The Vale Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

A school-day rhythm and an outdoor space usable in all weather give The Vale’s nursery its practical character. Provision includes places for two-year-olds and children aged three and four, with attendance organised around a full week or either end of the week. For families combining nursery with school, those patterns make the weekly timetable a central part of the choice.

Wren is the nursery class within The Vale Primary School and Nursery in Epsom. Its term-time calendar follows the school’s holidays, so families can coordinate siblings’ care but need separate arrangements during school breaks.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together language, physical development and children’s emotional and social development, alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and learning about the world. The school aims for children to enjoy exploration and begin their education happily, with families involved in that start.

Outdoor learning has a concrete setting: a large outdoor area that can be used in different weather conditions. Woodland walks also feature in nursery children’s experiences. Together, these give children opportunities to spend time outside as part of their nursery life.

A nursery manager leads the nursery team. Within the wider school, an Inclusion Leader also holds the SENDCo role, giving families a contact for discussing additional needs.

Lunch involves a clear choice. Children can bring a healthy packed lunch or have a paid school hot meal; lunch is excluded from the nursery session. Families using funded places should therefore distinguish the funded hours from their chosen meal arrangements when planning the day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process, using Surrey County Council’s school admissions route and meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.

Some nursery children have taken part in a graduation celebration as they prepare to move to Reception classes. That marks the end of their time in Wrens Class. It is a transition celebration, not an entitlement to admission.

Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday in term time. The two 15-hour patterns divide the week at Wednesday: the first includes Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday until 11am; the second starts Wednesday at 1pm and includes Thursday and Friday.

The 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Thursday until 3.15pm, with Friday finishing at 1.10pm. Extending Friday to 3.15pm is charged separately. This distinction matters if a family needs the same collection time throughout the week.

Universal funding provides 15 hours weekly from the term after a child turns three. Eligible working families may access 30 hours, while some two-year-olds qualify for Surrey’s FEET funding from the term after they turn two. Fully funded places are offered; paid attendance is also possible where the relevant funding eligibility is not met. Contact the school for current charges.

Uniform includes a school-logo sweatshirt, a plain blue polo and navy or dark grey bottoms. Shoes or trainers must be flat and durable, with Velcro rather than laces. Label clothing and belongings. To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, email nursery@thevaleprimary.org; the office can arrange an alternative date if an open morning does not suit.