Epsom Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Stories, songs and conversation give this nursery its character. At Epsom Primary and Nursery School, provision for children aged two to four includes First Steps for two-year-olds, followed by Nursery. The school describes these stages as a single Early Years hub, with learning shaped around the developmental milestones of younger children.

The early years judgement in the Ofsted report dated 10 March 2026 was Expected standard. Children made a settled beginning, and staff planned learning around their interests and individual needs. For parents, the important detail is that the youngest children have their own starting point within the school's early years provision.

Language runs through the day. Younger children hear stories, explore books and join in songs; in Nursery, these experiences help develop listening and early communication. Reading begins with enjoying language and sharing stories, giving children ways to participate before they can read independently.

In March 2026, adults extended children's thinking through conversation and demonstrated how to use new vocabulary. Their knowledge of individual children informed what came next in learning. This makes conversation part of teaching: an exchange with an adult can help a child build understanding as well as practise speaking.

Activities were matched to children's interests and needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Learning developed in a planned sequence from First Steps through Nursery. The emphasis was on choosing experiences that suited each child's interests and developmental needs.

Everyday tasks also count. In the early years, children practised looking after equipment and putting on their own coats. These small responsibilities give independence a practical purpose within the day.

Settling support was a strength of the early years provision in March 2026. Families valued the help children received when starting, including carefully organised support for children with SEND. Children became comfortable with familiar routines, making the move from home into school life more manageable.

Relationships with parents supported that process. Staff knew children individually and used that understanding to adapt learning; positive exchanges between adults and children supported their participation. For a child needing additional help, the combination of tailored activities and planned settling support matters from the beginning.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised through the school office during school hours. A Family Relations and Safeguarding Manager holds the designated safeguarding lead role, with deputies drawn from leadership, SEND and wellbeing roles. This gives parents a clear route for raising a concern about a child's welfare.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

The learning sequence connects First Steps and Nursery with the next stage. That educational continuity is distinct from entitlement to a school place: familiarity with the school must not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.

The nursery is part of the school on Pound Lane in Epsom. Families can contact the school office on 01372 720608 or email office@epsom.surrey.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. The office is also the contact used for booking Stay & Play events, which give families an opportunity to meet the team and see the learning environment.