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Nursery at Sun Hill Infant and Preschool
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ice becomes a lesson in how the world works at Sun Hill Infant and Preschool. Adults help preschool children connect frozen water with the ice they are exploring, giving a practical activity a clear learning purpose. Conversation matters too: staff demonstrate complete sentences and join pretend conversations to develop children's communication.
The preschool forms part of Sun Hill Infant and Preschool in Alresford. In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Learning has a deliberate sequence. The early years curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills children should acquire, and activities are designed to help them understand and retain that learning. For parents, the ice example gives this a concrete meaning: exploration is accompanied by an adult helping a child explain what is happening. Play becomes an opportunity to build understanding.
Adult conversation is an important part of that approach. Staff develop children's thinking through focused exchanges, while modelling sentences and conversations during role play. These interactions give children examples of how to express an idea and sustain an exchange with someone else. Language development is woven into activity.
Consistent routines begin in early years. Alongside the curriculum, these give children expectations about how to take part in the day. Staff also check children's learning closely, so the next activity can respond to what a child understands rather than simply move through a sequence.
Support starts with knowing what each child can already do. Early years staff assess understanding throughout learning and respond promptly when something has been missed. This includes children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as well as disadvantaged children. The practical significance is that additional help follows an identified learning need.
In January 2026, children in early years were making rapid progress from their individual starting points. Staff training also supported the knowledge and skills needed for teaching in this phase. Together, these findings give parents a useful picture of how learning support works: adults identify a difficulty, address it promptly and have training to help them teach effectively.
Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the preschool and applying for Reception as two separate decisions. Learning within the same school does not remove that application step, so preschool attendance should never be treated as confirmation of a future place.
The setting's address is Sun Lane, Alresford, SO24 9NB. Telephone contact is 01962732632. These provide a straightforward location and contact point for families considering the preschool.
The January 2026 judgement of Strong standard applies to the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
One example is exploring ice while adults help children understand how water freezes. Staff also model conversations during role play.
Adults demonstrate complete sentences and model pretend conversations, helping children develop their ability to communicate.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Sun Hill Infant and Preschool is on Sun Lane, Alresford, SO24 9NB. The telephone number is 01962732632.
