Romsey Primary School & Nursery: nursery review

Mud-kitchen play, den building and daily rhymes give Romsey’s nursery its character: children have room to experiment, with adults helping them develop language and practical skills through play. This is provision on the school site, managed by Romsey Primary School & Nursery, with entry from a child’s third birthday and a maximum of 29 children in each session.

The nursery operates during term time for 38 weeks annually. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 March 2024; this is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Play has a clear learning purpose here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven connected areas, starting with talking and listening, physical development, and relationships and emotions. Reading and writing, maths, understanding the world and creative expression build on those foundations. Development Matters guides the approach, with activities adjusted to children’s interests and development.

At 08:45, linked provision gives children an opening activity such as a puzzle, drawing or a story. A welcome follows at 09:00, before a substantial stretch of exploration indoors and outside. Adults observe, join in and help children extend their thinking; children also choose and lead their own play. The balance matters: a child can pursue an idea while getting help with a skill that needs practice.

Construction, role play and painting sit alongside sand, water and playdough. Outside, bikes, a mud kitchen and den-building materials offer different ways to move, investigate and create. Wooden bricks, cable drums and planks invite children to decide what to make rather than follow a fixed model.

Songs and rhymes have a daily slot at 11:10, developing early phonics skills. Afternoon exploration leads into tidying, a story and the going-home song. In March 2024, nursery communication and language were a teaching priority, while early years children played collaboratively in the large outdoor area. Formal assessments take place at least three times annually, helping staff adjust activities and resources to children’s next steps.

A keyworker system connects planning to each child’s needs and interests. Settling starts before the first session: once a place has been offered, families can attend stay and play together. Parents are encouraged to explain food preferences, daytime sleep and toileting needs. The All About Me form also asks about comfort, medical conditions and developmental concerns, giving staff practical information to work with.

Fruit and milk are provided during both morning and afternoon snack periods. Children staying for lunch eat in the hall and can bring a packed lunch or have a school dinner. Lunchtime supervision carries a separate charge which excludes the dinner itself, so families should distinguish the two when arranging attendance.

For additional needs, teaching staff work with the SEND coordinator and parents to agree support. Personalised Learning Plans record targets, with formal reviews at least three times a year. The school building has one level, wide corridors, a hygiene room and two accessible toilets. These are useful features for families considering physical or personal-care needs. Staff across every school phase have paediatric first-aid training through St John’s Ambulance, and the Early Years Leader is a deputy safeguarding lead.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the 2027–2028 admission criteria. Families must apply separately through Hampshire County Council’s school admissions route. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is midnight on 15 January 2027. Choose the nursery for the nursery experience, while making the school application separately.

Transition support serves a different purpose. Children joining Reception are invited to pre-school sessions; staff may visit their home and pre-school setting where possible. Children with identified SEND are encouraged to make additional visits, and an individual transition plan may be created where there are concerns.

Three daily sessions run from 08:45–11:45, 09:30–12:30 and 12:30–15:30. Breakfast Club runs from 07:45–08:45 and includes breakfast; After School Club runs from 15:30–18:00 and includes snacks. Both clubs and additional nursery hours require advance booking.

The nursery offers the universal 15 funded hours from the term after a child’s third birthday, across 38 weeks, with limited places for eligible children using 30-hour funding. School closure days also close the nursery. Term-time attendance. Families needing holiday care should plan around this calendar. Ask the nursery team or office for current charges and to arrange additional hours.

For enquiries, call 01794 512362 or email admin@romseyprimary.hants.sch.uk. Simple clothing that children can manage themselves is encouraged, supporting independence with dressing and toileting.