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Nursery at Ark Dickens Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling gives this nursery its character: children share stories of their own and listen to other children's ideas. Language matters here. Alongside learning through play, outdoor exploration gives children opportunities to investigate nature and develop their movement skills.
Ark Dickens Primary Academy's nursery caters for children aged two to four, with room for up to 60 children. It forms part of the primary academy on Turner Road in Portsmouth. The early years team includes a nursery teacher and teaching assistants, and staff are trained in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Morning and afternoon sessions each have two learning periods, separated by a break. That gives the session a clear rhythm. Storytelling provides a thread through the curriculum, with children taking both the speaking and listening roles rather than simply hearing an adult read.
The EYFS is the framework for learning here. In practical terms, the nursery focuses on language, social development and growing independence through play. Exploring nature and practising movement outdoors add a physical dimension to that learning. The school's early years literacy approach also uses Read Write Inc Phonics, connecting sounds with letters as children develop their reading and writing.
At the April 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that nursery children developed vocabulary and social skills, including sharing turns and handling disagreements, while staff checked their understanding and shaped play activities to tackle gaps. These are useful foundations for joining a group, expressing a need and taking part in learning. The same inspection called for more consistent opportunities to revisit learning in some subjects across the school, a wider school improvement action.
Settling is part of the early years team's work. The nursery aims to build trusting relationships while helping children develop language, independence and social skills. Its staffing combines a teacher with teaching assistants, giving families a team to work with as their child starts nursery.
For children who need additional help, the school's SEND approach uses Individual Learning Plans with personalised targets and regular reviews. Where needs are more complex, support can involve speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and specialist teachers. This gives families a structured way to discuss support and review how it is working.
Food routines include fruit for a daily snack and access to drinking water. The school kitchen provides a vegetarian choice and can accommodate medical or dietary requirements with advance notice. Families should notify the office about these needs before their child starts. Medical and pupil information forms also allow allergies and health conditions to be recorded in advance.
A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal primary admissions process: applications go through Portsmouth Council's website, with a deadline of 15 January. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience, alongside making the separate school application on time.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Eligible two-year-olds can access 15 funded hours through Portsmouth City Council. For three- and four-year-olds, there are universal 15-hour places and, for eligible families, 30-hour places covering full-time attendance across five days a week.
Applications can be made throughout the year by completing a nursery form at the school office. Private nursery visits can be booked by contacting the school. For enquiries, email info@arkdickensprimary.org or call 023 9282 6514.
Uniform consists of a royal blue tracksuit bearing the school logo, a white polo shirt and plain black shoes, with either a backpack or book bag. Brigade supplies the logo tracksuit. For families with mobility needs, the main school building has automatic entrance doors and accessible toilets with support rails.
Children aged two to four can attend, and the nursery has space for up to 60 children.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Eligible two-year-olds can receive 15 hours through Portsmouth City Council funding. Three- and four-year-olds have universal 15-hour places, with 30-hour places for eligible families.
No. Families must make a separate primary application through Portsmouth Council's website by 15 January.
Collect and complete a nursery application form at the school office. Contact the school to book a private visit, using info@arkdickensprimary.org or 023 9282 6514.
