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Nursery at West Ashtead Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen potions, forest-school creatures and a story to finish: play gives West Ashtead's nursery day its shape. This is the school's on-site provision on Taleworth Road in Ashtead. Children could join from nine months at the time of the January 2026 inspection.
Ofsted's January 2026 judgement for early years was Expected standard. Provision for two- and three-year-olds was effective, with language development a clear priority. That gives families a specific picture of the youngest children's education, rather than a whole-school grade presented as a nursery rating.
Children begin with choices: construction, art, pretend play or stories. Indoor play sits alongside an outdoor area used throughout the day, including in wet weather. The mud kitchen gives imaginative play a physical setting; forest school brings opportunities to observe living creatures. Digging and balancing add movement to the mix.
Group time changes the pace. Children sing together, listen to stories, investigate sounds and explore numbers. A final story and time to share discoveries bring the day to a close. There is room for both individual interests and shared activity.
The curriculum uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, the early stage of children's education. Here, its language and number learning takes practical forms. In January 2026, nursery staff developed vocabulary through conversation, including language for adding or taking away one. Rhymes and songs helped children become familiar with sounds, while storytelling and pretend play supported their speech. Early-years interactions were generally strong, although leaders were still working to strengthen them further.
Teachers help children put their belongings away as part of the daily settling routine. In January 2026, early-years staff assessed what children could already do and adjusted learning accordingly. Parents and carers received regular information, giving home and nursery a continuing connection around children's development.
Snack time has a practical purpose as well as a social one. Milk accompanies fruit and vegetables; children pour drinks themselves and clear up afterwards. These small tasks give them opportunities to practise independence alongside their friends.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, early-years learning is adapted to their starting points. The school's support structure can also involve its SENDCo and, depending on a child's needs, speech and language therapy or occupational therapy. These are possible forms of support, rather than an automatic package for every child.
Illness arrangements need planning at home. Children who become unwell must be collected, and vomiting or diarrhoea requires at least 48 hours away after symptoms end. Correctly labelled prescribed medicine is administered with parental permission and recorded through Medical Tracker.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Every family must make a separate application through the local authority's website, following the normal application timetable. The local authority sends offers directly, so choosing this nursery and applying for school remain separate decisions.
After an offer is accepted, the school provides the starting date and children have an opportunity to visit before starting. That visit supports familiarity with the next setting; it is separate from the allocation of places.
Two annual arrangements are offered. Term Time Only covers 38 weeks and excludes INSET days. Term Time Extra extends beyond 38 weeks, with the additional weeks paid for. Families should match the arrangement to their childcare calendar. Bank holidays and up to six training days are closures.
Eligible government childcare funding and voucher schemes are accepted. Universal funding provides 15 hours each week from the term after a child's third birthday. Other funded sessions require a valid eligibility code, renewed by parents every three months. Funded sessions carry no session charge; an invalid or missing required code means charges apply. Ask the school for current charges.
ChildCare Bookings for Schools invoices non-funded sessions each half term. Paid sessions missed through illness or holidays are not refunded, and cancelling the agreement requires written notice of at least half a term. Late collection may incur a charge. If another person collects, they must be over 16, and staff need advance notice and a way to identify them.
Nursery tours run at 11:00 on Wednesdays during term time. Arrange one, or make an enquiry, through wa-nursery@leoacademytrust.co.uk or 01372 272082.
At the January 2026 inspection, children could join the on-site nursery from nine months.
Children use the mud kitchen, observe creatures at forest school and have opportunities to dig, build, run and balance outdoors.
No. Families must apply separately through the local authority's website, and the local authority sends Reception offers.
Yes. Eligible government funded hours are accepted. Apart from the universal 15-hour offer for three- and four-year-olds, funded sessions require a valid eligibility code renewed every three months.
Tours take place on Wednesdays at 11:00 during term time. Email wa-nursery@leoacademytrust.co.uk to arrange one.
