The Mead Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Play with room to choose gives The Mead’s nursery its character: children can explore indoors and outside through the day, with teaching woven into their own discoveries. This is teacher-led provision within the infant school, rather than a separately registered nursery. Children normally start in September following their third birthday.

There are 65 places: twenty-six for the morning pattern and thirty-nine for the longer day. Two nursery classrooms sit within the early years department, with outdoor learning space accessible from each. In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Choice and adult guidance work together. Children select activities from the play provision, while staff introduce skills through group work, circle time and teaching to the class. Adults also join children’s play to extend learning. Access to both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day gives children different ways to explore their interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, and control movement with early literacy, maths, creative expression and discovering the world. Here, that means practical experiences alongside conversation. Short walks around the grounds and talking about journeys to school introduce children to places and their features. Personal timelines involving birthdays and celebrations help them begin to understand the past.

Music has named daily routines: Rhyme time and the Poetry Basket bring songs, rhythm and verse into nursery learning. Art develops through children’s chosen play and teaching from adults. Nursery Diwali activities have included making diyas, tasting celebratory food and tracing rangoli patterns in coloured rice. These connect creative work with classmates’ experiences.

The January 2026 early years findings describe clear routines, increasing independence and children enjoying learning together. Adults demonstrate language and encourage paired conversation, giving children practice in speaking and listening. Cubes and counters make mathematical ideas tangible.

Settling starts before the first nursery day. During the preceding summer term, families complete a One page profile so staff can prepare around their child’s needs and interests. Small-group stay-and-play sessions allow children to explore with a familiar adult beside them. Home visits and classroom visits provide further opportunities to talk with staff before starting.

Each child has a consistent key worker to help bridge home and nursery. A teacher leads the team. For children attending the longer day, families send a packed lunch each day.

Support is adjusted around individual needs. In January 2026, early years staff used ongoing checks to change activities, while leaders worked with families and external agencies. Across the school, children on the SEN register receive an Individual Support Plan (ISP), reviewed with parents each term. This gives families a regular opportunity to discuss targets and support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. There is no automatic transfer: families must make a separate application to Surrey County Council through the normal school admissions process. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

The preparation before nursery entry, including stay-and-play and home visits, supports the move from home. It should not be confused with an admissions advantage for Reception.

The 15-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday during term time, from 8.50am to 12pm. Universal funding covers 15 hours for children aged 3 and 4, for up to 38 weeks annually.

The 30-hour pattern also runs Monday to Friday in term time, from 8.50am to 3pm. Eligible working families can use the extended funded entitlement. Families without full eligibility can pay for the additional 15 hours, half-termly in advance, using childcare vouchers or direct payment. Priority for these longer-day places goes to families eligible for full 30-hour funding. Contact the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, email admissions@mead.surrey.sch.uk or call 020 8393 0966. Uniform is expected, and clothing and bags should carry the child’s name. Schoolwear Inc supplies uniform; the parents’ association also sells second-hand items through Uniformerly.