St Jude's CofE Infant School Nursery Review

A tree swing, a mud kitchen and separate spaces for two age groups give St Jude’s nursery its own character within the infant school. Ladybird takes children aged 2-3; Butterfly is for ages 3-4. Both are based on Barley Mow Road in Englefield Green, with a shared outdoor area that brings sand, water and imaginative play into the nursery day.

In June 2024, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The curriculum responded to children’s interests and starting points, with communication and language receiving close attention.

Butterfly combines play chosen by children with two brief group activities during a typical day. These can involve music, stories, early number work, phonics or circle time. Children play outside as well as indoors each day. Staff build learning around the interests children show in their play, giving their choices a practical role in the session.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) here means developing communication, independence and early learning through those activities and routines. Butterfly’s indoor space includes construction resources, an area for art and messy activities, small world toys and a home corner for pretend play. A carpet area with an interactive whiteboard provides a place for group activities. Outside, balance bikes and climbing equipment sit alongside a stage, sandpit and mud kitchen: opportunities for movement, performance and making things.

Ladybird has its own indoor area and a large outdoor space. Younger children can explore play dough, make marks, build, look at books or experiment with sand and water. Resources are arranged for children to reach independently, so choosing an activity is part of learning to do things for themselves.

Care facilities are built into both indoor spaces, with toilets and areas for changing nappies. Children therefore have these facilities within their nursery rooms. The school is nut-free; packed food and snacks must exclude nut products.

In June 2024, children in early years established routines promptly, shared resources and took turns successfully. The focus on speech and communication also helped staff recognise possible special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) early. Families can contact the federation’s SEND coordinators through the school office at school@stjudes.surrey.sch.uk.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Apply through Surrey’s online admissions portal: applications open on 3 November 2026 and close on 15 January 2027. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.

The June 2024 school inspection also identified weaknesses in how learning tasks targeted essential knowledge and how consistently staff checked understanding. These were school-level improvement priorities, rather than a separate nursery judgement. They provide useful context alongside the Good early years grade.

Ladybird offers mornings from 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoons from noon to 3pm, or a day from 8.45am to 3pm. Children must attend at least two regular three-hour sessions each week. Butterfly offers full-time attendance from Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3pm, as well as part-time patterns.

For ages 2-3, the nursery accepts FEET and Working Parent Funding; children without funding are charged for their sessions. Full-time children aged 3-4 may qualify for 30 free hours through universal funding and Working Parent Entitlement. A fee-paying route combines 15 universal funded hours with 15 paid hours. Contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a look around, call the infant office on 01784 435586. Nursery enquiries can also go to office@stjudesinfant.surrey.sch.uk.