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Nursery at Meadhurst Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three fixed attendance patterns give Meadhurst’s nursery a clear weekly rhythm: two options divide 15 hours across part of the week, while a third provides 30 hours across five days. This is provision within Meadhurst Primary School in Ashford Common, with learning planned for children aged two to three and a preschool stage for three- and four-year-olds.
Capacity is expressed by attendance pattern: up to 20 children for 30 hours and 64 for 15 hours. In January 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Friendships, conversation and independence sit alongside early reading and number work. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings these together across seven learning areas, including physical development, understanding the world and creative expression. Staff observe children and record their development in learning journey books, so assessment follows what children demonstrate during their activities.
Stories give children something to think about as well as listen to. Nursery learning includes anticipating endings, discussing events and noticing rhyme; children also explore how their own marks can communicate meaning. Singing familiar songs, dancing and making up stories around toys connect language with imaginative play. These are foundations for expressing ideas, rather than simply completing a task.
Number learning includes counting aloud, spotting shapes and understanding positions such as beneath or beside an object. Conversation develops through listening in small groups, following instructions and asking why things happen. Physical learning includes jumping, skipping and practising pencil control, alongside managing a coat and developing independence with toileting. The combination links learning with everyday actions children can practise for themselves.
There are qualifications to the inspection judgement. In January 2023, some areas of learning lacked sufficiently precise sequences of essential knowledge, so activities did not consistently extend earlier learning. Phonics teaching also varied between staff, leaving some of the youngest readers less accurate and confident. These concerns matter alongside the early years grade.
Communication support has a concrete early years example. In January 2023, children who did not communicate verbally used Makaton signing and symbols to express their ideas, becoming more independent in their learning. This gives children another way to participate when spoken language is difficult.
Across the school, concerns about development are discussed with parents, the teacher and the Inclusion team. Assessment may follow, with support plans identifying targets, the help needed and who will provide it. Parents remain involved as progress is checked. Speech and language therapists and occupational therapists provide advice and therapy for children assessed as needing specialist help. Families can contact the SENCo through senco@meadhurst.thpt.org.uk.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For September 2027 entry, it gives no oversubscription priority: the criteria concern care status, exceptional social or medical circumstances, siblings and distance. Families must make a separate application through the Surrey County Council primary admissions process, submitting it to their home local authority by 15 January 2027.
Preparation for a new class is a separate matter. Children have opportunities to spend time in their next class before moving, and children diagnosed with autism or with high levels of anxiety can access additional transition packs. Familiarity can support the change, but it does not alter how places are allocated.
The first 15-hour pattern runs on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm, followed by Wednesday from 9am to noon. The second starts on Wednesday from noon to 3pm, then continues on Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm. The 30-hour option runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
These are term-time sessions aligned with the school, covering 38 weeks annually. Government-funded 15-hour provision is for children aged three and above; the funded 30-hour pattern is for three- and four-year-olds. Other attendance patterns cannot be accommodated, making the fixed weekly arrangement a practical consideration for working families.
To apply, complete the Nursery Admissions Form and return it by email or in person. Enquiries go to info@meadhurst.thpt.org.uk or 01784 253311.
There are two fixed 15-hour patterns and one 30-hour pattern. The latter runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm; alternative patterns cannot be accommodated.
No. Sessions run during school term time, with funded patterns covering 38 weeks per year.
It can accommodate up to 20 children for 30 hours and 64 children for 15 hours.
No, for September 2027 entry. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a place nor forms an oversubscription criterion. A separate application is required by 15 January 2027 through the normal local authority process.
Complete the Nursery Admissions Form and send it to the school by email or deliver it in person. The contact email is info@meadhurst.thpt.org.uk.
