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Nursery at Highcliffe St Mark Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest areas, school halls and a teacher-led team give Fledglings its character: a pre-school with access to the wider grounds of Highcliffe St Mark Primary School. Early Years teachers work alongside qualified teaching assistants, combining a nursery setting with facilities on the main school site.
The school's early years provision received a Good judgement at the June 2024 Ofsted inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Two three-hour sessions form the core day, with Lunch Club between them. Families can combine mornings, afternoons and whole days, subject to a minimum booking of 12 hours. This gives parents a choice of attendance patterns within fixed session boundaries.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, alongside the Characteristics of Learning. For parents, the practical emphasis is on early maths, language and children's social development. Fledglings plans activities to develop early language, mathematical skills and social development.
Forest areas and open spaces extend learning beyond the classroom, while halls bring additional indoor space into the nursery's provision. Children also take part in messy play, with protective clothing provided. Named wellies stay at pre-school, so outdoor clothing is part of the everyday kit rather than something families need to remember afresh each session.
A Key Worker takes responsibility for helping each child settle into pre-school. Parents learn who this is after their child has settled, and another team member may handle the daily greeting. Staff help children organise their belongings after parents say goodbye at the classroom door. The arrangement makes settling a team responsibility as well as an individual relationship.
Once a child is settled, a Tapestry account gives parents glimpses of their learning and carries most communication home. All Fledglings staff have paediatric first aid training. For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the school works with outside agencies, and families can contact sendco@highcliffeprimary.dorset.sch.uk to discuss their child's needs.
Food fits around attendance. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, and under-fives receive free milk arranged by the nursery; families needing a milk alternative should speak to staff. Lunch Club children can bring food from home or have a separately charged hot meal cooked in the school kitchen. Hot meals require booking through Arbor at least two weeks ahead, and Fledglings children cannot choose the jacket potato option. Allergy information is collected after registration so staff can discuss arrangements, while dietary needs should be recorded in Arbor.
Attending Fledglings does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions route. Applications for Highcliffe St Mark go through BCP Council's online application system, so choosing the nursery and applying for school remain separate decisions.
Preparation for the change has its own support. The Ready, Steady School workshop gives parents advice about helping their child before school starts and managing the transition from pre-school. Families book through the main school office at Office@highcliffeprimary.dorset.sch.uk. This is preparation for the next stage, not an admissions entitlement.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Lunch Club occupies the intervening hour. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 8:30am, and Tea Time Club from 3:30pm to 6pm. Both use the main school building; at teatime, Fledglings children have designated staff and their own area in the KS2 hall.
Government funding can cover morning sessions, afternoons and Lunch Club. Hot meals are billed separately, and breakfast and teatime care carry additional charges. Consumables and enrichment contributions are voluntary. Contact the school for current charges.
Uniform combines a school cardigan, fleece or jumper with grey or black bottoms and a chosen top. Children must wear trainers or plimsolls with Velcro fastenings to support independence. Access is through Greenways, using the Fledglings gate and buzzer, with collection at the classroom door. For enquiries, email fledglings@highcliffeprimary.dorset.sch.uk or call 01425 273265; registration uses a form followed by contact from the admin team.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through BCP Council's school admissions route.
Mornings, afternoons or whole days can be combined, with a minimum booking of 12 hours. The sessions have fixed start and finish times.
Yes. Government funding can cover Lunch Club as well as morning and afternoon sessions, but hot meals are invoiced separately.
Once children have settled, parents receive access to Tapestry, which provides learning snapshots and most communication home.
Bring a named bag with a water bottle, spare clothes, a waterproof coat and, where needed, pull-ups, wipes and a packed lunch. Named wellies remain at pre-school.
