Darley Dene Primary School Nursery Review

Curiosity, concentration and learning to share give Darley Dene’s nursery its character. In July 2024, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good, with children settling promptly and engaging purposefully in their learning. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

For children aged 2 to 4, this is a term-time nursery attached to Darley Dene Primary School on Garfield Road in Addlestone. Its practical appeal is a start within a school setting, with the next application still a separate decision.

The early years foundation stage combines learning with developing the habits children need to participate alongside others. In July 2024, children showed motivation, cooperation and a willingness to share. These are useful foundations for taking part in activities and learning with other children.

Adults supported learning through an environment that encouraged children’s interest and helped them concentrate. The curriculum had clear learning expectations, while activities encouraged curiosity and sustained attention. For parents, the significant combination is engagement and direction: children had reasons to investigate, alongside a clear purpose for their learning.

Settling was a strength in July 2024: nursery and Reception children adjusted quickly to school life. That matters for young children beginning to spend time away from their families and getting used to learning alongside others.

Support for additional needs sits within the school’s wider structure. An Inclusion Leader coordinates SEND provision, with class teachers retaining responsibility for children’s learning. The school aims to make learning accessible by considering sensory and physical requirements alongside language, emotional and social needs.

The support process follows Assess, Plan, Do and Review. Parents contribute to identifying needs and agreeing adjustments, interventions and outcomes, with a review date built into the plan. Reviews consider both family views and the effect of the support, so provision can change as a child’s needs become clearer.

Individual Support Plans bring together a child’s strengths, needs, intended outcomes and support. Copies are shared with parents each term. Where specialist involvement is appropriate, the Inclusion Leader can work with Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and the Educational Psychology Service. Parents give permission before referrals to outside agencies. For a concern about learning, the class teacher is the first contact, with the Inclusion Leader providing a further route for discussion.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Surrey County Council’s coordinated primary admissions process, using either the online route or a paper form.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. Nursery attendance did not confer priority in that entry cycle. Families choosing the nursery should therefore treat the Reception application as a separate task.

Transition support has a different purpose. Across Lumen Learning Trust, Reception teachers exchange information with children’s nurseries and alert the Inclusion Leader to additional support needs. Relevant staff also take part in transition meetings, helping the receiving team prepare for the child.

The nursery operates during term time. Enquiries go through the school office, which can be contacted on 01932 847674 or at office.darleydene@Lumenlearningtrust.co.uk. The school address is Garfield Road, Addlestone, KT15 2NP.