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Nursery at St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School, Havant
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Children’s interests shape the learning here: seasonal themes provide a starting point, but observation of what captures their attention drives much of the programme. This is the school’s own teacher-led pre-school in Bedhampton, on Hooks Lane. It welcomes children from 2 years, 9 months, within a Catholic primary school setting.
An Early Years Leader oversees the pre-school alongside Reception and holds both Early Years Teacher Status and Qualified Teacher Status. That gives the nursery a shared leadership structure with the next stage of school, while its learning approach remains centred on children’s development.
Exploration, conversation and imaginative play give the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) its practical shape. Nursery learning is child-led, with books selected to complement children’s interests and themes. For parents, that means the curriculum reaches beyond early reading and counting into expressing ideas, understanding the world and becoming more independent.
The 2025/2026 programme includes investigating natural materials inside and outdoors, planting seeds and caring for plants. Children can compare materials through hands-on exploration and notice how living things change. These are concrete starting points for questions and new vocabulary.
Creative work is equally tangible. Younger children explore painting with their fingers as well as tools; older preschoolers develop drawings with more detail and experiment with mixing colours. Animal sets, dolls and construction kits support pretend play and model-making. Building an imaginary town or giving an object a new role lets children put their ideas into action.
In February 2023, children in the early years were enthusiastic about familiar rhymes and enjoyed books together. They also played and learned cooperatively. These findings give substance to the emphasis on language and social development.
Curriculum precision. In February 2023, some subjects lacked sufficiently clear learning content. The required curriculum work extended from Nursery onwards, so families should weigh the play-based approach alongside this concern about how learning builds over time.
Foundation Stage children belong to pastoral groups with an allocated key adult. Group activities include personal and social learning, giving feelings and relationships a place in the day. In February 2023, early-years children picked up everyday routines promptly, a useful foundation for becoming comfortable with the pattern of nursery life.
Across the school, the SENDCo coordinates additional support and works with families and external professionals. Parents contribute their concerns and desired outcomes when support is planned. The school’s approach cycles through assessment, planning, action and review, allowing provision to be adjusted as a child’s needs become clearer.
Attending the pre-school does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority. Hampshire residents apply through Hampshire County Council; Portsmouth residents use Portsmouth City Council. The deadline is 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form goes separately to the school, with supporting evidence where applicable.
Preparation for the move is a separate matter. Meetings involve early-years practitioners, parents and children, and families are offered home visits. Where additional transition support is needed, a Transition Partnership Agreement brings together parents, the current setting, teaching staff, the SENDCo and relevant advisory services. This provides a way to plan adjustments before school starts.
The pre-school is at Hooks Lane, Bedhampton, Havant, PO9 3DR. Enquiries can go to the school office on 02392 475909 or by email to adminoffice@st-thomasmores.hants.sch.uk.
The pre-school welcomes children from 2 years, 9 months.
Yes. An Early Years Leader oversees both the pre-school and Reception and holds Qualified Teacher Status and Early Years Teacher Status.
Activities include exploring natural materials, caring for plants, painting, drawing and imaginative play with dolls, animal sets and construction kits. Themes respond to children’s interests.
No. Attendance does not guarantee a place or confer attendance-based priority for September 2027 entry. A separate application to the home local authority is required by 15 January 2027, with a Supplementary Information Form sent separately to the school.
Where needed, a Transition Partnership Agreement involves parents, the current early-years setting, teaching staff, the SENDCo and relevant advisory services to plan support for the move.
