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Nursery at Charlton House Independent 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly Forest & Eco School gives Charlton House's Kindergarten a regular connection with nature alongside early conversations, counting and imaginative play. This is the school's nursery provision for children aged 3 to 4 in Bitterne Park, Southampton, within an independent school with a Catholic ethos.
The school grounds include private woodland. Forest & Eco School forms part of the weekly timetable across all classes, giving outdoor learning a regular place rather than treating it as an occasional outing. The emphasis is practical: children have opportunities to explore nature as part of their learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's language, relationships and movement with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding their surroundings. In December 2024, early-years children made good progress across its seven learning areas, with learning adapted closely to individual needs. That matters for children developing at different speeds.
Books, meaningful early marks and recognising their own name feature in the learning programme. Children begin connecting letters with sounds, while number work moves from counting to 5 towards 10. Shape, pattern and comparisons of size or quantity make mathematics something children can explore, rather than simply recite.
Creative work includes experimenting with materials and colour, playing instruments, dancing and telling stories. Role play has a practical purpose too: in December 2024, early-years children practised buying and selling in a pretend shop. These activities give children reasons to talk, imagine and use emerging number skills.
Outdoor activity supports physical development. In December 2024, woodland activities contributed to this, while staff's use of language throughout the day helped children's communication develop. The same inspection described early-years yoga twice a week and a healthy eating, healthy me topic covering food choices and looking after teeth. Movement and everyday self-care belong alongside early academic learning here.
Learning to manage feelings is part of the day. In December 2024, early-years staff helped children respond kindly to others, listen, share turns and wait before speaking. These are useful foundations for playing together and coping with a group setting.
Early-years staffing ratios were appropriate in December 2024, and children's wellbeing was monitored closely. Families with additional needs have a school SEND coordinator as a point of contact. The school aims to work closely with parents to support their children.
For pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, support is offered where the school can meet the child's needs. An enhanced provision charge applies, and further charges may depend on individual needs. This makes the support arrangement a material part of the family's financial decision.
Attending Kindergarten does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission requirements directly with the school. Treat securing a Reception place as a distinct decision from choosing the nursery.
The daily work on listening, taking turns and managing feelings helps children prepare socially for their next stage. That preparation should be understood separately from securing admission.
The school recommends attendance on at least two days each week. It accepts universal funding of 15 hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds, alongside 30 hours weekly for eligible working parents.
Additional charges. The 2025/26 early-years fee structure charged for specialist teaching alongside funded hours and for additional private hours. Funding therefore needs to be considered alongside the full attendance arrangement. Contact the school office for current charges.
Tours can be booked before, during or after the school day, with a virtual option too. Following a tour, prospective children are invited to taster days with no charge or obligation. Enquiries go to admin@charltonhouseindependentschool.co.uk or 02380 671739.
For holiday childcare, a separate Holiday Club accepts children aged 3 to 11 during Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. Full-day and half-day bookings offer families an additional childcare option. Holiday Club runs from 8 am to 4 pm, with half days from 8 am to noon or noon to 4 pm. Book by emailing holidayclub@charltonhouseindependentschool.co.uk.
Kindergarten is for children aged 3 to 4.
Yes. The school accepts universal funding of 15 hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds and 30 hours weekly for eligible working parents. Contact the school for current charges alongside your attendance arrangement.
No. Confirm Reception admission requirements directly with the school.
Forest & Eco School is included weekly across all classes. In December 2024, early-years children undertook woodland activities that supported their physical development.
Yes. In-person and virtual tours are available. Prospective children are invited to taster days after a tour, with no charge or obligation.
