Probus Primary School Nursery

Stories, songs and hands-on experiments give Probus Nursery its character. Children explore The Hungry Caterpillar, plant beans and mix paint colours: language and discovery run together here. This is Probus Primary School’s own nursery in Probus village, near Truro, with entry from the term after a child reaches 2.5 years, subject to space.

The school grounds include a polytunnel, two playgrounds and a large field. Those are school facilities, rather than a promise of particular nursery activities; the nursery’s own emphasis is on exploration, with families asked to supply named waterproofs and wellies, which may be kept at nursery for outdoor exploration.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care, development and learning together for children up to five. At Probus, first-hand exploration is the starting point. Children investigate materials, practise making marks and act out stories, giving them ways to express ideas through movement, talk and play.

Books anchor the nursery curriculum, alongside rhymes and songs. The Three Billy Goats Gruff becomes role play; paint sprayers introduce colour mixing; adding water to Skittles becomes a science experiment. These are concrete opportunities to question what happens and describe what children notice. Get set for PE also begins in Nursery, alongside an introduction to phonics.

Adult teaching is followed by supported work in smaller groups and play that children choose themselves. Resources are introduced gradually, with children’s interests influencing the learning spaces. That gives the day both direction and room for independent choices. Nursery routines also aim to build independence and relationships, so learning extends beyond the activities themselves.

Each nursery child has a key worker who supports care and relationships with the family. Progress is shared through Tapestry, with learning goals discussed regularly with parents. However, the February 2025 inspection found that some parents across the school felt their concerns were not properly addressed, and communication about resolving bullying and other issues was sometimes insufficient. This gives families a connection between what happens in nursery and the learning they can support at home. The nursery team includes a lead and assistants, and staff undertake continuing training.

Additional needs are considered through observation, assessment and conversations with parents. Across the school, the SEND coordinator works with teaching staff on support programmes, with agencies including Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychologists.

In February 2025, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities in early years had their needs recognised promptly. The same inspection raised a school-level concern about insufficient monitoring of some SEND support, including whether further changes were needed. For families whose child needs extra help, the practical issue is how the impact of that support is reviewed.

Attending Probus Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

The key-worker relationship with families continues into Reception. That continuity supports the move between stages, but it does not secure admission.

Funded entitlement of 15 hours, or 30 hours where eligible, starts in the term after a child turns three. Probus Nursery currently cannot offer funded places for two-year-olds. Non-funded sessions and additional hours beyond the applicable entitlement are charged; contact the school for current charges.

Children may wear their own clothes. A jade school jumper is encouraged, and named wellies and waterproof clothing should be supplied for exploring outdoors. These can stay at nursery.

For nursery enquiries, call 01726 882647. School visits can be arranged by emailing hello@probusschool.org.uk, and families can complete a nursery application before a visit so the team can discuss their requirements.