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Nursery at Mayville High 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
In February 2024, early years children at Mayville bought pretend birthday cakes with play money in their corner shop. It is a small example of the provision's character: learning through play, with language, cooperation and independence woven into children's activities.
For children aged 2-4, the nursery forms part of Mayville High School in Southsea. Swans and Kestrels are its named nursery groups, with Kestrels the pre-school stage. In February 2024, there were two nursery classes. Families can choose shorter sessions or a full-time day, making the nursery relevant both to those seeking a first group experience and those needing longer care.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning and children's personal development. Here, its practical expression includes singing together, investigating science in groups and learning through play. In February 2024, teaching adapted to children's needs supported progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Language confidence and independence received deliberate attention.
At that February 2024 inspection, corner-shop play gave children a reason to use numbers in pretend transactions. Collaborative investigations bring another kind of practice: sharing ideas and working alongside other children. In February 2024, children were developing cooperation, consideration for others and ways to handle their emotions through these activities. Social learning sits alongside early literacy and numeracy.
Books have a regular place too. Nursery children use the library each week, choosing books and exploring different kinds of writing. That gives them a physical space beyond their classroom for discovering reading interests. The emphasis is on choosing something they enjoy, so books become a source of pleasure as well as learning.
Swans and Kestrels have an early years practitioner team overseen by the Head of Early Years. Qualifications across the nursery team include NNEB, childcare qualifications and a foundation degree in early years care and education. In February 2024, early years staffing ratios were appropriate and paediatric first-aid training was suitable.
Support for younger children can begin with assessment by the Learning Support Unit, followed by recommendations for help within their class. This route applies to children younger than 8. In February 2024, early years staff also drew on specialist agencies and provided targeted help for children with SEND, enabling them to progress from their starting points.
Meals offer another opportunity to practise independence, an early years strength in February 2024. The full-time nursery day includes a hot lunch and tea; separately booked nursery lunches must be ordered in advance through ParentPay.
Safeguarding and risk management. In February 2024, school-wide safeguarding oversight was inadequate, safeguarding leaders lacked sufficient time, and risk assessment and staff training required action. At the November 2024 monitoring visit, safeguarding and risk management were effective and all relevant standards checked were met. These findings concern the school arrangements serving nursery children, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Nursery attendance gives children priority for Mayville's Reception, but it does not guarantee a place. Reception has a separate entry process, normally involving a day's assessment and a meeting with the junior school assistant headteachers or headteacher.
The school considers whether it can meet each child's needs, whether the child can access the curriculum and the balance of abilities in the class. Families should therefore treat Reception entry as a further decision, rather than an automatic continuation of their nursery booking.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, with afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 15:30. Full-time care runs Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00. Additional care includes a lunch hour, afternoon extensions and morning and after-care, allowing families to consider how their chosen session fits the working day.
Bookings are charged by session. Fully funded 30-hour nursery places are offered through the Government's Nursery Education Grant. Extra hours and separately booked lunches have their own charges; ask the school for current charges. A term's written notice is required to avoid liability for the following term.
Use the admissions enquiry form to contact the admissions team. Visits and taster days can be arranged throughout the year, while nursery entry normally involves a session visit and a meeting with the Early Years Manager.
The nursery caters for children aged 2-4. Its nursery groups are Swans and Kestrels, with Kestrels the pre-school stage.
Morning sessions are 08:30-11:30 and afternoon sessions are 12:30-15:30. Full-time care is available Monday to Friday, 08:00-18:00, with additional care options.
Yes. Mayville offers fully funded 30-hour nursery places through the Government's Nursery Education Grant. Additional hours and separately booked lunches carry charges.
No. Nursery children receive priority, but entry is not automatic. Reception entry normally involves a day's assessment and a meeting with the junior school assistant headteachers or headteacher.
Complete the admissions enquiry form for contact from the admissions team. Visits and taster days can be arranged throughout the year; nursery entry normally includes a session visit and a meeting with the Early Years Manager.
