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Nursery at Lytchett Matravers Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, woodland and a storytelling space give Lytchett Matravers Preschool a distinctly outdoor focus. Two purpose-built main rooms provide its indoor base, with the preschool and primary buildings next to one another on the same site. This is the school's nursery provision, taking children from 2 until they move to primary school at 4.
In February 2025, 84 children were registered at the preschool site. That is a dated roll figure, rather than a measure of how many places are available. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023; this was a judgement within the school inspection.
Outdoor learning is part of the curriculum here. The garden and an area designed for physical development sit alongside the mud kitchen and woodland, giving children different ways to move, investigate and play. The preschool teaches the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework guiding young children's learning and development, and brings its learning areas into outdoor activities.
Forest school takes place regularly in a small wooded part of the school grounds. Children might search for treasure, make woodland crafts or investigate wildlife; tree climbing and den building are also among the experiences. These are practical opportunities to explore materials, movement and the natural world.
Early Years Educators guide children as they learn alongside one another. The preschool aims to develop curiosity and independence through its activities, with learning planned in a sequence to prepare children for their next educational step.
Parents receive digital updates about developmental achievements, while photographs contribute to children's Learning Journeys through Nursery in a Box. That gives families a way to follow learning beyond the session itself. Consent is sought for photographs, including permission before images are used publicly.
Snack arrangements involve families directly: parents send fruit, and the preschool supplies water and milk. Children using nappies or trainer pants are accommodated. Families bring nappies, wipes and replacement clothing in a labelled bag; those practising toileting need additional changes. Water play is another reason to pack spare clothes.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is considered individually, taking account of the child's needs, staffing ratios and the preschool's ability to provide suitable support. The Graduated Response uses an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, so provision can become more individual as needs become clearer. Parents help develop and review support plans. The safeguarding team includes both the Preschool Lead and a Senior Early Years Educator as deputy safeguarding leads.
Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their child's intake. Treat that application as a separate decision from booking nursery sessions.
Preparation for starting school is a different matter. The school aims to visit children in their nursery during the summer before entry, gathering information from key workers. Children have three familiarisation sessions before September, followed by individual stay-and-play sessions in the first week. These introduce the classroom and outdoor learning spaces; they do not secure admission.
The all-day session runs from 09:00 to 15:00. Morning sessions cover 09:00 to 12:00, while afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. Availability depends on capacity. A day ending at 15:30 requires booking the all-day option plus the separately charged 15:00 to 15:30 extension, which falls outside funded hours.
Eligible families can use funding for the main sessions. For 3- and 4-year-olds, universal funding provides up to 15 hours from the term after their third birthday; some families qualify for up to 30 hours. The preschool accepts no more than 6 funded hours per day. Two-year-old funding depends on family circumstances. Contact the school for current charges.
Pack labelled wellies, a waterproof coat and a rucksack, with sun protection or winter accessories as appropriate. Preschool enquiries and tour requests go to 01202 622378, option 3, or preschooloffice@lmpsdorset.co.uk.
Children can attend from 2 years old until their move to primary school at 4.
Regular forest school experiences include den building, tree climbing, treasure hunts, woodland craft and wildlife exploration. The preschool also has a mud kitchen, garden, storytelling area and physical development space.
The 09:00 to 15:00 session can be covered where parents qualify for funding, subject to a maximum of 6 funded hours per day. The additional 15:00 to 15:30 session is charged separately and excluded from funding.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the relevant deadline.
Send a healthy fruit snack. Water and milk are supplied by the preschool.
