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Nursery at Portesbery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, play led by children’s interests and a named key person give Portesbery’s nursery its character. This is specialist early education for children with severe learning difficulties, with provision also addressing physical, sensory, communication and complex medical needs.
Nursery children belong to the mixed Early Years group for ages 3–5, based in Caterpillar Class. Some children also spend time with Butterfly Class and Dragonfly Class. The nursery therefore sits within a shared early education department, rather than operating as a separate setting. Individual needs shape both learning and care.
Play supplies the starting point. Sessions use a free-flow arrangement, with nursery learning taking place indoors and outside. Children can explore water and sand, try imaginative play, ride bikes or use the climbing frame and mud kitchen. Those choices give movement, sensory exploration and social interaction a place in the learning day, with outdoor opportunities adapted to weather conditions.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about communication, movement, relationships, reading, numbers, the world and creative expression. Portesbery organises this through topics on a three-year cycle. Twinkl Phonics is used in Early Years alongside the school’s Balanced Literacy Approach. Teaching is adapted to each child’s needs, so classmates can work on different tasks within a session.
Communication support is selected individually. The school uses alternative and augmentative communication, from switches to Eye Gaze technology, giving children ways to participate beyond speech. Shared facilities include the Rainbow Room and Sensory Studio; the building has step-free access, wheelchair accessibility and ceiling hoist tracking in teaching spaces. These are practical features for children whose movement or sensory needs affect how they take part.
At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that foundational learning began in Early Years and was revisited later. Progress is recorded through observations, photographs and videos using Earwig, alongside individual My Outcomes targets. This connects everyday activities with each child’s next learning steps.
Settling follows the child and family. Staff visit the existing setting where applicable, arrange a home visit and build a transition timetable after placement confirmation. Families can choose full days initially or begin with shorter days and remain with their child. That flexibility gives parents a direct role in shaping the start.
Each child has a key person to help them settle and keep parents informed. The Early Years Key Worker is a support staff member whose responsibilities include learning, physical support, medical needs and personal care. The class teacher remains another contact. Staff providing personal care receive training appropriate to their duties, including eating and drinking, medical care and moving and handling.
Home-school diaries, conversations, emails and telephone calls support communication. Early Years EHCP meetings take place every six months with families and professionals, allowing needs and targets to be discussed together. School meals are provided by Twelve15 on a rotating three-week menu; nursery meals are charged, with advance payment through ParentMail.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate decisions. Portesbery’s specialist placement route involves the local authority, and parents seeking a place should first contact their case officer. Decisions consider whether the school can meet the child’s needs and whether a place is available.
Preparation for a new class is a different matter from securing placement. Children can meet their next staff team and visit the classroom, with photographs and social stories used where appropriate. Plans are tailored individually, giving families ways to prepare their child for change.
The school operates Monday to Friday, 9.00am–3.15pm, around school holidays and training days. Initial settling arrangements can include shortened days. Nursery uniform is optional, and sensory or physical difficulties with clothing can be discussed with teaching staff.
For an enquiry or a tour, contact the school office on 01252 832100 or info@portesbery.surrey.sch.uk. The school is on Newfoundland Road in Deepcut. Road closures and diversions affect the surrounding area, so plan the journey before a visit. Ask the school for current meal charges.
Nursery children are part of Portesbery’s mixed Early Years group for children aged 3–5, based in Caterpillar Class.
Yes. Once placement is confirmed, families and staff plan the start together. Options include shorter days with a parent staying or full days from the beginning.
Staff communicate through the home-school diary, conversations, telephone calls and emails. Photographs and short videos also record Early Years experiences.
No. Placement decisions are separate from nursery attendance. Parents seeking a place should contact their case officer first and follow the local authority placement process.
No. Nursery uniform is optional. Families can discuss sensory or physical clothing needs with teaching staff.
