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Nursery at St Anthony's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Farm animals, welly walks and a foundation unit with three rooms give St Anthony's Preschool its outdoor character. Two large outdoor areas support movement between indoor activities and outside play, putting nature within reach of the nursery day rather than reserving it for occasional trips.
The preschool belongs to St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Titchfield Common and takes children aged two, three and four under the school's registration. A qualified early years teacher leads the provision, supported by Early Years Assistants. The preschool's Catholic mission emphasises discovering and growing together, giving its youngest children a simple expression of the school's faith and values.
Play takes several forms here: children pursue activities independently, join groups and spend time learning with a teacher. Planning responds to their interests and needs. The early years foundation stage curriculum builds knowledge in steps, with attention to speaking clearly, extending vocabulary and beginning phonics, the connection between sounds and letters.
Forest School combines activities chosen by children with adult-planned experiences. Seasonal exploration, bush craft and cooking around a campfire bring learning into the grounds. At Farm School, children help feed animals and care for them, turning responsibility into something practical. Ducks, chickens and goats provide real subjects for curiosity and conversation.
Indoors, the children's kitchen serves both cooking activities and quieter lunches. Children borrow library books each week, while Active Ants uses gym equipment in the school hall to develop larger body movements. These experiences give the day different kinds of activity, from handling books to balancing and moving.
Ofsted's January 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Teaching generally supported the planned curriculum, but some writing activities needed to stretch children's skills further, and adults sometimes missed chances to advance learning during interactions. Those are useful points for families to consider alongside the practical breadth of the day.
Free settling sessions and tasters give children time to become familiar with preschool. A key carer system supports relationships as they settle, providing a consistent personal connection within the team. Online Learning Journals let parents contribute observations and comments from home; parents also receive a weekly preschool newsletter.
Lunch is cooked on site and carries an additional charge. The children's kitchen provides a calmer place to eat, bringing meals into a space also used for cooking activities. In January 2026, provision for younger children included suitable sleeping and intimate-care spaces, so rest and personal care had physical accommodation within the setting.
Children with SEND, disadvantaged children and those facing other learning barriers were included successfully throughout the day. Adult interactions were positive. Together, these findings support the picture of attentive care, while the missed learning opportunities remain a separate teaching issue.
Separate application. Attending preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through Hampshire County Council's school admissions route and meet the normal Reception application deadline. Choosing nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.
Term-time operation shapes the booking choice. Morning sessions can begin at 8.25am or 9am and end at noon or 1pm; afternoon sessions run from noon or 1pm until 3pm. This gives families several session lengths rather than a single fixed nursery day.
From age three, children can also attend breakfast and after-school care. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.30am, while Laughalots after-school care runs from 3pm to 5.50pm. Club sessions require booking and payment in advance and carry an extra charge.
Funding includes 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday, with 30 hours also accepted. Two-year-old funding is accepted too. For preschool enquiries or a visit, telephone 01489 579100 or email office@saint-anthonysfareham.co.uk.
Yellow polos and burgundy sweatshirts are encouraged, and children may wear their own trousers. Practical outdoor clothing matters: frequent outside play can be messy.
Children aged two, three and four attend the preschool. Breakfast and after-school care are available from age three.
Children use Forest School for nature exploration, seasonal activities and campfire cooking. Farm School gives them opportunities to feed animals and help care for them.
Free taster and settling sessions are offered, alongside a key carer system to support relationships. Parents can also contribute to Online Learning Journals.
From age three, Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.30am. Laughalots after-school care runs from 3pm to 5.50pm. These charged sessions must be booked and paid for in advance.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Hampshire County Council's school admissions route, by the normal application deadline.
