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Nursery at Locks Heath Infant & Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
China, glass jars and stainless steel give play a distinctive character at Locks Heath’s nursery. Children use open-ended materials, messy play is part of the day, and a garden connects directly with the classroom. This is the school’s own nursery on Warsash Road in Locks Heath, with access to spaces beyond its room, including the library and nature reserve.
The nursery draws on aspects of the Curiosity Approach, putting exploration and children’s choices into everyday learning. Its aim is to develop curiosity, confidence and positive relationships. The practical appeal is a combination of a nursery base and opportunities to explore the wider school.
Families can choose a morning, afternoon or full-day session. Within that time, the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework guides learning: language, relationships, movement and early mathematical ideas feature alongside play. Birth to Five Matters helps staff plan the steps appropriate to nursery children.
Stories, songs and nursery rhymes give children opportunities to practise speaking and encounter new vocabulary. Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds focuses on listening and speaking before formal phonics. For physical development, staff use elements of the Griffin OT Programme; mathematical exploration includes patterns and numbers, alongside measuring and investigating shapes and space. These are foundations built through activity.
Outdoor learning has several settings. Children can move between their classroom and their own garden, use the early years playground, and explore woodland. Forest Explorers sessions focus on seasonal changes in nature, giving outdoor play a purpose beyond exercise. Regular visits also take children to the music room, hall, library and nature reserve.
Planning precision. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 to 14 March 2023. At that time, activities supported learning and outdoor space was used thoughtfully, but assessment outside literacy and mathematics did not consistently shape subsequent teaching. For families, how staff turn a child’s interests and progress into the next learning step is a useful focus.
Settling begins with stay-and-play sessions shared by parent and child. These introduce the peer group and key person, while giving parents time to discuss preferences and needs. Each child has an assigned key person who becomes the main family contact and supports learning and wellbeing. The nursery recognises that some children need longer and more encouragement to settle.
Speech and language support includes work with private therapists and NHS services. The Home School Link Worker also supports nursery families, drawing on contacts including health visitors and charities. The nursery aims to help children manage emotions through responsive relationships with trusted adults, and works with parents on healthy eating, oral health and physical activity.
Additional needs. In March 2023, early years adults understood children’s needs and provided sensitive care. A separate, school-wide concern was that some pupils’ special educational needs were identified too slowly or imprecisely, delaying access to appropriate help. Families should make early discussion of developmental concerns part of their relationship with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Hampshire County Council admissions route and meet the applicable deadline.
Preparation for the next stage is a separate matter. Nursery planning works backwards from the Reception curriculum, while children become familiar with other school spaces through regular visits. That supports continuity in their experience; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and the full day from 9am to 3pm. All hours depend on availability. Attendance hours can differ between days, and additional paid hours can be requested separately.
Funding covers up to 15 hours a week over 38 weeks, from the term after a child’s third birthday until the term containing their fifth birthday. Eligible children may receive 30 funded hours. There is also a voluntary contribution towards consumables, including fruit, snacks and hygiene supplies. Contact the school for current charges.
Children wear school uniform. Nursery visits and registration enquiries can be made through the enquiry form, or families can email nursery@locksheath-inf.hants.sch.uk. The school is on Warsash Road, SO31 9NZ; there is no on-site parking, and blue badge holders needing assistance can contact the school office.
Morning sessions are 9am to noon, afternoons are noon to 3pm, and full days are 9am to 3pm. All hours are subject to availability.
Stay-and-play sessions let children meet their key person and other children with a parent present. Each child has a key person who is the main family contact.
Children use their own garden, the early years playground and woodland. Forest Explorers sessions explore changes in nature across the seasons.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Hampshire County Council’s normal admissions route.
Up to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks are funded from the term after the third birthday until the term containing the fifth birthday. Eligible children may receive 30 hours. Extra paid hours can be requested separately.
