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Nursery at Haven Early Years Centre
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An on-site forest, small-group Family Time and play that moves between indoors and outdoors give Haven's Hive its character. This is the maintained nursery school provision at Haven Early Years Centre on Harris Road, Gosport, with 140 part-time places for children aged 3 to 4. Younger children attend the centre's separate Nest and Den daycare provision.
Specialist support is part of the setting's structure: 36 part-time SEND Hub places are allocated by the local authority. For families considering specialist provision, that allocation is distinct from applying for a general nursery place.
Family Time bookends each Hive session. Children gather with their key person and a small group of friends for stories, shared interests and focused teaching in early phonics or mathematics. Between those gatherings, children choose activities and join adult-led learning. That gives the session a familiar beginning and ending while leaving room for exploration.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move, manage feelings and build relationships, alongside reading, mathematics, creativity and discovering how the world works. Haven uses Development Matters alongside its own curriculum. Planning responds to children's interests as they emerge, so adults can build learning around what catches a child's attention. Makaton signs and visual prompts support communication.
Indoor and outdoor activities are connected through free-flow access. Children can build models from reclaimed materials, explore water and sand, use science resources, perform, draw and share books. The outdoor setting includes an orchard, garden, allotment and forest area, giving nature a practical place in their learning.
Forest School begins with a six-week introduction, progressing towards tool use and a campfire cooking celebration. Afterwards, family groups have forest sessions every two weeks or more. Bug hunts, climbing trees and harvesting also extend nature experiences beyond those sessions. Children have opportunities to investigate, practise physical skills and learn about managing risk through play.
A key person gives each Hive child a familiar adult within Family Time. That adult is usually available for conversations at collection and drop-off, although another practitioner may handle the handover. A qualified teacher works with the staff on EYFS planning and teaching. Famly learning journeys let registered parents and relatives respond to observations and add photographs, comments or videos from home, connecting learning across both settings.
In May 2023, home visits helped children settle by establishing relationships and sharing information with families; daily conversations, parents' meetings and stay-and-play opportunities maintained that contact. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection, with staff trained to recognise concerns and report them. These findings concern the nursery school provision, rather than the younger daycare children.
Haven employs a full-time speech and language therapist for children with identified needs. Environmental changes and targeted interventions are used to address barriers to learning, with parents involved in decisions. This gives communication support a specific place within the team.
Hungry Monsters supplies freshly prepared lunch and tea, delivered daily, on a three-week menu rotation. The caterer accommodates allergies and special dietary requirements. At breakfast, practitioners encourage children to serve themselves, making eating another opportunity to practise independence.
Attending Haven does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions route and meet its normal deadline.
Nursery learning and primary-school admission are separate matters. Family Time introduces early phonics and mathematics, while the daily opportunities to communicate and make choices prepare children for their next stage of learning.
The centre opens Monday to Friday, from 7.45am to 6.00pm, across 51 weeks, excluding the Christmas period. Session starts are 7.45am, 8.00am, 9.00am or 1.00pm; finishes are 12.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm or 6.00pm. Bank holidays and INSET days also bring closures.
Universal funding for 3- and 4-year-olds starts the term after their third birthday: 570 hours annually, taken as 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, or stretched across the year at approximately 11 hours weekly. Families select the stretched option when registering. Additional paid hours can extend care beyond funded provision. Fees are collected monthly in advance, a refundable deposit secures the nursery place, and missed payment deadlines may incur extra charges. Contact the school for current charges.
To enquire or arrange a visit, call 01329 232095 or email admin.office@haven.hants.sch.uk. A completed registration form is needed before Haven can assess placement availability.
Parking. The small on-site car park is restricted to permit holders and parking is extremely limited. Walking may make collection simpler; a cycle shelter stands beside the entrance. Automatic entrance doors and a generally level approach support access.
The Hive is Haven's nursery school provision for children aged 3 to 4, with 140 part-time places. The Nest and Den provide daycare for younger children.
After a six-week introductory programme, children attend forest sessions with their family groups every two weeks or more.
Yes. The 570-hour annual entitlement can be taken over 38 weeks at 15 hours weekly, or stretched across the year at approximately 11 hours weekly. Select the stretched option on the registration form.
Hungry Monsters delivers freshly cooked lunch and tea daily, using a three-week rolling menu and accommodating special dietary requirements and allergies.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process and by its normal deadline.
