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Nursery at Bitterne Manor 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Book-inspired topics meet superhero enthusiasms in Ducklings, Bitterne Manor’s nursery class for children aged 3–4. Planned learning can change direction when children become absorbed in a new interest. That gives their own ideas a place alongside the topics adults have prepared.
The nursery belongs to Bitterne Manor Primary School on Quayside Road in Southampton. At the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024, early years provision was graded Good within the school’s inspection. This judgement covers early years, rather than being a separate nursery rating.
Play and adult-guided activities share the learning programme. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides its structure: children develop communication, physical skills and an understanding of themselves and others through purposeful learning and play. Activities are adjusted to their development, giving adults scope to build from what each child can already do.
Ducklings’ topics begin with books and include practical activities. Children’s interests can reshape those plans, with superheroes and Zootopia among the examples. The balance matters: adults plan a sequence of learning while leaving room for the subjects that capture children’s attention.
Indoor and outdoor spaces both support play. Adults use conversation and interaction to extend children’s thinking, language and social skills. In June 2024, early years staff used their expertise effectively to strengthen speech and vocabulary, and the curriculum developed from children’s starting points. Learning routines also began in early years, helping children prepare for later schooling.
Settling starts with contact between home and school. Home visits, meetings with parents and stay-and-play sessions form part of the early years transition approach. These give families several ways to begin building relationships before their child settles into the new setting.
The Tapestry Learning Journal records children’s development, alongside staff observations and ongoing assessment. Parents and staff work together to support learning at home, connecting classroom experiences with family life.
Emotional learning has named tools. The Colour Monster helps younger children put feelings into words, while Zones of Regulation teaches children to recognise emotions and develop ways to manage them. All staff receive training in PACE, which combines acceptance, empathy, curiosity and playfulness. The approach puts support with regulation before correction.
For children needing additional help, the school’s behaviour approach includes sensory adjustments, individual plans, extra adult support and spaces for calming or regulation. These are adaptations for children’s needs, rather than identical responses for everyone.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Applications go through Southampton City Council’s admissions department, with an online application route.
Treat choosing Ducklings and applying for Reception as separate decisions. Familiarity with the school does not remove the need to apply again.
Nursery enquiries go through the main school office via the school business manager. Contact admin@bitternemanor.net or telephone 023 80227596. The office takes calls from 8:30 am until 4.30 pm, giving parents a defined window for discussing an enquiry.
The nursery caters for children aged 3–4, in the Ducklings class.
Book-inspired topics combine practical activities with children’s own interests. The EYFS approach mixes adult-guided learning with child-initiated play indoors and outdoors.
The early years transition approach includes home visits, parent meetings and stay-and-play sessions.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through Southampton City Council’s admissions process.
Direct enquiries through the main school office via the school business manager: admin@bitternemanor.net or 023 80227596.
