Welcome to Our Foundation Unit – Mini Diggers

The magic of learning begins here.

Our Mini Diggers Foundation Unit is where children aged 2 to 5 start their learning journey. It’s part of St Issey C of E Primary School and shares the same values and vision – helping children be strong and courageous as they grow into caring, confident individuals.

We provide a warm, home-from-home environment where children feel safe, happy and ready to learn. Our curriculum follows the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and builds firm foundations for future learning.

Children learn through play, exploration and carefully planned experiences, with a strong focus on the three prime areas of early development:

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development

As they grow, we build on this with the four specific areas – literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design – to prepare them for a smooth and confident transition into Year 1.

Our mixed-age setting allows younger and older children to learn alongside each other, benefiting from shared experiences and strong relationships with familiar adults. The dedicated 2-year-old space is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our youngest learners, while older children have opportunities to take on more independence and challenge.

Flexible Sessions and Funded Places

Children can attend between 2 and 10 sessions per week, giving families flexibility to choose what works best. Many children begin with fewer sessions and increase them as they grow in confidence.

We offer all government-funded early years places:

• 2-year-old funding
• 15 hours funding for 3- and 4-year-olds
• 30 hours funding for 3- and 4-year-olds
• Additional sessions can be booked:
• £15 per 3-hour session (morning or afternoon)
• £2.50 for the lunch period (plus £2.41 for a school dinner)

Reception Admissions

It’s important to note that attendance at Mini Diggers does not guarantee a place in our Reception class. All children moving into primary school must apply for a Reception place through Cornwall Council’s school admissions process. Details of how and when to apply can be found on the Cornwall Council website.

We’d love to welcome you and your child to Mini Diggers. To arrange a visit or find out more, please call us or drop in for a tour and an information pack.