Selborne Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Picture-book characters, early number work and learning to share give Selborne’s pre-school its clearest character. This is the school’s own nursery provision, with children aged two to four identified at the January 2024 inspection. Hedgehogs Pre-School is the current name used for the provision.

The setting belongs to Selborne Church of England Primary School on School Lane in Selborne. The wider school grounds include a sports field, an outdoor classroom and a trim trail: a useful distinction for families interested in the physical setting around the nursery.

Books have a concrete role in early learning. In January 2024, children in pre-school and early years could talk about favourite characters from stories they heard regularly. That gives parents a useful picture of literacy here: listening to books and discussing their contents, rather than simply learning to recognise words.

Early mathematics also has a clear focus. Children were developing assurance with shapes and numbers, giving them foundations for later learning. Alongside this, early-years play was cooperative, with children learning to take turns with toys. These are practical parts of the early years foundation stage: learning through language, mathematical ideas and relationships with other children.

Individual attention starts in pre-school. At the January 2024 inspection, staff knew children individually from this early stage, while early-years play showed children learning to cooperate. For a young child joining a group, being recognised by adults and learning how to share are meaningful parts of everyday care.

Families can contact the school office to reach the special educational needs coordinator. This gives parents a direct route into a discussion about additional needs rather than having to work out whom to approach.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; the route here is Hampshire County Council. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline fell in January 2026. That cycle is now past. The nursery’s place within the school should therefore never be read as an automatic allocation of a school place.

The pre-school day ends at 3:10pm. An earlier start is possible through Breakfast Club, which runs from 7:45am to 8:40am. Breakfast includes cereals, fruit, drinks and toast, so this option combines early care with something to eat.

Advance booking. Pre-school children’s Breakfast Club sessions must be arranged through the school office at least 48 hours ahead. That notice allows staffing to be organised and matters for families whose work schedules change at short notice. Ask the school for current charges.

For enquiries, telephone 01420 511213 or email adminoffice@selborne.hants.sch.uk. Personal school tours can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to discuss the provision before making their decision.