The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Hillcroft Primary School & Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing between indoor and outdoor play gives Hillcroft’s nursery day its character. Children can follow an interest across both spaces, with building, storytelling and investigation forming part of their learning. This is the nursery within Hillcroft Primary School & Nursery, on Chaldon Road in Caterham, with provision for children aged two to four.
Holly Class accommodates two-year-olds; Fir Class is for three- and four-year-olds. The provision for two-year-olds began in 2025, so families considering Holly are choosing a newer part of the nursery. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 10 and 11 January 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school and predates the younger cohort.
Play gives the early years foundation stage (EYFS) its practical shape here: children develop their communication, physical skills and relationships through exploration. The GLF wider curriculum sits alongside this approach. Children build, invent stories and investigate, selecting activities and moving between the indoor learning space and outdoors. Choice is part of the day.
Number learning has a defined sequence. Nursery maths follows NCETM progression, covering comparisons, counting and how numbers fit together, alongside measures, shapes, patterns and space. These ideas are explored through practical play, giving children experiences to connect with the mathematical language they learn.
Writing starts before formal written work. Activities develop listening and speaking, vocabulary and the movement skills needed to write; making marks then gives children opportunities to express ideas at their own developmental stage. In January 2023, children in early years showed enthusiasm for learning, and the curriculum equipped them for their next educational stage. The focus on reading began in Nursery.
Relationships are the starting point for settling. Hillcroft aims to help children feel happy, secure and ready to explore, emphasising strong relationships from the start. In January 2023, early years children received attentive care and substantial support.
The team includes a nursery teacher who also leads the early years phase, practitioners and a room leader for the younger cohort. Qualifications include an NNEB diploma and Level 3 childcare training; licensed Thrive practitioners bring an additional focus on emotional wellbeing.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), Hillcroft’s school approach combines support within the child’s class with individual or small-group work when appropriate. Parents and carers contribute to understanding a child’s needs. That makes family knowledge part of planning support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority route and meet its application deadline. For Hillcroft, that means completing the local authority form through Surrey Admissions. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Term-time opening runs from 8.40am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, with holidays matching the school’s. The booking choices are a full week of 30 hours or either half of the week for 15 hours. The first-half 15-hour pattern includes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning; the second-half pattern combines Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday. The funded full-week pattern finishes at 1.20pm on Friday, with a top-up possible until 3pm.
Fully funded places have no hidden charges. All children qualify for 15 funded hours each week from the term after their third birthday; eligible working parents of three- and four-year-olds may receive another 15 hours. Some two-year-olds may qualify for Surrey FEET funding from the term after they turn two. Paid places are also offered where a child is too young for funding or does not qualify for the extended entitlement. Contact the nursery for current charges.
Funding codes need to be obtained before the preceding term ends and supplied promptly for checking. Enquiries and tour bookings go to nursery@hillcroftschool.org; the office can arrange a visit when an open morning is not coming up.
Clothing is practical: black leggings or jogging bottoms, a red cardigan or jumper and a polo shirt, with logos optional on the latter two. Pack named spare clothes, a water bottle and a book bag, plus wellies and separate waterproof trousers and coat. Nursery children use the nursery entrance door for both entry and collection.
Holly Class is for two-year-olds, while Fir Class accommodates children aged three and four.
Yes. The free-flow arrangement lets children move between indoor and outdoor activities and choose what interests them.
There is a 30-hour full-week pattern and two 15-hour patterns: the first half or the second half of the week. The full-week funded pattern ends at 1.20pm on Friday, with a top-up available until 3pm.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Surrey Admissions using the local authority form, by the normal application deadline.
Email nursery@hillcroftschool.org to book. There are group open mornings, and the office can arrange another convenient date when an open morning is not coming up.
