Durlston Court School Nursery Review

Indoor and outdoor play belong to the same day at Durlston’s Kindergarten: children move between the two, with activities shaped around their interests. This nursery for children aged two to four forms part of the school’s Pre-Prep provision in Barton-on-Sea. Mixed ages bring their own dynamic, with younger children learning from older companions and older children helping their smaller friends.

The nursery had 18 children on 24 to 26 September 2024. That is a dated pupil count, rather than a measure of places available now. The provision’s character comes through most clearly in its combination of social play, physical activity and early language work.

Taking turns, developing language and tackling physical challenges are daily ingredients. For older Kindergarten children, early number work, phonics and literacy join that mix. Activities use different senses and follow children’s interests, giving staff a starting point for learning that already means something to the child.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings these experiences together: physical development, communication and growing social confidence sit alongside early learning. In September 2024, ISI found that conversations with staff helped children communicate clearly, while resources in both outdoor and indoor classrooms encouraged exploration. Staff assess children’s starting points and review development each term across seven learning areas, adjusting provision to their needs.

Beyond the classroom, Pre-Prep’s woodland space, The Den, brings nature into learning. Its playground has a large oak tree, a sandpit and climbing equipment, alongside a wendy house for imaginative games and a Reading Shed. These give children different ways to spend their playtime, from physical challenges to quieter moments with a book. Woodland visits and PE, including dance, also extend the youngest children’s opportunities to practise movement and persistence.

Key people helped early-years children become confident enough to explore for themselves in September 2024, within a calm atmosphere. Appropriate adult-to-child ratios were maintained. For a child beginning nursery, familiar adult support matters as much as the activities themselves.

Settling starts with a Kindergarten taster morning alongside a parent or carer in the preceding term. Children explore and play with peers while staff observe how they respond. The first month also involves informal assessment of whether the setting can meet the child’s needs; the school can decline the place during that period if it considers the provision unsuitable.

A half-hour drop-off window creates time for conversations with parents. Half-day attendance includes a hot lunch, and Pre-Prep children eat in the Dining Room with teaching and support staff sitting alongside them. Meals therefore provide another opportunity for shared conversation.

Durlston Lighthouse is the school’s team for additional learning and pastoral support, with Directors of SEND coordinating provision across its departments. Families should disclose additional needs before accepting a place so that support and reasonable adjustments can be considered. Accessibility. Some school classrooms have restricted access, with stairs and narrow corridors elsewhere; families with mobility needs should consider these practical constraints when visiting.

The September 2024 inspection also identified a school safeguarding policy that needed updating to match statutory guidance. It was corrected during the visit, with more effective policy review recommended.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For applicants entering the school at Reception, the route is directly through Durlston, involving registration, a taster session, an offer and acceptance. Existing Kindergarten families should confirm their progression arrangements with the school.

Nursery attendance is not among the school’s stated preferences when applications exceed places. The school may favour families with an existing pupil sibling, an Old Durlstonian parent or earlier registration, with final decisions remaining discretionary. Those preferences do not turn a nursery place into a Reception entitlement.

Half-day sessions finish at 1pm; the standard day finishes at 3.15pm, with an extended Kindergarten option until 4.30pm. The After School Care Club continues until 5.30pm and includes a teatime snack. Extended care carries a separate charge.

Durlston participates in Hampshire County Council’s Early Years Funding Scheme (EYE), accepting 15 funded hours for eligible two-year-olds and all three- and four-year-olds. Kindergarten’s morning and day options include lunch. Contact the Bursar for current charges and payment arrangements.

Personal tours can be arranged through the enquiry form or by telephone on 01425 610010. Flexible visit appointments give families an opportunity to meet staff and discuss how the nursery day would fit their child.