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Nursery at Bramble Infant School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Free movement between Honeysuckle, Buttercup and outdoor play gives Bramble’s pre-school its character. This is the nursery attached to Bramble Infant School and Nursery in Southsea, with provision starting at six months and pre-school for children aged three to four. Room moves depend on emotional readiness and development, rather than birthdays alone.
Primrose serves the youngest children, followed by Bluebell and Blackberry. Pre-school children use Honeysuckle and Buttercup. The nursery occupies a building refurbished in October 2016, and its year-round opening makes it a practical option for families whose childcare needs extend beyond school terms.
Play becomes more structured as children grow. In Bluebell, adults plan focused activities around toddlers’ interests, alongside garden play, singing and stories. Blackberry adds adult-led group activities while keeping sand, water and messy materials accessible. Children can move into its garden throughout the day, including in wet weather.
For pre-school children, group activities develop learning around interests and topics selected by children and staff. Movement between the two rooms gives children choices about where to play. Outdoors, gardens, bikes and equipment for balancing support movement and coordination; indoors, an interactive whiteboard adds another resource for exploring the world.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects this play to seven learning areas. In everyday terms, that means practising conversation, relationships and physical skills alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and exploration. Children investigate shapes and counting through practical play, make marks and explore books, and express ideas through imaginative play and music. Bramble EYFS Stepping Stones organise developmental expectations, giving staff a sequence to work with as children progress.
Pre-school children also have a weekly My Happy Mind lesson. Listening, recognising personal strengths and learning to ask for help are among its themes. The accompanying parent app includes stories, breathing activities and videos, giving families ways to continue that learning at home.
Each child has a key person who gets to know them within a small group. Settling begins with a visit before booking and an invitation for parents to stay for a short session. Families share information about their child, and the key person aims to speak with new parents daily during the initial settling period. Another member of staff takes over that contact when needed.
A nursery manager and deputy work with senior practitioners, practitioners and assistants. Senior staff hold childcare qualifications and have at least three years of experience; most staff have recognised qualifications, while some train under qualified supervision. A nursery SENCo provides a separate contact for special educational needs. Parents can also discuss developmental concerns with their child’s key worker.
Milk or water accompanies snacks in the morning and afternoon. Caterlink supplies hot lunches in term time; holiday lunches and year-round teas are prepared on site. Families can instead send cold meals that need no preparation. Tell staff about allergies and religious dietary needs, and keep packed food free of nuts and sweets.
For babies, sleep is monitored, bedding is individual, and staff help children settle to rest. Their sleep routine can be adjusted around the routine used at home. Work with families also includes toilet training and the Portsmouth University Brush Up tooth-brushing programme.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Portsmouth City Council’s normal school admissions process.
Shared outdoor play with Reception children provides familiarity with the next stage, rather than an admissions advantage. Pre-school staff and Reception teachers have also worked together on Ten Top Tips for starting school, helping families practise independence and prepare emotionally for the change.
Opening hours are 7.45am to 5.30pm throughout the year, except bank holidays and the Christmas-to-New-Year closure. Additional hours depend on staffing and spare places and cannot be guaranteed. Morning and afternoon sessions run from 7.45am to 12.45pm and 12.45pm to 5.30pm respectively.
For 2025/2026, funding patterns included stretching provision across 48 or 51 weeks, alongside 38-week funded term-time attendance. Keep that distinction in mind when comparing holiday coverage. Ask the nursery for current charges.
Registration is online, with a preferred start date; enquiries go to nurseryoffice@bramble.portsmouth.sch.uk. Everyday clothing should be washable and easy for children to manage themselves. Send spare clothes, suitable outdoor clothing and a labelled bag for wet items. Regular key-person conversations usually happen at collection or drop-off; book an appointment for a fuller discussion of development.
Provision begins at six months. Pre-school caters for children aged three to four, with room moves adjusted to development and emotional readiness.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Portsmouth City Council’s normal school admissions process.
Parents visit before booking and can stay with their child for a short session. Each child has a key person who aims to speak with parents daily during the initial settling period, with colleagues covering their absence.
Yes. Packed lunches and teas must be cold and ready to eat, in a named container. Avoid nuts and sweets, and tell staff about allergies or religious dietary requirements.
Choose washable clothes that children can manage easily. Bring a complete change, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and a named bag for wet or soiled items. Label belongings clearly.
