Horrabridge Primary & Nursery School Nursery Review

An enclosed astro turf play space, direct access outdoors and a classroom of its own give Horrabridge’s nursery a distinct base within the primary school. Children aged two to four attend here, with the provision operating in term time. It combines a nursery room with opportunities to use the wider school grounds.

Two nursery managers lead the provision, supported by nursery practitioners. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Morning and afternoon sessions each last three hours; families can also book the six-hour day. Lunch forms part of the afternoon session. This gives parents a choice between a shorter session and a day spanning both parts of the nursery timetable.

The classroom opens directly onto a secure outdoor area with astro turf and partial shelter. Children can move between the room and outdoor learning through free-flow access. The school’s garden areas, playgrounds and hall also extend the spaces nursery children use beyond their own base.

Learning sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the nursery’s framework for early learning and development. For children, this includes early phonics to introduce speech sounds, number learning through Mastering Number, and sharing stories with an adult. These give families ways to join in through conversation about books and pictures. Planning includes separate skills progressions for children aged two to three and three to four, alongside Nursery Vocabulary Maps and two yearly overview cycles.

Books connect the nursery day with home. Children take home a sharing book for pleasure, intended for an adult and child to enjoy together. Looking at pictures, talking about the story and trying character voices gives families a concrete way to join in. Children are not expected to read this book independently.

Stay and Play sessions help children become familiar with nursery. Parents can arrange these as part of settling in, giving the child a chance to experience the setting with family support.

Lunch is included in the afternoon timetable. The school menu lists vegetarian and meat main courses, filled jacket potatoes, and pasta or wraps, with fruit, yoghurt or another dessert. Allergens are taken into account when required.

Families can discuss additional needs with staff or contact the school’s SENDCo through the office. Across the school site, ramps, double doors, an accessible parking space and two lifts support physical access. A Parent Support Advisor also helps families with concerns such as sleep, behaviour and mental health, and can connect them with Devon’s Early Help support.

Attending Horrabridge’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the DCC Admissions Team, following the normal admissions timetable.

Classroom familiarity is a separate benefit. As older nursery children get closer to school age, they join some play and learning sessions with Reception children. Nursery managers also plan with the Reception teacher each week. These links connect the learning across early years; they do not secure admission.

The morning session runs from 9am to noon, followed by the afternoon session from noon to 3pm. A full day runs from 9am to 3pm, during term time.

Breakfast Club can extend the day from 7.30am, while After School Club offers care until 6pm. Book these through the office by telephone or email; advance bookings are preferred, although the school tries to accommodate shorter notice.

For nursery places, contact the office first to enquire about space. Telephone 01822 852605 or email admin@horrabridge-primary.devon.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged by appointment, and families should refer to the school for current charges.