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Nursery at Westover 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Discovery Time gives Starfish its character: children choose their own learning alongside activities guided by adults. This is Westover Primary School’s teacher-led pre-school in Portsmouth, for children aged 3 to 4. It operates within the school’s early years team, with play, conversation and growing independence shaping the day.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 5 and 6 May 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Adult-guided activities respond to children’s interests, needs and next steps, while Discovery Time allows them to explore indoors and outside. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the learning its framework, with emphasis on communication, social and emotional development. In practice, this means talking together, joining group activities and learning through play.
Stories become things children can make and do. In November 2025, The Gruffalo prompted the construction of characters’ homes and toast faces made with fruit and jam. Children also shaped hedgehogs from clay while considering hibernation. These activities connect language with handling materials and everyday skills. The art area gives children practice in choosing and using resources independently; story dough turns playdough into a way to invent stories and extend vocabulary.
Little Wandle appears in the pre-school’s phonics learning, and SCARF provides the planning for personal and social development. Songs, shared stories and simple questions about books give children opportunities to practise listening and speaking. Outside, a balancing beam has supported story-inspired movement. Small-group and individual activities give adults a different setting in which to work with children.
In May 2022, early years children developed independence, resilience and curiosity. However, uneven teacher knowledge in some subjects restricted learning, including in early years. Further staff training was required to address this weakness.
Settling sessions are free, with their number adjusted to the individual child’s needs. This allows the start to be shaped around the child rather than a fixed settling schedule. The provision is teacher-led, applying a 1:13 staffing ratio with another team member qualified to at least Level 3.
Parents receive photographs, written observations and examples of completed activities. Conversations at collection and drop-off, alongside parents’ evenings, provide opportunities to discuss development. For children with additional needs, families should share relevant information so staff can plan care. An Individual Health Care Plan can be arranged where a child needs a specific care protocol.
Eating is part of the shared day: children have snacks and meals with their peers, practising conversation and learning about food. Caterlink prepares meals off site, with vegetarian and special dietary needs accommodated. Hot meals carry an additional charge. Parents supply nappies and wipes, and intimate care includes toileting and nappy changes. Alternative collection arrangements require advance notification, giving staff a clear basis for releasing children to another adult.
Attending Starfish does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Portsmouth City Council’s starting-school route. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
There is a specific, conditional priority: children attending Westover’s pre-school who qualify for early years pupil premium fall within oversubscription criterion 8 for that entry year. Attendance alone does not confer this priority, and the criterion does not guarantee admission.
Transition preparation is a separate matter. Starfish staff work with the early years team, introducing carpet-based group activities, songs, stories and early phonics concepts. Familiar learning routines help prepare children for the next stage.
Starfish opens Monday to Friday during term time. The funded patterns are 8.30am to 11.30am or noon to 3pm for 15 hours, and 8.30am to 2.30pm for eligible children using 30 hours. Universal funding starts in the term after a child’s third birthday. For children using 15 funded hours, lunch attendance and extra sessions can carry charges; additional sessions depend on space and staffing. The extension from 2.30pm to 3pm is also chargeable. Contact the school for current charges.
Fixed weekly bookings. Families book the same sessions each week, and temporary day swaps are not permitted. This matters if work shifts change regularly.
Begin with an expression of interest form; enquiries and viewing requests go to preschool@westoverprimary.co.uk. Uniform comprises a T-shirt or polo neck, jumper or cardigan, and jogging bottoms, leggings or shorts. Pack labelled spare clothes in a labelled bag.
The pre-school caters for children aged 3 to 4. Universal funded hours begin in the term following the child’s third birthday.
The 15-hour patterns run from 8.30am to 11.30am or noon to 3pm. The eligible 30-hour pattern runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm, with a chargeable extension to 3pm.
Free settling sessions are provided, with the number depending on the individual child’s needs.
Hot meals have an additional charge, and parents provide nappies and wipes. Caterlink supplies meals, accommodating vegetarian and special dietary requirements.
No. A separate application is required. For September 2027 entry, pre-school children eligible for early years pupil premium receive priority under criterion 8, but this does not guarantee a place. Apply through Portsmouth City Council by 15 January 2027.
