Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools Nursery Review

Garden play, swimming and woodland exploration give this nursery its character. Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools welcomes boys and girls aged two to four into a nursery operating for 51 weeks a year, within its Ridge House pre-prep department in Hermitage. That longer calendar makes it relevant to families seeking care beyond school terms.

Two nursery classes formed part of the early years provision at the October 2025 inspection. The ISI inspection of 7 to 9 October 2025 found that the early years curriculum responded thoughtfully to children’s needs, combining planned learning with independent play. This is a school nursery with its own daily rhythm.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links learning to everyday experiences: talking, moving, making friends, exploring materials and beginning to understand letters and numbers. Planning follows children’s interests and developmental needs. A visual timetable helps them anticipate what comes next, while accessible resources let them choose activities themselves.

Construction, role play and sensory exploration have designated areas indoors, with equivalent opportunities in the garden. Daily access to the Early Years garden and courtyard takes learning outside; sound hunts and walks exploring numbers, shapes and nature extend it into the school grounds. Welly Wednesdays include opportunities to consider risks, such as climbing trees. Weekly swimming follows the ASA Duckling awards, giving water skills a regular place alongside classroom learning.

The handbook’s example nursery routine begins with welcome activities, followed by registration and a song. Short inputs on number work, literacy or phonics lead into activities guided by adults and play chosen by children. Lunch precedes garden time; stories, rhymes and quieter activity follow. The afternoon returns to topic work and outdoor play before stories and songs close the day.

In October 2025, children used what they had learnt independently during play. Support for emotional development was equally practical: adults helped children talk about feelings, recognise others’ emotions and practise taking turns.

A key person takes particular responsibility for each child’s care and learning, comforts them and talks with parents at either end of a session. Teachers lead the classes with qualified colleagues assisting; every member of staff has paediatric first aid training.

Settling is agreed with parents rather than following one fixed timetable. A taster session introduces the key worker and routines, and a home visit may be offered. Shorter initial sessions or a parent staying briefly are possible. Staff review how settling progresses; a start can be delayed if a child is not ready, and a distressed child may need their parent to remain.

Weekly class emails and Tapestry connect home with nursery experiences. Parents can contribute comments and media to the learning journal. Meals include morning fruit or other snacks, a set lunch menu with alternatives for individual dietary requirements, and afternoon snacks. Children staying after school can have fruit and sandwiches, with supper ordered through the booking system.

Nappies and toileting accidents receive individual support, with care plans agreed when regular help is needed. An early years SENCo works alongside the Learning Development Centre, and visiting speech and language or occupational therapists can support children. Physical access. The admissions policy acknowledges limited facilities for physical disabilities. Families must disclose known needs before accepting a place so that adjustments and suitability can be considered.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Keep the Reception application separate from the nursery decision and follow the normal admissions process; familiarity with the setting should never be treated as an entitlement to entry.

Daily routines, help with personal care and practice in sharing give children experience they can carry into their next classroom. These are developmental benefits, separate from admission.

Morning children leave at 1pm, while the nursery’s example day finishes at 3.45pm. After school club runs from 4pm to 6pm, with supper at 4.30pm. Collection arrangements identify Marlston Courtyard for nursery afternoon collections on weekdays.

The nursery uniform list includes navy clothing, a red polo, Wellington boots and an all-in-one waterproof suit, making outdoor clothing part of everyday preparation. Ask the school office for current charges. Initial enquiries can go through the admissions form or by telephone on 01635 200293; personal tours can be arranged through the admissions team.