A day in our Nursery

A gentle rhythm of familiar routines, play and rest

Our Nursery in Bideford is shaped by a Hygge ethos: a homely, calm environment full of natural light and materials, where children feel at ease from the moment they arrive.

Days follow a flexible rhythm shaped around each child, mixing short adult-led activities with plenty of child-led play, so that even the youngest children know what comes next and feel secure in it. In the Pre-School year the routine grows a little more like school, ready for the step up to Reception.

Smiling young child with brown hair peeking through a square cutout in a large cardboard box decorated with red and green paint.
A typical week

Alongside early literacy and numeracy

Each activity gives children a different way to explore, move and express themselves.

  • dance and music

  • art and cooking

  • swimming and PE

Learning through play

All seven areas of learning

Play is how young children make sense of the world, and it does the real work of early learning. A child stacking blocks, pouring water or telling a story in the home corner is building the confidence and curiosity that carry into every stage that follows.

Communication and language

Listening, talking and being understood.

Physical development

Movement, coordination and control.

Personal, social, emotional

Friendships, feelings and independence.

Literacy

Stories, songs and early mark-making.

Mathematics

Number, pattern, shape and measure in play.

Understanding the world

People, places and living things.

Expressive arts and design

Music, art, dance and imaginative play.

A woman with blonde hair and tattoos on her arm smiles and interacts warmly with a young girl wearing a blue shirt and denim overalls, while a young boy with short hair sits in the foreground in a classroom setting.
Your child’s key person

A familiar adult who knows them well

Every child in our Nursery has a key person: a familiar adult who helps them feel they belong. This supports secure attachment, so children settle happily, form trusting relationships and feel confident enough to explore.

For parents, it means a consistent point of contact who understands your child as an individual.

Tracking development

Observed in everyday activities, shared with you

Every week

Observation in play

We watch children during everyday activities to notice each child’s strengths and plan their next steps.

Ages two to three

The statutory two-year check

We review each child’s progress and share it with parents and the health visitor.

Through the year

Kept up to date

Conversations at drop-off and collection, written reports and our online learning platform.

Working with parents

Nursery and home, pulling in the same direction

The best early years happen when nursery and home work in partnership. That partnership sits inside a wider culture of care across Kingsley Prep, which holds the nationally recognised Wellbeing Award for Schools. As Devon and Cornwall's only CReSTeD-accredited school, we support every child, including those with additional needs, to thrive.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What ages do you take?

Our Nursery welcomes children from age two and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, the national framework for children from birth to five. Children then move on to Reception. Speak to our admissions team about availability for your child.

Do you offer funded hours?

Yes. Children in their Pre-School year receive 15 hours of government funding each week. Our admissions team can talk you through what applies to your family, or you can call the Nursery directly on 01237 426224.

What does a nursery day look like?

A flexible routine shaped around each child, mixing short adult-led activities with child-led play, rest and time outdoors. Across the week children enjoy dance, music, art, cooking, swimming and PE alongside early literacy and numeracy.

Two teenage girls wearing school uniforms sitting at a desk in a library with bookshelves in the background, both looking slightly to the side and smiling gently.
Next open morning: 12 October 2026

Come and see our Nursery

Spend a morning with us in Bideford and see how a calm, homely start builds confident early learners.