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Nursery at Walhampton 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland dens, digging beds and vegetables from the kitchen garden give Walhampton’s youngest children plenty to work with. This is nursery provision within the school’s Pre-Prep, in Lymington, Hampshire, for children aged two to four. Children can start in the term or half term after turning two.
The Pre-Prep occupies its own purpose-built building beside the main school, with classrooms opening directly onto outdoor learning areas. That gives young children a base of their own while keeping the wider grounds close. In September 2025, the nursery comprised three classes.
Play connects language, physical development and learning to cooperate. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings these strands together: children practise communicating, managing feelings and developing number skills alongside growing independence. In the ISI inspection of 23 to 25 September 2025, early-years activities were matched to children’s interests and needs, and staff used questions and imaginative play to extend their language.
Outside, sandpits and digging beds are used daily. Children work together on woodland hideouts and make flags for imaginary dinosaur caves, giving sharing and listening a practical purpose. Selling vegetables grown in the school’s kitchen garden also introduces money through something children can handle and understand.
Weekly Forest School sessions take Pre-Prep classes into the woods near Portmore Lake. Outdoor learning has room to continue beyond those sessions: a woodland classroom has a canopy, fire pit, seating and blackboard. Fine motor development receives attention too. In September 2025, a programme of detailed hand-control activities was in place following the identification of this as an area needing development.
Settling starts with preparation. In September 2025, transitions from home and between classes were planned to help children recognise their new surroundings and feel comfortable. Caring relationships helped children settle, while personalised pebbles, colours and the kindness elves gave them concrete ways to recognise emotions and practise empathy.
Supervision extends across play, rest and the beginning and end of the day. All early-years staff held paediatric first-aid training, alongside training covering safeguarding, food hygiene and special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For children needing extra help, the class teacher works with the Pre-Prep SENDCo; an individual learning programme can be introduced where necessary. Additional Learning Support Unit lessons carry a charge.
Food is cooked in the school’s kitchens, and special dietary requirements are catered for. Teachers eat alongside children to model eating habits and encourage conversation. The youngest children receive help to eat independently, with close supervision for choking and allergen risks. Parents receive regular communication through The Mercury and the parent portal, keeping school information within reach between conversations.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the Registrar to confirm the Reception application process for children already attending the nursery. At Walhampton, admissions enquiries go to the Registrar, and Reception is an entry point at age four.
Class transitions are carefully prepared so children can become familiar with their next surroundings. That supports the move emotionally and practically; it should be considered separately from the admissions decision.
Changing calendar. From January 2027, the nursery will operate for 48 weeks a year. Work on the transition begins during autumn 2026, making the start date relevant for families planning childcare across school holidays.
Minimum attendance is three mornings or two days each week. Pre-Prep home time is 15:30, with optional Breakfast Club and Supper Club extending supervision from 07:30 to 18:00. After School Club includes books, construction, crafts and traditional toys, allowing a quieter finish to the day.
Universal funded hours are accepted, as is Extended funding for eligible families. Funded hours in Nursery, Stepping Stones and Kindergarten apply from 10:00. There is no top-up fee for EYE funded hours; unfunded hours, lunch and wraparound care are charged separately. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery clothing is a pale blue polo shirt with a dark blue Walhampton tracksuit, plus waterproof outerwear, wellington boots and non-marking plimsolls. Tours can be booked through the enquiry form or by emailing registrar@walhampton.com.
Children can join at the start of the term or half term after their second birthday.
No. Contact the Registrar to confirm the Reception application process for children already attending the nursery.
Early-years children use sandpits and digging beds daily and collaborate on woodland dens. Pre-Prep classes also have weekly Forest School sessions near Portmore Lake.
Universal funding is accepted, alongside Extended funding where families qualify. Funded hours in Nursery, Stepping Stones and Kindergarten start from 10:00, with a minimum weekly attendance of three mornings or two days. Lunch is charged separately.
From January 2027, it will operate for 48 weeks a year for children aged two to four.
