Kings Furlong Infant School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Discovery Time gives children room to choose their play, while small-group teaching brings an adult’s direction into the day. That balance defines the nursery at Kings Furlong Infant School and Nursery in Basingstoke: active learning within the routines of an infant school.

A purpose-built nursery currently caters for 40 children, with one class taught by a qualified teacher alongside supporting staff. Children eligible for two-year-old funding can start in the term after turning two; otherwise, entry begins in the term after their third birthday. No Ofsted graded rating yet.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, learning happens through play: children paint, cook, make marks, explore messy materials and act out stories. These activities give them different ways to practise communication, creativity and problem-solving.

During Discovery Time, children follow their interests and play together. Adults join them, discuss what they are doing and suggest possibilities. Small groups receive direct teaching alongside this independent play, so choosing an activity does not mean learning entirely alone. Sessions usually begin and finish with everyone together for learning, singing or movement.

School spaces extend the day beyond the nursery classroom. Children borrow library books to share at home, use the hall for PE and have access to bikes and a climbing frame on the main playground. Indoor and outdoor play both form part of learning. Nursery children also encounter Phonics Steps, giving them an introduction to the programme before starting school.

Independence starts with manageable jobs: hanging belongings on pegs and putting lunch boxes and water bottles away. The nursery aims to help children take responsibility for these everyday routines as well as their play.

Lunch brings nursery children into the school hall with the other children. Those attending between 12:00 and 13:00 need either a strictly nut-free packed lunch or a hot meal from the school kitchen. Hot meals must be ordered the previous day through My Child at School (MCAS). That makes advance planning part of the lunchtime arrangement.

Toilet training receives practical support. The nursery encourages children to be toilet trained and can help parents with this on request; children still using nappies can receive nappies, wipes and disposal as a charged service. Fruit, milk and snacks form part of a separate consumables charge, alongside care supplies and wet-weather clothing.

Tapestry is used throughout children’s time at Kings Furlong Infant School and Nursery, allowing families to see examples of learning and contribute photographs from home. For concerns about a child’s wellbeing, parents can contact the class teacher or school office to arrange a discussion. This gives families a direct route into a conversation about support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hampshire County Council and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, nursery attendance was not an oversubscription criterion. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from admission entitlement. Learning school routines and encountering Phonics Steps are preparation for the next stage, rather than a promise of a place.

Three session patterns are offered: 09:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 15:00 and 09:00 to 15:00. Attendance must total at least 18 hours each week, of which 15 are funded. The nursery accepts 15-hour government funding and has a limited number of spaces funded for 30 hours. Tax-free childcare payments are also accepted.

Additional hours, educational activities, consumables and meals carry charges; ask the school for current charges. Payments are due monthly in advance. Out-of-hours provision covers 08:30 to 09:00 and/or 15:00 to 15:30, which may help families fit collection and drop-off around their day.

A school-logo jumper or cardigan from Skoolkit is required. Other clothes should suit active, messy play, and shoes must have closed toes. Applications can be made using the nursery’s online form. For enquiries, email nursery.kfis@sfet.org.uk or telephone 01256 327024.