Mansel Park Primary & Nursery School: Nursery Review

Portraits made from shells and curtain rings, banana oat cookies and dancing dragons give Mansel Park’s nursery its character: learning takes shape through things children can handle, taste and make. Activities include experiences for two-year-olds and for children aged three and four, with different tasks for the younger and older groups.

The nursery belongs to Mansel Park Primary & Nursery School in Southampton. For parents, the useful distinction is between joining this nursery and obtaining a school place later: those are separate decisions.

A pancake activity shows how one idea can stretch across several kinds of learning. Children made and tasted vegan pancakes, then explored their circular shape through playdough and marks made with toy cars. Outside, the nursery garden’s obstacle course brought circular movement into physical play. Shape became something to make and move around, rather than simply recognise.

Friendship work combined family photographs, stories and creative activities. Children talked about the people in their photographs; older children assembled temporary self-portraits with materials including stones, pasta and shells. Younger children made painted handprints and mashed bananas for oat cookies. These tasks give children different ways to express themselves, through conversation, pictures and practical activity.

Lunar New Year experiences also varied by age. Three- and four-year-olds experimented with chopsticks, made dragon masks and followed movements in a dragon dance. Two-year-olds explored rice noodles through smell and taste, then danced with scarves. Winter exploration brought ice, cold water and pretend snow into sensory play. The examples combine movement, concentration and discovery through real materials.

In June 2023, nursery adults encouraged families to give children time at home to manage their belongings, get dressed, wash their hands and use eating utensils. These examples show how everyday tasks can provide opportunities to practise independence.

Food also becomes an activity. A Lunar New Year café included fruit, cucumber and cereal to try with chopsticks, while cooking experiences included vegan pancakes and banana oat cookies. These are examples of tasting and preparation, rather than a fixed meal pattern.

In January 2024, children used thumbs-up and thumbs-down signals to consider their choices visually. Families were encouraged to try this at home too. The school’s safeguarding team accepts concerns confidentially, providing families with a route to raise worries.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal primary admissions route and meet the relevant deadline.

In Southampton, this involves an online application, with the local authority informing families when to apply. The school office can help with the application. Treat this as a separate task even if your child already attends the nursery.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 02380 776162 or email info@manselpark.net. The school is on Culver Close, Southampton, SO16 9HZ.

School tours can be arranged through the office. A visit offers a practical next step for families considering the nursery and its place within Mansel Park.