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Nursery at Truro Learning Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Balance bikes on a mountain bike track give this nursery day a distinctive twist. Big Waves, the nursery at Truro Learning Academy in Malabar, shares a mixed-age class with Reception, putting younger and older children together for play and learning. The nursery welcomes children aged three to four. Its base is the academy on Albany Road.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection of 27 and 28 June 2023. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection. In June 2023, children starting Nursery formed reassuring bonds with staff and other children, helping them become more confident and independent.
Children choose activities, explore resources and join brief teaching sessions led by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with Development Matters supporting planning. In parent terms, learning combines talk, movement and managing feelings with early reading, number work, creativity and discovering the world. Resources stay accessible so children can return to an idea and try it again.
Books have their own corners, while story and rhyme sessions have time reserved in the day. Nursery children practise recognising and working with sounds daily; in the summer term before Reception, Read Write Inc Nursery introduces single-letter sounds. Master the Curriculum supports nursery maths planning, combining adult teaching, small groups and learning through play. In June 2023, early years children learnt counting and comparative number language through stories, making mathematical ideas concrete.
Outside, the early years provision has a dedicated learning area and field. Children use balance bikes weekly on the school's mountain bike track, and nursery children join weekly Healthy Movers sessions, a Youth Sport Trust programme. Movement therefore has both space and planned activities. Indoors, a workshop area gives children somewhere to plan and make creations. Cooking takes place at least once each half term, introducing recipes alongside practical skills. World Nursery Rhyme Week brings an annual performance for all EYFS children, adding a shared occasion to daily singing.
Every child has a key person. The team includes an EYFS lead and class teacher, alongside nursery staff and teaching assistants. Adults help children put feelings into words and demonstrate ways to calm themselves and respond to others. Weekly SCARF activities give this social learning a short, practical focus. Fruit is offered at snack time.
Communication continues between home and nursery through conversations with the key person and Tapestry, where families can share significant experiences. Those experiences can shape activities, giving children's lives outside nursery a place in their learning. Wellcomm screening takes place within the first six weeks; children whose communication and language development is below the expected level for their age receive Wellcomm support twice weekly.
For additional needs, staff combine observations, assessment information and discussions with parents. The SEND coordinator works with teachers and teaching assistants on individual support programmes. School partners include Speech and Language Therapy, the Hearing Support Service and Aspire Inclusion Team. Parents discuss learning with the class teacher first, providing a clear starting point for support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline.
The mixed-age classroom makes the learning environment shared already. Preparation also includes the summer introduction to single-letter sounds through Read Write Inc Nursery. These are educational arrangements, separate from the decision about a Reception place.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. The full day runs from 8:40am to 2:40pm, with a separate end-of-school-day session from 2:40pm to 3:10pm. That distinction matters when planning collection.
Children may qualify for funded childcare. Morning, afternoon and end-of-school-day sessions carry charges; contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications use an application form, and families can arrange a visit or make enquiries through hello@truroacademy.org.uk.
The nursery currently welcomes children aged three to four.
Morning sessions are 8:40am to 11:40am, afternoons 12:10pm to 3:10pm, and full days 8:40am to 2:40pm. A separate session runs from 2:40pm to 3:10pm.
Children have a dedicated outdoor learning area and field, use balance bikes weekly on the school mountain bike track, and take part in weekly Healthy Movers sessions.
Families communicate with the key person through conversations and Tapestry. Staff also discuss additional learning needs with parents when planning support.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, even when a child attends the nursery.
