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Nursery at Arundel Court Primary Academy 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A messy-play conservatory, sensory room and garden give Arundel Court’s nursery several distinct spaces for young children to explore. This is the school’s own nursery on Fyning Street in Portsmouth, with universal funded provision for three-year-olds and 10 spaces for children using 30-hour funding. The physical provision includes an open classroom and a large multipurpose room used for soft play and workshops for parents.
The inspection published on 14 April 2026 judged early years Needs attention. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Care routines focused on children’s wellbeing, and effective adaptations helped children with SEND progress well, but inconsistent adult interactions meant some children missed learning opportunities. Families should weigh both sides of that picture.
Play shapes the curriculum, with children choosing some activities and adults directing others. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives priority here to communication, physical development and children’s social and emotional development. In everyday terms, the focus is on helping children express themselves, develop movement skills and learn alongside other children.
Topics provide a starting point, while children’s interests and experiences at home also influence learning. Activities remain accessible for children to revisit and practise taught skills, giving them opportunities to work more independently. Classroom additions, visitors and trips extend the topic work. A dedicated focus on self-care and health introduces balanced lifestyles and personal safety.
Letters and Sounds provides the phonics programme. Mathematics uses a mastery approach: children talk about mathematical ideas and practise during play, building understanding of numbers, patterns, shapes and calculation rather than simply memorising procedures. The conservatory accommodates messy play; designated outdoor play space and the garden add further settings for activity.
In April 2026, the early years curriculum matched children’s developmental stages, and activities targeting smaller hand movements and larger body movements were beginning to benefit other learning. Turn-taking and polite behaviour were established. However, adults did not consistently extend children’s learning or correct misunderstandings. Improving those interactions was an explicit next step, so the quality of adult involvement is a central consideration alongside the spaces and activities.
Home visits and a phased start help staff get to know children before they settle into nursery routines. Stay-and-play sessions and parent workshops also involve families. Communication includes Tapestry online learning journeys, consultations, reports and informal conversations, giving parents several ways to follow their child’s experiences.
Early Talk Boost and nurture support are among the additional approaches used for children needing help. In April 2026, early years staff recognised SEND promptly and made effective adjustments that helped children progress. Care routines supported children’s wellbeing. All nursery staff have paediatric first-aid certification, providing a practical foundation for responding to medical needs during sessions.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery entry is handled by the school team, while applications to start school are managed by Portsmouth City Council. Families must make a separate Reception application through the council’s normal process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
Provision runs during school terms. Morning sessions last from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Children with universal funded places cannot choose flexible days. That fixed pattern matters when matching nursery attendance to work or other childcare.
For children using 30-hour funding, attendance is flexible within 8:30am to 3:30pm, with 10 spaces offered. Nursery enquiries are made by phoning the school, and families are encouraged to enquire early. The office can also be contacted at arundeli@arundelcourtprimary.chimat.uk.
There are universal funded places for three-year-olds and 10 spaces for children using 30-hour funding.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am and afternoon nursery from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour funded spaces allow flexibility within 8:30am to 3:30pm. Provision is term-time only.
Staff use home visits and a gradual, phased start. Families can also take part in stay-and-play sessions.
No. Nursery admission is handled separately by the school; families must apply again for Reception through Portsmouth City Council.
The inspection published on 14 April 2026 judged the school’s early years provision Needs attention. Care routines focused on wellbeing, and effective SEND adaptations supported progress, alongside inconsistencies in adult interactions that limited some children’s learning.
