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Nursery at Hardmoor Nursery & Early Years Centre
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland is part of the learning here: Hardmoor’s OWL programme takes children from exploring natural surroundings towards den building, crafting and, at later levels, learning to use tools safely and cook on an open fire. Outdoor Woodland Learning includes children of all abilities, giving the nursery day a distinctive practical thread.
At Leaside Way in Bassett Green, Southampton, the centre combines a maintained nursery school with day care. The centre caters for children from 3 months to 5 years; its term-time nursery provision serves ages 2–4. Three large classrooms include one for younger nursery children and two for the older group. Day-care children join the nursery rooms for their age group as they move up, providing continuity within the centre.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, movement and personal development with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning reaches beyond letters and numbers. Hardmoor aims to build activities around children’s interests while working towards the Early Learning Goals.
Gardens and woodland are used across the seasons and in different weather. OWL draws on Scouting, Bush craft and Forest School principles, with certificates marking completed levels. Activities become more demanding as children progress, so outdoor exploration has a sequence rather than being simply time outside.
In July 2023, children collected chicken eggs, tended seeds and searched for bugs. A tent they had built and stepping stones offered further opportunities for imaginative play and physical challenge. Indoors and outdoors, familiar stories, rhymes and songs supported vocabulary; children retold stories together and used Makaton to express ideas and feelings.
Language development. Ofsted’s inspection on 18 July 2023 found that staff sometimes missed chances to extend learning, limiting how effectively teaching developed communication and language. Consistently deepening children’s understanding was the improvement required, an important consideration for families whose child needs extra help with communication.
Settling starts before the first regular session. Children are invited to at least 3 taster sessions lasting up to an hour each, and receive a home visit to meet their key person in familiar surroundings. These give families opportunities to introduce routines and practise a short separation. Children also decorate wooden hearts, displayed along the nursery pathway as a reminder of their connection with home.
Online learning journals record observations that help staff plan subsequent activities; families can contribute photographs and comments. Termly parent meetings, workshops and stay-and-play sessions provide further opportunities to take part. Qualified teachers work directly with children in Foxes and Badgers during term time, supported by Early Years Practitioners. Practitioner staff hold at least Level 3 qualifications.
City Catering prepares meals on site. Food is nut free, dietary needs are catered for, and meals and snacks exclude added salt and processed food. Families can discuss dietary requirements with the centre before attendance. In July 2023, children’s SEND needs were recognised early and accurately, with planned support enabling access to the curriculum. Safeguarding was effective: staff received regular training, watched for changes in behaviour and acted promptly on concerns.
Attending Hardmoor does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choose the primary school separately from the nursery decision; familiarity with Hardmoor is not an allocation of a school place.
Hardmoor maintains relationships with local primary schools. Those links sit alongside the admissions process, rather than replacing the family’s application.
Term-time attendance runs across 38 weeks, with patterns of 5 days each week. For 2-year-olds, morning sessions run from 8.55am to 11.55am and afternoons from 12.55pm to 3.55pm. Three-year-old options include 9am–12noon, 1pm–4pm and longer days. Wraparound care is available from 7.30am to 5pm, offering an additional arrangement around nursery attendance.
Early Years Funding is accepted for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4, covering 15 or 30 hours. Funding can cover 38 weeks or, in some cases, be spread across 50 weeks. Day-care charges include nappies, snacks and meals, while food during funded hours is charged separately. A consumables charge covers materials, book bags, seasonal activities and snacks. Ask the centre for current charges before agreeing a pattern.
Enquiries can be made to reception@hardmoor.co.uk or 02380 552220. A nursery application joins the waiting list, with an offer dependent on a suitable vacancy. It does not guarantee a place.
The centre caters for children from 3 months to 5 years, with term-time nursery provision for ages 2–4.
Outdoor Woodland Learning is Hardmoor’s programme combining Forest School, Bush craft and Scouting principles. Children progress through levels involving woodland exploration, crafting and den building, with tool use and open-fire cooking at later stages.
Children receive a home visit and are invited to at least 3 taster sessions of up to an hour each to become familiar with their key person and nursery surroundings.
Meals and snacks during funded hours carry separate charges. Day-care charges include meals, snacks and nappies; a consumables charge also applies. Contact the centre for current charges.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
