Trehane Nursery at St Erme with Trispen Community Primary School

Children’s own interests help shape the learning at Trehane Nursery. This is the nursery class within St Erme with Trispen Community Primary School in Trispen, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday until statutory school age. It belongs to the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage provision, giving nursery learning a place within the wider school.

Indoor learning space is complemented by outdoor provision. A nursery beach outing features in Enrichment Week, adding a concrete example of experiences beyond the classroom.

Child-initiated activity is central to the approach: children can start something that matters to them, drawing on their interests and ideas. The early years team uses its knowledge of the children to shape classroom activities and resources. That gives children a role in deciding what they explore, rather than making adult-selected topics the sole starting point.

A theme introduced each half term adds another strand to this learning. The team incorporates themed activities into ordinary classroom practice to broaden children’s experiences, alongside the interests children bring themselves. The balance is between following a child’s curiosity and introducing something new.

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework covers care and development as well as learning. Here, its learning approach centres on exploration through play, active involvement and thinking creatively. In parent terms, children are encouraged to try things, stay engaged and develop their own ideas. These are the habits the curriculum aims to build. Both indoor and outdoor learning environments form part of the early years provision.

Settling into familiar routines is a strength supported by the October 2023 inspection: Ofsted found that children in the early years became accustomed to routines quickly. For a child beginning nursery, that offers reassurance about the adjustment to a new pattern of care and learning.

At that inspection, early years staff also recognised additional support needs promptly and changed provision accordingly. The useful point for families is the connection between recognising a difficulty and adapting what the child receives.

The school participates in Operation Encompass. A trained Key Adult can receive information from the police following a domestic incident involving or affecting a child, enabling staff to respond to possible difficulties for the child or family.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Cornwall Council coordinates school admissions; the school directs applicants to the council’s admissions service. Choosing Trehane for the nursery experience therefore remains a separate decision from applying for a school place.

Applications for Trehane go directly to the school, using its nursery application form or contacting the office. School visits can also be arranged by calling 01872 279539, giving families an opportunity to meet staff and see the setting. The office can be reached by email at secretary@st-erme.cornwall.sch.uk.