Prince's Mead School Nursery Review

Woodland exploration and choosing resources for themselves give the youngest children a distinct place in Prince's Mead school life. The nursery welcomes boys and girls aged two to four at Kings Worthy, near Winchester. Its expansion announced for September 2026 combines entry from a child's second birthday with a year-round model, a practical change for families seeking care beyond school terms.

A converted coach house housed the nursery alongside the youngest school classes in May 2023. That puts the provision within the school rather than on a separate site, while its activities retain an early-years focus.

Choice is a concrete part of the learning experience. In May 2023, ISI found that nursery children selected materials independently from resources they could reach themselves. Across the early years foundation stage (EYFS), teaching using different senses helped children develop early number and literacy skills. For parents, the useful picture is learning through practical exploration alongside the beginnings of reading, writing and mathematics.

Outdoor learning has a named home in Gray's Wood. Forest School sessions take place weekly for every child, creating regular opportunities to explore the natural world rather than treating outdoor learning as an occasional outing. In May 2023, the youngest children discussed making minibeasts using leaves and sticks, bringing language into an activity with tangible materials.

Creativity also connects nursery children with the wider school. A sustainable-fashion STEAM Day included children from Nursery upwards: they turned previously worn clothes into new designs and presented their creations on a catwalk. It is a specific example of making, reusing and sharing work with others.

The May 2023 inspection also recommended more opportunities for independent learning and leadership across the school. This was a school-wide recommendation, alongside evidence of nursery children already making their own choices.

Specialist awareness is one useful detail of the nursery team's preparation. Staff completed the PRISM Awareness Course, and the nursery received The Smallest Things Prem Aware Award. The nursery says this training helps its team understand how premature birth can affect development and work with families around individual needs.

Medical care includes a Matron who is a qualified nurse, with responsibility for administering medicines and training staff in Paediatric First Aid. Menus are developed with a nutritionist each term, and children with allergies receive meals prepared for their dietary requirements. That makes food provision relevant to individual care as well as the shared meal.

In March 2024, safeguarding arrangements were operating effectively in the early years, and staff deployment provided appropriate supervision. Families joining the school are also introduced to an existing family in the same year group, giving parents a connection before their child starts.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate processes, so families should plan a separate Reception application through the normal route and within the applicable deadline. Familiarity with school life should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Visits can be booked individually. Contact the admissions team at admissions@princesmeadschool.org.uk or telephone 01962 888 000 to arrange one. A visit provides an opportunity to discuss whether the nursery suits your child's needs. Refer to the school for current charges.