Guildford Nursery School under 2s

At the May 2026 inspection, sand, balls and guttering illustrated how young children explored movement through play, while adults helped develop their language. Guildford Nursery School under 2s has capacity for 15 children at Hazel Avenue, Guildford.

At its May 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas Strong standard and safeguarding standards met. These areas covered achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership. The children attending at that time were aged 1 to 2; that is an inspection-time age range.

In May 2026, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care: songs, play and everyday routines helped children practise communication, movement and social skills. Short group gatherings sat alongside time to explore independently.

Water play brought together bubbles, toy ducks and objects that children could pour, float or sink. Adults introduced vocabulary about size and change while children experimented. Counting steps during climbing made mathematical language part of an ordinary activity, rather than a separate task.

Physical exploration mattered too. In May 2026, low equipment, ramps and uneven surfaces gave children opportunities to practise balance and judge manageable challenges. Daily time outdoors was complemented by gardening, cooking and community outings. The combination gave children different ways to use their hands, move their bodies and investigate their surroundings.

At the May 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children made substantial progress, that staff adapted teaching for children with SEND or other needs, and that relationships with key people helped children feel secure. For a family weighing care alongside early learning, those findings connect the two rather than treating them as separate priorities.

In May 2026, settling included visits to children's homes and sessions introduced in stages. Staff adjusted routines around individual needs and worked with families and other professionals. Observations and assessments informed additional support, while extra funding was used to help address barriers to learning.

Everyday care also encouraged small steps towards independence. Children practised using spoons, holding cups and choosing at snack time. Familiar handwashing routines and attempts to manage outdoor clothing gave them further opportunities to do things for themselves. Staff helped children communicate feelings calmly, making emotional support part of the daily routine.

The address is Guildford Nursery School & Family Centre, Hazel Avenue, Guildford, GU1 1NR. There are 15 places in total; this is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of a daily group.

In May 2026, opening hours were 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Those hours describe the operating window at that time. At that inspection, leaders tracked attendance and stepped in early to support families before patterns of absence became more established.

• Attendance arrangements. The May 2026 opening window was 8am to 5pm on weekdays. At a visit, which booking pattern and settling schedule would fit your child's routine?
• Turning training into practice. The May 2026 next step was to develop monitoring of how staff training changes their work. This makes the practical effect of professional development a useful point to discuss.
• Early independence. In May 2026, children were practising feeding themselves and managing clothing for outdoor play. Families who value these small daily milestones will find them central to the inspection-time experience.

The strongest case here is the connection between responsive care and hands-on learning. The May 2026 picture suits families seeking early communication practice, physical exploration and gradual independence for very young children. Home visits and staged settling add a practical dimension to that approach. The development priority is equally specific: making the impact of staff training easier to assess.