Castle Hill Primary School Nursery Review

Counting comes with more than one way to recognise a number at Castle Hill's nursery. This is the school's provision for three- and four-year-olds in Chessington, distinct from Castle Tots for younger children. Morning attendance and a longer nursery day give families two ways to organise the week. The school's early years provision received a Good judgement at the January 2025 Ofsted inspection.

A 9:00am start leads to a noon finish for morning children or 3:00pm for those staying all day. That makes the choice between a shorter session and a day spanning lunchtime a practical part of nursery life.

Early learning includes counting and recognising numbers shown in different forms. In January 2025, this nursery mathematics work was identified as preparation for later learning about measurement and bigger numbers. For parents, that is a concrete example of foundation-stage learning: children begin with recognising and counting before tackling more complicated mathematical ideas.

Nursery teachers work alongside a teaching assistant. For children needing additional help, support begins with the class teacher, with the SENCO involved when further discussion is needed. Families can agree initial support with the teacher; a diagnosis is not a prerequisite for help. Parents whose children have identified special educational needs are invited to meet the class teacher each term to discuss how learning is progressing, the support in use and the outcomes expected.

Starbug provides a separate morning nursery provision for up to eight children with speech and language difficulties, with places allocated by the local authority. Children can divide their time between Starbug and the mainstream nursery. Its team includes a specialist teaching assistant and a specialist NNEB, giving families a distinct support route rather than automatic access through a mainstream place.

Lunch can be brought from home or ordered hot through ParentPay for an additional charge. Halal meals are not provided. Families supply nappies, wipes and barrier cream, along with formula and sun cream where needed; cow's milk is supplied. Parents are also asked to contribute a shared morning snack once weekly. These are practical items to plan alongside the session booking.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the 2027/28 arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, online or using the Common Application Form. For September 2027 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027. Choosing the nursery therefore leaves a separate school-place decision and application ahead.

Transition support is a different matter from admission. For children with SEND, preparation can include social stories shared with families, a summer-term meeting with the new teacher and a home visit for children attending the nursery. These give parents opportunities to discuss their child's needs and help children prepare for the change; they do not alter the admissions position.

Monday to Friday, families can request morning sessions from 9:00am to noon or all-day attendance from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Funded hours can be combined across sessions within that daytime window. The entitlement begins in the term after a child's third birthday, with 15 hours available and a further 15 for eligible families using the required funding code. Additional sessions can be paid for. Funding applies during term time only; holiday sessions attract charges.

Castle Kids provides before- and after-school care. Ongoing bookings use ParentPay and must be made a week ahead, with a Thursday-midnight cut-off in the preceding week. Confirm the care times when booking, and ask the school for current charges.

Nursery gates open at 8:50am and close at 9:00am, so the nursery has its own morning timetable. To request an application form, telephone the school office on 0208 397 2006.