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Nursery at Marden Lodge Primary School and 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor bike play doubles as a lesson in road safety at Marden Lodge: adults use children's activities to build understanding alongside independence. This is the nursery attached to Marden Lodge Primary School in Caterham, welcoming children from age two.
Two rooms usually organise provision by age, one for children aged two to three and another for three to four. Older two-year-olds may join the older room when applications require it, so these groupings are adaptable. Ofsted's June 2026 judgement for the school's early years was Expected standard, covering the early years provision rather than giving the nursery a separate grade.
Play and conversation shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), drawing on Development Matters 2021, combines learning about relationships, movement and communication with early reading, mathematics, creative work and exploration of the world. Children initiate play indoors and outdoors in a free-flow environment, with themes organised around a central question. This gives their exploration a shared focus while leaving room for their own interests.
Read, Write, Inc. introduces phonics from nursery, helping children connect sounds with letters. The Write Stuff begins with discussion, vocabulary and watching adults demonstrate writing: ideas are spoken before they are put on paper. Mathematics uses Teaching for Mastery, with small teaching steps, practical resources and BBCs Numberblocks to explore concepts.
In June 2026, children sustained their attention and developed problem-solving skills through purposeful activities. Everyday routines also built independence, including managing coats and putting lunch belongings away. Early writing. Strengthening its teaching remained a school improvement action in June 2026. Families should consider this alongside the nursery's emphasis on talk and adult modelling.
Settling begins before the first session. Staff make a home visit and use an All About Me form to learn about the child. Stay and Play sessions take place in the latter half of the summer term, followed by a September phone call before starting. These contacts help children become familiar with adults and their surroundings before separation from their caregiver.
A nursery leader, a lead for the two-year-old room and nursery practitioners form the team. Parents learn who their child's key person is after a few weeks, allowing relationships, needs and interests to inform the match. That adult supports settling, plans individual care and becomes the first contact for questions. Tapestry shares observations and photographs; parents can add their own entries, connecting learning at home and nursery.
June 2026 early-years findings showed prompt identification of additional needs and tailored help, including targeted language support. Warm staff relationships helped nursery children settle and feel secure. Lunch can be cooked by the school kitchen or brought from home as a healthy packed meal. Foods containing nuts must stay at home, an important packing rule for families.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. Parents must apply separately through Surrey County Council's admissions scheme for September 2027 entry, by 15 January 2027. Choosing this nursery therefore means making two separate applications.
For children with SEND, transition support may involve additional visits, meetings and information shared with the next teacher or setting. This helps prepare for change; it does not alter the admissions position.
Term-time opening runs from 8:40am to 3pm. The two 15-hour patterns cover Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning until 11am, or Wednesday afternoon from 12:40pm plus Thursday and Friday. Full days within these patterns run from 8:40am to 3pm.
The 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Thursday from 8:40am to 3pm, ending at 1:20pm on Friday. A paid Friday extension adds one hour and 40 minutes, taking collection to 3pm. These fixed patterns matter when arranging work and other childcare.
Children receive the universal 15-hour entitlement from the term after their third birthday; eligible working parents may receive another 15 hours. Funded places carry no hidden charges. Paid places are offered where children are too young for funding or do not qualify for extended entitlement. Ask the school for current charges, including lunches and additional hours.
Uniform includes a white polo, navy knitwear or sweatshirt, navy or black jogging bottoms or jersey shorts, and black trainers or shoes. Name every item. For nursery enquiries or a tour, email nursery@marden-lodge.surrey.sch.uk.
Children can join from age two. Provision usually uses separate rooms for two-to-three-year-olds and three-to-four-year-olds, with some flexibility for older two-year-olds.
Preparation includes a home visit, an All About Me form, summer-term Stay and Play sessions and a September phone call. Parents are told their child's key person after a few weeks.
Yes. The school kitchen prepares lunches, or children can bring a healthy packed lunch. Do not send foods containing nuts. Contact the school for current lunch charges.
No. Attendance provides no Reception priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. A separate application through Surrey County Council is required for September 2027, by 15 January 2027.
Yes, through a paid extension of one hour and 40 minutes. The usual Friday finish for that pattern is 1:20pm.
