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Nursery at St John's Church of England Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 nursery within a Christian primary school, with learning shared between home and classroom: St John's combines term-time attendance with the school's Harmony approach and early-years communication through Tapestry. The nursery serves three- and four-year-olds in Dorking, with capacity for 26 children per session. That figure is a session limit, rather than a total nursery roll.
Families of any faith, and those with none, can apply. Entry is normally in the term following a child's third birthday, subject to an application and space. Starting during the birthday term is also possible through eligible FEET funding or private payment.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45; afternoons run from 12:30 to 15:30. Families can choose repeated short sessions or a pattern combining whole days with a half-day. This gives a practical choice between attending each weekday and concentrating attendance into part of the week.
Across the school, Harmony connects learning about the environment with ideas such as adaptation, health and cycles in nature. The school aims to help children understand those connections. Classroom visual timetables show the sequence of the day, while reflection areas provide a physical space for the school's Christian approach to spiritual wellbeing.
Staff use observations and assessments to follow children's development, and Tapestry connects learning at school with home. For parents, that creates a way to share in learning beyond the session itself.
Settling begins before the first session. Early-years induction includes home visits and opportunities to stay and play. The Early Years leader or Inclusion Lead discusses additional needs with parents and pre-school staff, giving families a chance to explain what helps their child before attendance begins.
Speech and language screening takes place on entry, with sessions planned to address identified needs. Four trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants support children from nursery onwards, alongside a play therapist and Home School Link Worker. These are school support roles rather than a promise that every child receives an individual intervention.
Parents participate in planning additional support and reviewing it through termly meetings. The SENCo can be contacted at senco@stjohnsdorking.uk. For food, the school offers packed lunches or purchased dinners provided by Caterlink; dietary requirements are accommodated. Children under five can receive free milk through Cool Milk after a parent applies.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority for one. Families must make a separate school application through the local authority. Surrey County Council coordinates September Reception applications, so choosing the nursery does not remove that later application step.
Transition support is a separate matter. Class teachers exchange information and useful strategies with receiving teachers, and parents can discuss the next setting with the class teacher or SENCo. That helps carry knowledge of a child's needs forward; it does not alter admission rights.
The nursery operates in term time, with 15 funded hours or 30 hours according to eligibility. The universal pattern can be five mornings, five afternoons or two-and-a-half days at either end of the week. Full-time attendance runs Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 15:30.
Additional hours. Places for the extra 15 funded hours are limited, and eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months. Paid additional hours are also possible, but requests are considered after funded applications have been processed. Ask the school for current charges.
Enquiries go through the school office on 01306 884506 or info@stjohnsdorking.uk; nursery applications are made directly to the school. Tours can be arranged through the office. Gates open at 08:30 for the morning session and 12:25 for the afternoon, allowing families to plan drop-off around the session start.
Three- and four-year-olds, normally starting in the term after turning three. Entry during the birthday term may be possible with eligible FEET funding or private payment, subject to space and an application.
Yes. Full-time attendance runs Monday to Friday from 08:45 to 15:30. Two-and-a-half-day patterns are also offered at the beginning or end of the week.
No. It gives neither priority nor a guaranteed place. A separate Reception application must be made through the local authority.
Tapestry is used to share children's learning between home and school. Parents of children receiving additional support also take part in termly planning and review meetings.
Contact the school office on 01306 884506 or info@stjohnsdorking.uk. Nursery applications go directly to the school, and the office can arrange a tour.
