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Nursery at Duke of Kent 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
At the January–February 2024 inspection, woodland, junior jungle and nursery trips to a nearby farm gave outdoor learning a place beyond the playground. This is provision for children aged 3–4 within the school's Pre-prep department in Ewhurst, Surrey. Children can start in the term of their third birthday, with no formal nursery entry test.
The practical choice is between five half days and five full days, Monday to Friday. Both include lunch, so the shorter pattern still gives children time to eat together before going home. For families choosing between the two, the difference is an afternoon at nursery rather than a separate lunchtime arrangement.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, that means developing communication, movement and social confidence alongside early reading, writing, number work, creativity and understanding the world. Children's interests help shape their learning across Pre-prep, and mistakes are treated as a chance to try another method.
The classroom is one learning space; the playground and forest are others. Weekly dance in Pre-prep adds movement and expression, while nursery children can also join after-school dance clubs such as ballet and musical theatre. These give families specific options beyond the core session.
At the ISI inspection of 30 January to 1 February 2024, early-years learning was engaging, progress was good, and staff tracked development carefully to identify children needing extra help. Physical activities developed both small movements and larger body skills, with swimming, junior jungle and woodland access among the examples. Nursery farm visits linked the natural environment with how food is produced. That gives outdoor learning a concrete purpose: children connect what they see with the food they eat.
Form teachers are parents' first contact, with daily opportunities to talk at collection and drop-off. Weekly Star Assemblies recognise growing independence and social development as well as learning. Stars reward effort; Diamonds recognise kindness and helpfulness. Practical achievements such as learning to wash hands are celebrated too.
Lunch is included in either nursery session, and Nursery Late Club includes a snack. Holroyd Howe prepares school food. Families must give advance written notice of dietary requirements, which are accommodated where possible; the school operates a nut-free rule and restricts food from home, with an exception for organised, supervised cake sales. Children bring a named water bottle.
In January–February 2024, early-years staff all held paediatric first-aid training and had nursing support, while the youngest children were effectively supervised. Across the school, inconsistent application of behaviour rules by some staff sometimes interrupted learning; improving consistency was the recommended next step.
The Learning Development Department works with early-years teaching staff, including classroom visits and review of progress records. Parents can contact the SENCO through the School Office. Support limits. The school cannot provide highly specialised or intensive treatment, so families with these needs should weigh that limitation carefully.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions step and apply through the school. Reception applicants attend a visit day with an informal interview. Sibling priority applies subject to the usual entry criteria, followed by application order; that is a different consideration from attending nursery.
Half days run from 8:30am to 1:00pm; full days finish at 3:30pm. Early Birds provision starts at 8:00am where necessary. Nursery Late Club runs from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, followed by Little Dukes from 4:45pm to 6:00pm, with a picnic tea in the Dining Room.
Little Dukes is charged separately and can be booked for selected evenings across a term. Occasional bookings go through the Pre-prep Coordinator by lunchtime Monday for that week's sessions. Contact the school for current charges. Children are expected to be potty trained before starting nursery.
Personal visits can be arranged through the visit booking form. General enquiries go to office@dokschool.org or 01483 277313.
Children can join from the term in which they turn three. Nursery entry involves no formal testing.
Half days run from 8:30am to 1:00pm and full days from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Both include lunch, with five half-day or five full-day sessions available Monday to Friday.
Nursery Late Club runs from 3:30pm to 4:30pm with a snack. Little Dukes runs from 4:45pm to 6:00pm and includes a picnic tea. Little Dukes carries a separate charge.
No. Treat Reception as a separate admissions step through the school. Reception applicants have a visit day and informal interview; sibling priority is subject to the usual entry criteria.
Contact the SENCO or Learning Development coordinators through the School Office. The school cannot offer highly specialised or intensive treatment.
