Stockbridge Primary & Pre-School Nursery Review

A mud kitchen, a home corner that can become a veterinary surgery, and an amphitheatre give Kingfishers plenty of scope for imaginative play. This is Stockbridge Primary & Pre-School’s on-site, teacher-led provision for children aged two to four, with no more than 28 children in a session. Children have access to the school’s grounds while retaining their own pre-school base.

Ofsted’s inspection on 12 and 13 September 2023 found that early-years children progressed rapidly through their learning and that pre-school children soon developed positive relationships. Those findings concern the early years within the school inspection.

Children’s interests shape the curriculum. In practical terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning here involves language, relationships, movement and early number work woven into play: sandpit activities introduce weighing and negotiating with others, while kitchen role play develops social interaction and can build an understanding of number. Staff observe children’s choices and use them to plan the next activities.

From 09:10, children choose between activities outside and indoors, with smaller groups supporting social development and phonics as school age approaches. Little Wandle Letters & Sounds (revised) contributes early listening games and work on distinguishing sounds. Topics have included space and vets; visiting animals prompted children to create their own pretend surgery.

Indoors, the home corner contains a telephone, kitchen sink and comfortable chairs, giving children recognisable objects around which to build their games. Outside, the mud kitchen supports experimenting with mixtures. The woodland, pond and polytunnel extend exploration beyond the immediate play space, while waterproof clothing and wellies support outdoor activity in wet weather. Small-group trips include the post office, park and local greengrocers, linking learning to everyday places.

A nominated key worker gives each family a consistent adult relationship. Sessions have at least two staff members, sometimes three; staff training covers paediatric first aid, safeguarding, and food hygiene. Before starting, a home visit combines conversation with parents and play with the child. Taster sessions follow, and two-year-olds have a longer settling period tailored to the family.

Busy Bees gives parents time alongside their child and an opportunity to exchange information with staff. Collection conversations cover the session, eating and nappy changes, with termly key-worker meetings adding a more structured discussion. Tapestry provides an online learning journal, and Class Dojo links home experiences with pre-school activity.

Food is also part of learning. Children bake snacks, pour their own water with supervision and practise clearing away after lunch. Fresh vegetables and fruit are always offered at snack time. Lunch can be freshly cooked by the school kitchen or brought from home; special diets and individual needs are accommodated. The youngest children receive adult help throughout lunch, with independence developed at their pace.

Day-to-day SEND support in pre-school connects with the school’s SENCO. Where additional advice is needed, referrals can go to the Area Inclusion Co-ordinator or specialist agencies. A deputy safeguarding lead works within pre-school.

Attending Kingfishers does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Hampshire’s normal admissions process. For September 2027 entry, the application portal opens on 1 November 2026 and the deadline is 15 January 2027.

Preparation for school is a separate matter. Pre-school and school staff work together, gradually introducing children to experiences in the larger school building. That helps familiarise them with larger groups and older children, whichever school they subsequently attend.

Sessions operate within 08:55 to 15:00. Mornings have a common start with several collection options; afternoons have different starting points and finish together. Families discuss their preferred days and hours with the office, which also arranges a visit to Kingfishers.

Eligible three- and four-year-olds can use up to 30 funded hours from the term after their third birthday, with additional hours available to purchase. For two-year-old funding, the office helps families complete the eligibility check. Consumables charges apply except for children qualifying for Early Years Pupil Premium. Ask the school for current charges.

Even the youngest children wear school uniform. To enquire, call 01264 810550 or email adminoffice@stockbridge.hants.sch.uk. Registration, requested hours and billing are handled by the office, leaving the pre-school team to concentrate on children.