The Clock House Nursery School

In February 2025, toy ducks, action stories and outdoor climbing gave The Clock House Nursery School a recognisable character: practical play with plenty of opportunities to talk and move. This Pennington setting has capacity for 84 children, with an accepted age range from three months to five years.

At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The useful distinction for parents lies beneath that grade: engaging everyday experiences sat alongside weaknesses in group activities and opportunities for older children to do things independently.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In February 2025, staff built activities around children's interests: babies' fascination with ducks led to Five Little Ducks singing for language development, while toy ducks gave younger babies objects to investigate.

Physical play had substance. In February 2025, older children used tricycles and a climbing frame, while younger children worked with wooden activity centres. Playdough, cutters and twisting knobs offered different ways to practise hand movements and persistence.

The Hungry Caterpillar brought storytelling and movement together in February 2025. Children discussed the butterfly's life cycle, encountered new vocabulary and used actions alongside the story. Outings to a local library and a residential home also connected nursery experiences with the surrounding community.

Key-person conversations at both ends of the day supported communication with families in February 2025. An online platform carried photographs of the following day's room arrangements. Staff also shared developmental next steps and ideas for learning at home. These gave parents concrete starting points for conversations about their child's day.

At the February 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those learning English as an additional language, were progressing well from their starting points. Staff also helped children practise sharing and taking turns.

In February 2025, meals were home-cooked and snacks freshly prepared. However, adults often carried out mealtime tasks that older children could have attempted themselves, reducing opportunities to build self-help skills.

The address is 1 The Square, Pennington, Lymington, SO41 8GN. In February 2025, opening hours were 8am to 6pm on weekdays, throughout the year.

Government-funded early education was offered in February 2025 for children from nine months to four years. This is an inspection-time account of participation, rather than a promise of an individual child's entitlement or place.

• Group engagement. In February 2025, some adult-led groups were too large to involve everyone successfully. During a visit, discuss how activities are organised so children can participate rather than lose interest.
• Everyday independence. Mealtime practice in February 2025 often left older children relying on adults for tasks they could try. Look for opportunities for children to take responsibility within daily routines.
• Attendance fit. The February 2025 opening window covered weekdays across the year. Which booking pattern would match your family's routine?

The February 2025 provision suited families seeking practical early learning, physical play and regular communication with a key person. Examples included duck-themed baby activities and community outings. The decision deserves equal attention to how group activities include each child and how daily care builds independence.