Dartington Church of England Academy Nursery

Play, conversation and singing shape the nursery day at Dartington Church of England Academy. Children investigate their surroundings, try out skills and tackle problems through play, giving early learning a practical, social shape.

The nursery takes children aged two to four within the school's Early Years Foundation Stage unit. Sparrows is the group for two-year-olds; Wrens combines three- and four-year-old nursery children with Reception. That group structure places the nursery within the school's early years provision while distinguishing its youngest children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) develops the skills children need to learn: listening, speaking, concentrating and building relationships. Activities include imaginative play, music and art, alongside early work with numbers and communication. Children can initiate activities indoors and outside, with structured play helping them express ideas before they can read or write. Learning therefore includes choosing, experimenting and playing with other children, rather than only completing adult-directed tasks.

In July 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children began learning letter sounds when ready, while early years story choices introduced different religions and cultures. This connects the beginnings of reading with listening to stories and encountering other people's experiences. Readiness matters here: the nursery phonics finding describes a starting point responsive to the child.

Counting also has a playful form. In July 2023, nursery children used their fingers alongside traditional counting songs. The combination gives an abstract idea a physical action: children can connect a number with what their fingers are doing as they sing.

Lunch breaks for Nursery/EYFS run from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Children whose booked hours include lunch can bring food from home or have a charged school meal. The school's catering team cooks on site using fresh ingredients, with meat, vegan and vegetarian options each day. Pasta and baked potatoes are among the other choices, so families have alternatives to a packed lunch.

For additional learning needs, the class teacher is the first contact. Questions about an education, health and care plan or an existing SEND request can go to the SENDCo, with a dedicated SEND email route also available. This gives parents a clear starting point for discussing support. Family support has its own contact route, and letters reach parents through email and the My Child At School App.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate formal application, including those whose child already attends the nursery. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

Devon residents apply through Devon County Council at www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline between 15 November and 15 January. Families living in another local authority apply through their home council, with the same closing date. Keeping that application in the family calendar matters even when a child is already familiar with Dartington.

Opening hours are 9am to 3pm on weekdays in term time. Booked slots last at least three hours in a day and start from 9am. Eligible two-year-olds can access 15 funded hours; for three- and four-year-olds, there are 15 funded hours, or 30 subject to eligibility. Additional paid childcare can be booked. Ask the school for current charges.

Tours include meeting the nursery team and discussing the provision. Contact the office on 01803 862357 or dartington@lapsw.org to enquire. Dartington has no school uniform; suitable, clearly labelled clothing is required.