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Nursery at Oakhyrst Grange 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly swimming from age three gives Oakhyrst Grange’s nursery a distinctive rhythm. The heated indoor pool sits alongside a day built around small-group play, books, music and outdoor learning. This is Pre-Reception, the nursery provision within the independent school in Caterham, for children joining during the academic year of their fourth birthday.
Early-years classes are capped at 21, with a classroom assistant supporting the teacher. That is a class-size limit rather than a promise about how many children will attend each session. Oakhyrst Grange is part of the Caterham Family of Schools, while the nursery remains part of its own early-years provision.
Structured play and small-group interaction introduce children to school routines. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early learning with play: here, role play, painting, water and sand activities sit alongside cutting, sticking and computer technology. Children have different ways to explore an idea, from making something to acting it out.
Reading begins according to readiness. Children start a reading scheme when ready, with daily individual attention and work on letter sounds. Visits to the junior library and music and movement lessons broaden the session beyond table activities. In November 2023, ISI found good progress in early-years literacy and mathematics, supported by regular assessment and focused group work. Children enjoyed favourite books in the Reading Garden, while the early-years environment supported choosing activities and developing speaking and listening skills.
Movement has its own timetable. Weekly swimming takes place in the heated indoor pool, and every class has PE and games each week. Forest School brings weekly outdoor lessons led by a qualified Forest School Leader. Woodland and an all-weather playground add different physical settings for learning and play. Examples of Pre-Reception outings include Godstone Farm, Westway Community Garden and Zodiac Gymnastics, taking learning beyond the school grounds.
The Pre-Reception teacher also leads early years and holds the designated safeguarding lead role. A teaching assistant supports the class, and the wider team includes a SEND coordinator. Initial attendance is discussed with the teacher; extra sessions can follow when a child is ready. This makes the pace of adding afternoons part of the conversation about settling into school.
For full-day children, lunch is cooked in the purpose-built kitchen on site, unless another arrangement is agreed with the headteacher. Staff supervise mixed-age tables, with older children helping younger ones manage their food. Lunch is included in fees, and Pre-Reception pupils receive milk free of charge. Eating together brings nursery children into everyday school life.
Safeguarding. The November 2023 arrangements had serious weaknesses affecting early years, including delayed referrals, incomplete recruitment checks and inadequate oversight. A progress monitoring inspection on 9 December 2024 found that all relevant standards considered were met, including early-years safeguarding and staff suitability requirements. Timely referrals, checks before adults began work and oversight of recruitment records were in place at that visit.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school whether an existing nursery family needs a further registration for Reception and when this must be completed. Places are allocated in registration order, with registered children ahead of later applicants; that priority relates to registration rather than an established entitlement from nursery attendance. For families planning to stay, the distinction matters before committing to nursery sessions.
Five mornings form the usual attendance pattern, with additional afternoons or full-time attendance as options. The teacher discusses the initial pattern with parents, while the school asks for a minimum commitment of five mornings. Pre-Reception finishes at 3.20pm. Plan attendance around the school terms and holiday breaks.
Grant funding of 15 hours is available for three- and four-year-olds; eligibility depends on birth date. The bursar handles funding enquiries on 01883 343344. Ask the school for current charges. Some clubs incur extra charges, and before- and after-school care is booked and paid for through Wisepay. Collection times. After-school care has differing end times of 6.00pm and 6.15pm, so agree the collection time when booking.
Uniform comes from Ellis Scott Schoolwear in Reigate, and belongings should be named. Contact office@oakhyrstgrangeschool.co.uk or 01883 343344 to enquire; private tours can be arranged by telephone.
Children can join during the academic year in which they turn four.
The school asks parents to commit to five mornings. Initial attendance is discussed with the teacher, and afternoons can be added when the child is ready.
Yes. Swimming starts from age three, with weekly lessons in the heated indoor pool.
Fees include lunch cooked on site. Full-day children eat a school lunch unless an alternative arrangement is agreed with the headteacher, and milk is free for Pre-Reception pupils.
No. Reception admission is a separate consideration. The school allocates places in registration order, giving registered children priority over later applicants.
