St Mawes Primary School Nursery Review

Play and conversation give this nursery its character. At St Mawes Primary School on Grove Hill, children aged three and above begin their learning within the school's early years provision, with Castle Class teachers and a teaching assistant forming the nursery team. Morning, afternoon and all-day options give families a choice of session lengths.

The nursery aims to develop children's social confidence alongside their learning, using play as the starting point. That makes communication and independent exploration central to its approach.

Language runs through the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with Development Matters guiding the planned sequence. In parent terms, activities respond to children's interests and development, while adults check what they are learning and adjust their approach. Children explore through play; conversations with adults help them practise speech and extend their vocabulary.

Stories, poems, rhymes and non-fiction connect with topic themes. The intention is for children to encounter new words, then use them in different activities. A two-year EYFS rolling programme organises the curriculum. In April 2025, Ofsted found that phonics teaching was effective for children in the early years, giving reassurance about this specific aspect of learning.

The wider school grounds include an agility trail and wildlife area, alongside two playgrounds. These facilities form part of the wider school grounds. Indoors, Castle Class has sinks set at children's height, a practical feature for young children developing independence.

Teaching responsibilities are divided across the week: one Castle Class teacher works on Monday and Tuesday, the other from Wednesday to Friday. A teaching assistant supports Castle Class and also works across both school classes. Families therefore encounter a team with different teaching days.

For children with additional needs, the school's approach combines observations, assessment and discussion with parents. The SEND coordinator works with teachers and teaching assistants to plan support. Speech and Language Therapy and the Hearing Support Service are among the external agencies involved, providing routes to specialist advice when needed.

Lunch can extend a morning session until 1pm. This gives families an option between collecting at noon and choosing an afternoon session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school entry as separate decisions, even though the nursery belongs to St Mawes Primary School.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to noon, with an optional lunch extension to 1pm. Afternoon sessions begin at 1pm and finish at 3.15pm; all-day attendance is also offered. The lunch extension may attract a charge when it takes attendance beyond funded hours, so include that possibility when planning a booking.

Funded entitlement starts in the term after a child's third birthday: 15 hours, or 30 hours depending on eligibility. Non-funded sessions and hours beyond the applicable entitlement are invoiced termly. Payment is divided between the start of term and half-term. Contact the school for current charges.

Children can join during the academic year, subject to space. Families can submit a nursery application form or contact the nursery on 01326 270575. School visits can be arranged by telephone through the secretary, offering a practical next step before deciding.