Bear and Bunny at Charlwood School

Independence in small, everyday tasks gives Bear and Bunny at Charlwood School its character: in February 2025, children practised putting on coats, chose their snacks and carried their plates and helped one another wash their hands. These are useful foundations for managing a school day.

Ofsted rated the setting Good at its 14 February 2025 inspection. Children attending then were aged two to four; the nursery is based at Charlwood Village School in Horley.

In February 2025, children sustained their own play, including caring for dolls in the role-play area. Books about the body were within children's reach, giving them another way to explore their interests.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in February 2025 included pretend play, conversations and opportunities to practise independence. Staff listened to children's accounts of home life and developed the conversation, helping them practise exchanging ideas rather than simply answering questions.

There was a curriculum weakness too. In February 2025, staff gathered information about home languages, cultures and beliefs, but planned learning did not fully develop children's understanding of their own identity and other people's differences.

At the February 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) making good progress through support adapted to their needs. Small-group activities, specialist resources and work with other professionals formed part of that support; staff used Makaton to help communication.

In February 2025, staff responded quickly when children became overwhelmed, offering reassurance and comfort. Parents knew their child's key person and received activity updates through an online platform, giving them a connection with what their child was learning.

Healthy snacks also provided practice in self-care that February: children washed their hands and carried their plates to the table. However, guidance for parents about oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices was not shared regularly, leaving an important part of communication to strengthen.

The address is Charlwood Village School, Chapel Road, Charlwood, Horley RH6 0DA. In February 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday in term time, and the nursery provided funded early education, including funding for disadvantaged children.

Being based at Charlwood Village School does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Learning about identity. In February 2025, planned learning needed to give greater attention to children's differences and understanding of others. This matters for families seeking a curriculum that reflects their child's background.
• Health guidance for home. Sharing advice about oral hygiene and healthy lifestyles was an improvement priority in February 2025. Activity updates alone did not cover this part of parent communication.
• Attendance fit. How do the current opening hours and booking arrangements fit your family's week? Discuss this during a visit, using the February 2025 term-time opening pattern as the starting point.

Bear and Bunny suits families who value independence through everyday routines and a preschool setting within Charlwood Village School. The February 2025 picture combines sustained play and responsive care with specific work to do on identity in the curriculum and health guidance for parents. Its term-time opening pattern at that visit makes the fit with a family's weekly routine an important consideration.