Manor Infant and Nursery School Nursery Review

Play, sensory exploration and a familiar key person shape the nursery experience at Manor Infant and Nursery School. The provision covers ages 2 to 4, with an aim to provide 40 nursery places for children aged 2 to 3 and 30 pre-school places for ages 3 to 4. Those are two distinct age groups within the school's own early years provision.

A purpose-built nursery sits within the school, with oversight from its governing board, headteacher and senior leadership team. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The nursery aims to plan activities around children's interests. It aims to use play, sensory experiences and exploration within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework connecting early learning with children's development and care.

The Keyperson Approach gives that exploration a familiar adult connection. Children can investigate at their own pace with support from someone who knows their preferences and development, while the wider team also gets to know them. For a young child, that links learning with everyday reassurance.

Health habits have a place in the day too. In June 2024, early years children practised brushing their teeth daily and learned about dental care. It is a concrete example of learning through a routine children can repeat at home.

Settling starts with opportunities for a home visit and stay and play sessions. The nursery describes a flexible settling process, allowing families and staff to get acquainted before a child manages sessions independently. In June 2024, strong adult relationships helped children settle promptly and enjoy learning from their nursery start.

Your child's key person usually helps them settle into a session and handles most communication with parents. Care responsibilities include nappy changes and help with sleep; another qualified adult can take over when the key person is away. Full-day children bring a packed lunch, so preparing food is part of the family's daily routine.

Every half term, each child has a Focus Child week, followed by a discussion of their next learning steps. Families can also share WOW moments from home. This gives parents a specific way to connect learning across home and nursery.

For children with SEND, the school assesses individual needs to shape support. Early Years Assistants have training in a speech and language narrative programme. Wheelchair access reaches each classroom area from outside, and children's toilets can be adapted where needed, practical considerations for families whose children need physical support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Portsmouth City Council process and meet the deadline for their child's application year.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children joining Reception have a visit at their nursery setting, with the class teacher speaking to their key worker. An open evening, a morning with their future teacher and classmates, and a home visit help introduce the people involved in the next stage. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30, afternoons from 12:10 to 15:15, and full-day sessions from 8:30 to 14:30. Both nursery and pre-school use these patterns.

Funding includes 15 hours a week from the term after a child's third birthday, alongside accepted two-year-old and 30-hour funding. The 15-hour NEG entitlement operates over 38 weeks in term time. Families applying for funding must supply their code. Additional sessions are charged, with a minimum booking of two sessions per week; payment is collected ahead of each half term and is non-refundable. Ask the school for current charges.

For session enquiries, email nursery@manor-inf.portsmouth.sch.uk or telephone 02392 820548. The nursery is at the school on Inverness Road, Portsmouth, PO1 5QR.