Little Haven Nursery School

Independence gives Little Haven Nursery School its clearest character: in December 2024, children put away their belongings, changed their shoes and completed their own registration routine, with help when needed. Everyday tasks became opportunities to practise doing things for themselves.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 10 December 2024, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes. Little Haven has 32 places in total; the children attending at that visit were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the December 2024 activities included stories, counting and imaginative play. These brought language, number work and social interaction into everyday experiences.

Small-group storytelling prompted children to contribute ideas and discuss characters' emotions. This gave them a reason to use words for feelings as well as follow a story. During counting activities, adults encouraged another attempt after mistakes and allowed time to work out how a collection of objects could change.

Imaginative food-making brought children together in December 2024. Adults helped them share materials when necessary, while predictable routines made the next part of the day easier to understand. Even tidying became an activity children willingly joined.

At the December 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff recognising when children's development needed additional support, then working with families and other agencies to help them progress.

Communication had a practical purpose at that time: families received updates about their child's learning and ideas to use at home. Preparation for starting school centred on developing useful skills. Gentle conversations helped children with difficult feelings, while adults demonstrated the behaviour they expected.

Staff collaboration also shaped the December 2024 provision. Discussions about children's learning informed planning; observations of practice and exchanges of specialist knowledge helped practitioners develop their work.

The address is on The Drive, Banstead, SM7 1DA, using The White Lodge Hall and The Guide Headquarters.

In December 2024, opening hours were 8.45am to midday, Monday to Friday, with additional opening from noon to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Operation was term-time only. That timetable offered a different attendance rhythm from care running throughout the year.

At that time, the nursery received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Learning about safety. In December 2024, children needed more opportunities to understand everyday hazards, including safety when using online devices. This was the required improvement, making children's own understanding of risk an important consideration.
• Term-time planning. The December 2024 timetable combined weekday mornings with opening on three afternoons. At a visit, ask which current attendance pattern would fit your family's working week and school holidays.

Little Haven suits families who value children practising independence, discussing stories and learning alongside friends. Its December 2024 provision paired clear routines with responsive adult help. Families considering morning attendance or a longer day should weigh that dated timetable alongside the improvement needed in children's safety education.