, while staff help extend what they are doing. Listening, observing and experimenting are part of that approach, alongside learning through the senses.

Choice matters here. Activities help children understand their surroundings and express preferences, giving them opportunities to influence their learning. Group activities increase as children develop, with participation encouraged according to what they can manage. That makes the balance between individual exploration and learning alongside others responsive to the child.

Planning uses Development Matters, Early Learning Goals and Characteristics of Effective Learning. These frameworks help staff connect assessment with what a child needs next, rather than treating the same activity as the right next step for everyone.

In June 2024, Ofsted identified communication work beginning in the early years, using practical experiences and communication resources to help pupils express their needs. This is a useful focus for families whose child needs additional ways to communicate.

Support extends beyond classroom activities. Mayfield’s school health provision includes speech and language intervention for children assessed as needing it. Makaton and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) are used where appropriate, and communication aids are developed for children who do not speak. Speech and language therapists also support assessed eating and drinking difficulties.

Physiotherapy is delivered by visiting NHS staff for children assessed as requiring it, using a designated physiotherapy base. Classroom staff receive instructions about positioning and carry out prescribed programmes. This connects specialist input with support during the school day.

Food at the school is prepared on site. Parents must flag allergies because the kitchens handle allergens, including gluten and nuts, so preparation can be adjusted. Families also provide nappies and wipes each week where children need them. Medication requires parental consent and original pharmacy packaging with the child’s prescription label.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the Local Authority Special Needs Team to confirm the process for your child’s next stage; attendance should never be treated as an assured place.

For Mayfield, admission decisions rest with the Local Authority Special Needs Team rather than the school. Contact the team on 01803 208274 or EHCP@torbay.gov.uk about the placement process. A school visit and a placement decision are separate matters.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01803 328375. The school’s address is Moor Lane, Watcombe, Torquay, TQ2 8NH; general enquiries can also go to admin@mayfieldtorbay.org.

The school day runs from 09:00 to 15:00. This is the school’s timetable, rather than a description of bookable nursery sessions. For children taking medication, consent forms come from the office. Parents must also supply two emergency contact numbers and be able to collect their child promptly if they become unwell.