Chipstead Valley Primary School Nursery Review

Caterpillars, Ladybirds, Butterflies and Bumblebees give Chipstead Valley's nursery its own identity within the primary school grounds. A purpose-built nursery houses the provision, with up to 12 places for children aged 2–3 and up to 51 for those aged 3–4. This is a nursery with distinct groups, rather than simply a younger class in the main school.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding following its inspection on 15 and 16 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Movement between the indoor learning space and outdoor area shapes much of a session. Children can choose between activities inside and outside, alongside focused tasks and individual work with an adult. Child-led exploration and teacher-directed learning both have a place. Daily time with key worker groups, fruit and stories supplies a recurring rhythm.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, this brings together physical development, communication and relationships with early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Planning responds to children's interests each day and week, while individual next steps are shared with parents. Early phonics is included, giving children an introduction to the skills involved in reading.

Stories have a concrete place in that learning. In May 2024, children in the two-year-old provision were enthusiastically guessing which animal would appear next during a shared book. Adults' expressive reading helped make the story engaging. Sharing and cooperation were also taught from the two-year-old stage, so learning to participate with other children was part of the education from the start.

Settling begins before the first nursery session. A New Parents Evening takes place in June, giving families a chance to meet their child's key worker and the wider team. Families are offered a home visit involving the key worker and a teaching assistant. The opening days in September use shorter sessions, allowing a gradual introduction to nursery life.

Your child's key worker is the main contact and plans their individual learning. A home/school contact book carries updates, alongside conversations, parents' evenings and a summer report. Families can look through their child's learning journal together and arrange a telephone conversation or appointment with the key worker.

For children staying all day, lunch can be a hot meal booked online or a packed lunch from home. Hot lunches are chargeable. Breakfast Club includes hot or cold breakfast choices, making food part of the extended day too.

Emotional learning uses Zones of Regulation, with classroom displays and four colour categories to help children recognise feelings and choose ways to manage them. In May 2024, early years children also learnt words for expressing emotions and how to summon help in an emergency. For children with SEND, the SENDCo or Early Years Lead gathers information about existing needs and support before entry; higher needs may involve family and agency meetings and a detailed Transition Plan.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, naming Chipstead Valley among their preferences, and meet the normal application deadline. Croydon handles applications for its residents; families living elsewhere apply through their own council.

The nursery aims to prepare children for school through familiar teaching routines and play. That preparation is separate from the allocation of a Reception place: choosing the nursery should be a decision about the nursery years themselves.

The 15-hour pattern runs across Monday to Friday, using either five mornings, 8.30am–11.30am, or five afternoons, 12.30pm–3.30pm. Three-year-olds have the automatic funded entitlement; the two-year-old application also offers paid morning and afternoon places. This pattern suits families wanting the same session each weekday.

Eligible families can use 30 funded hours from 8.30am–2.30pm, with a paid extension to 3.30pm. Extra sessions are chargeable and require advance booking for the following half term. Funding eligibility needs renewal each term. Ask the school for current charges.

After a brief settling period, Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am–8.30am, while After School Club offers collection at 3.45pm or 6.00pm. Nursery enquiries can go to admissions@chipstead.paceacademy.uk or 01737 553255.