Harbertonford Church of England Primary School Nursery

Knowing when to help and when to let children try for themselves gives Harbertonford’s early years provision its character. In December 2024, experienced staff combined support with opportunities for children to work independently. That balance matters for parents seeking both adult guidance and room for a child to develop independence.

The nursery belongs to Harbertonford Church of England Primary School on Old Road, Harbertonford, near Totnes. It is the school’s own provision, with nursery applications handled directly by the school.

Children choose activities with a learning purpose. In December 2024, the early years provision offered plentiful opportunities to learn, with activities selected to develop children’s understanding and abilities. Choice therefore had a clear role: children could engage in activities while building knowledge and skills.

Adult involvement was responsive. Staff recognised when children needed assistance and when they could continue independently, giving them opportunities to attempt things for themselves. For a parent, the useful distinction is between simply providing activities and thinking carefully about what children learn through them. The early years findings supported the latter, with children making a positive start to their education.

Experienced early years staff provided help according to what children needed in December 2024. Their judgement about when to intervene connected support with independence: children could receive assistance while also having opportunities to manage an activity themselves.

That is a useful point of focus during a nursery tour. Look at how adults respond to children’s attempts, and how they help a child continue with an activity. The balance between assistance and independent effort is the clearest evidenced feature of the early years team’s work.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. A fresh application is required even for children already attending the preschool, and the Reception application goes to the local authority rather than directly to the school. Treat these as two separate decisions.

Devon County Council handles the application route. Families can apply online at www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline or use the application forms at devon.cc/applicationforms. Apply through the normal Reception process by its applicable deadline; arranging a nursery place is not a substitute for that application.

For the normal intake, Reception places are offered for the September term following a child’s fourth birthday. This also applies where a family intends to defer the start until later in that academic year.

Contact the school office on 01803 732352 or email adminharbertonford@thelink.academy to arrange a visit. Personal tours can include the preschool, giving families an opportunity to see the provision before making their nursery decision.

Preschool applications go directly to the school. Keep that route distinct from the local authority application for Reception, especially if you are considering both stages together. The office can discuss admission, and families can also contact Devon School Admissions Service about the school application process. If a Reception application is refused, an appeals process is available.