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Nursery at Old Town Infant School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two shared stories a day and two library visits a week give Starfish Nursery a clear reading rhythm. This is Old Town Infant School and Nursery’s provision for children aged 3 and 4, on Green Road in Poole. Books are part of everyday play, rather than an activity saved for story time.
Each morning or afternoon session accommodates up to 26 children, with a staffing ratio of 1:13. The nursery aims to develop children’s curiosity, creativity and independence through consistent routines and relationships with families.
Picture books, familiar tales and daily singing shape the language work. Children act stories out, retell them and ask adults to read aloud. Visits to the Enchanted Forest Library give them another school space to explore through books. These repeated encounters let children hear language, try it themselves and connect spoken words with stories.
A weekly Phase 1 phonics session concentrates on listening and distinguishing sounds. The approach draws on Letters and Sounds: environmental noises, sounds made by instruments, body percussion and rhyme all feature, alongside opportunities to blend and separate sounds orally. The emphasis is on hearing how words work before later phonics teaching.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning and development areas. Here, learning also extends into ordinary routines. Eating together gives children opportunities to talk, practise independence and learn about hygiene. Early-years geography begins with exploring the school and its community, connecting learning with familiar surroundings.
Lunch takes place in the school hall, supported by a lunchtime supervisor and at least one teaching-team member. Children sit together at tables, with conversation and handwashing treated as learning opportunities. Full-day children can bring a named packed lunch or have a hot meal ordered for them, at an additional charge.
Snack time includes toast and fresh fruit. Each session requires a named bottle containing plain water, which children can access freely. Children under five can receive free milk on each nursery day through the Nursery Milk Scheme; parents must register with Cool Milk to take this up.
Additional needs require an early conversation. Families must disclose additional, medical or specific needs when registering, and a SENCo meeting takes place before a space can be offered. Applications are considered, but the nursery may be unable to meet an individual child’s needs. That qualification matters when choosing care suited to your child.
For children learning English as an additional language, Foundation Stage support includes speaking and listening with adults and peers, home-language experiences and bilingual vocabulary support where necessary. English-language development is not automatically treated as a special educational need.
Attending Starfish Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate school application, even when their child already attends nursery, using the BCP Council application route and meeting the normal deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as two separate decisions.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The full-day pattern for 30-hour places is 8:45am to 2:45pm, with a 3:15pm finish possible by prior arrangement. A 15-hour pattern across 2.5 days is possible if space allows.
Eligible children aged 3 and 4 can access 15 or 30 funded hours, subject to availability; 30-hour spaces are limited. Hours beyond funded entitlement and extras outside the funding scheme attract charges. Ask the school for current charges. Paid sessions remain payable if missed because of sickness or holidays.
To enquire or arrange a visit, email oldtown.nurseryadmissions@coastalpartnership.co.uk or telephone 01202 673966. A nursery cardigan or sweatshirt is optional and can be bought from PMG Schoolwear. There is no school parking; Sainsbury’s Pitwines car park is a two-minute walk away. If another adult will collect your child, inform the office beforehand and obtain a password where appropriate.
Children aged 3 and 4 can attend. The nursery does not offer places under the nine-month or two-year-old funding schemes.
Yes. The 30-hour full-day session runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm, or until 3:15pm by prior arrangement. Spaces are limited.
Bring a named bottle of plain water. Fruit and toast are provided at snack time. Full-day children need a named packed lunch unless a charged hot meal has been ordered.
No. You must apply separately for a school place through BCP Council and meet the normal application deadline.
Yes. Contact oldtown.nurseryadmissions@coastalpartnership.co.uk or call 01202 673966 to arrange one.
