Parkside School Nursery Review

A library, a Music Room and two secure playgrounds give Parkside’s youngest children a substantial world of their own. The nursery occupies the ground floor of the Barn, with four classrooms and a digital learning area, within the school in Cobham. It welcomes girls and boys aged 2–4, starting from the term after their second birthday.

Hedgehogs, Squirrels and Owls mark the stages through nursery, with Owls preparing children for Reception. These are distinct nursery groups within an independent school, rather than a separate childcare setting.

Play carries much of the learning. In December 2025, ISI found that early-years teaching combined activities suited to children’s development with purposeful play indoors and outside. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical shape here through learning to communicate, work with numbers, build independence and get along with other children. Physical confidence develops alongside language.

Early reading involves listening to sounds, repeating them and tracing their shapes with a finger. Name-writing starts with marks and patterns, with resources adjusted to the child’s stage. Some children could write their names independently in December 2025. Staff track nursery children’s starting points and use that understanding to plan their next learning steps, so challenge is adjusted rather than identical for everyone.

The dedicated library provides space for books, while bells, drums and xylophones equip the Music Room for making music. Two secure outdoor playgrounds extend the nursery’s own learning space. Specialist swimming teachers teach nursery pupils in the school’s 22m indoor pool, adding a different kind of physical activity to the day. Nursery assemblies take place in the Performance Hall, giving younger children access to a shared school space.

Teachers and key workers knew children’s interests and abilities in December 2025. Role play and adults modelling considerate behaviour helped children recognise feelings and manage them; early-years classrooms were calm, and children could discuss their emotions. Paediatric first aiders worked in early years, and staffing levels supported supervision, including at mealtimes.

For children who have not yet turned two, Stay and Play sessions offer time with the nursery team before starting. That gives families an opportunity to build familiarity together. Parents must discuss SEND or allergies at the outset of admission, allowing the school to consider the support and adjustments a child needs; admission depends on its ability to meet those needs.

Milk, breadsticks and fruit are supplied during both session breaks. Afternoon attendance includes lunch. After Nursery Care includes a sandwich and drink, with a hot snack, fruit, biscuits and a drink during Extended After Nursery Care.

Recruitment checks. The December 2025 inspection identified a school-wide error involving checks completed after staff had started. Leaders introduced protective measures until the checks were finished; the recommended action was to complete every required check before employment begins. This is a relevant consideration for families using the nursery within the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Most pupils continue through Parkside, but progression can be reconsidered where a child cannot access the curriculum. Reception admission is handled directly by the school, with registration and acceptance steps. Families should distinguish preparation for Reception from confirmation of a place.

Owls is the pre-Reception group. Discovery Sessions also let prospective Reception children explore classrooms and outdoor spaces, meet staff and try activities. Familiarity can help with the change of setting; it should not be read as an admissions advantage.

Term-time attendance is booked in sessions: mornings run from 8:30am to noon and afternoons from noon to 3:30pm. An additional full day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm and includes lunch. Minimum attendance changes by group and term: Owls require five sessions in autumn, six in spring and eight in summer. Families should account for that increasing commitment when planning childcare.

Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am to 8:30am. After Nursery Care covers 3:30pm to 4:30pm, followed by Extended After Nursery Care until 6:00pm. These are charged extras. Holiday provision offers an 8:00am–3:00pm day, booked one term ahead, with afternoon care extending to 6:00pm.

Nursery fees reduce from the term after a child turns three when attending six or more sessions weekly. Ask the school for current charges. Withdrawal requires two terms’ written notice, with fees due in lieu if that notice is not given. Personal tours can be arranged through admissions@parkside-school.co.uk or 01932 862749.