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 St John's CofE Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Listening games, muddy wellies and a book to share at home give this nursery its character. St John's nursery opened in September 2024 and takes children aged 2 to 4 at the Church of England primary school on Markfield Road in Caterham. A qualified early years teacher is part of the provision.
The nursery aims to build independence alongside early learning. Its Christian values are Respect, Thankfulness, Love and Faith, and applications are welcomed from across the community. Place numbers vary with space, staffing and demand for funded hours, rather than following a fixed annual total.
Dragon Flies and Bumblebees follow a rhythm of play, group activities and outdoor discovery. Children begin with self-registration and freely chosen play. Circle time follows, then indoor exploration, a snack and time outside. Dragon Flies circle time includes maths, phonics or learning about the world; Bumblebees also have a small-group slot. Stories bring the day towards its close.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. Here, communication, physical development and social confidence sit alongside literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Staff shape activities around each child's interests and development, while resources children can select for themselves give them practice in making choices. Outdoor exploration happens daily. Practical clothes and wellies have a purpose.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds begins with Foundations for Phonics. Children listen, sing, explore rhyme and syllables, recognise starting sounds and practise combining sounds aloud. This develops the listening skills needed before reading. Love of Reading sessions use stories, sensory experiences and songs to develop language; a book comes home once a week for shared reading.
Maths happens through play, with measuring, counting, shapes and sorting among the practical activities. Children also explore recognising small quantities at sight. Mark-making uses different materials, and fine-motor activities help prepare their hands for writing. The emphasis is on doing and exploring.
Each child has a Key Worker who works with parents on their needs and interests, helps them become familiar with nursery and tracks their development. Settling starts gradually: children join at an allocated time and day, then build up their attendance. An individual plan allows additional settling days for children who need them. Separation can take time.
Through iConnect, parents receive updates about activities, accidents and nappy changes. Staff encourage conversations after children have been safely dismissed, giving families a practical opportunity to discuss concerns.
Both group routines include snacks and lunch. Bumblebees have a sleep period after lunch, followed by outdoor discovery, so rest forms part of their afternoon. The EYFS approach includes children with special educational needs and disabilities, with activities matched to individual needs. Families can contact the school's SENCO at senco@stjohnscofe.uk.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Surrey County Council's online admissions service.
For September 2027 entry, children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 have an application window from October 2026 to January 2027. Applications are ranked against each school's criteria, and Surrey determines the offer using the family's preference order. Nursery attendance and a Reception application are separate decisions: plan for both.
Opening is Monday to Friday in term time. The usual nursery day runs from 9am to 3pm; Wednesday starts at 8.45am and ends at 3.15pm. Afternoon sessions ordinarily begin at 1pm for Dragon Flies and 12.30pm for Bumblebees. On Wednesday, the afternoon starts at 12.15pm, with lunchtime collection at 11.45am.
Funded provision includes FEET for eligible two-year-olds and up to 15 hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds over up to 38 weeks. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can use the 30-hour entitlement. Additional sessions are offered; contact the school for current charges. Session offers may change.
Uniform is optional. Everyday clothes should suit messy play, with a named coat and wellies; the optional uniform has a yellow T-shirt and jumper. Nursery tours can be arranged through the office on 01883 342009 or admin@stjohnscofe.uk.
Children aged 2 to 4 can attend.
Children start at an allocated time and day, building up their attendance gradually. Those needing longer have an individual plan for extra settling days.
No. Practical clothes are suitable, with a named coat and wellies for outdoor learning. A yellow T-shirt and jumper are optional.
The Bumblebees afternoon routine includes sleeping time after lunch, followed by outdoor discovery.
No. A separate application is required through Surrey County Council. For September 2027 entry, the application window is October 2026 to January 2027.
