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Nursery at Cranmere 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Counting deliveries in a pretend veterinary practice gives Cranmere’s nursery its character: learning grows out of play. Elephants Nursery belongs to Cranmere Primary School on Arran Way in Esher, with Indian Elephants and African Forest Elephants classes taking up to 26 children each. Children normally start in the term after turning three; some FEET-funded children can join during the term they turn three.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 8 and 9 July 2025. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection.
Children begin by registering their names and storing their book bags. After registration, outdoor play opens up alongside indoor activities. Staff plan learning experiences while also allowing children to pursue their interests, working with individuals and groups. Tidying brings the session towards its close, followed by time together for songs, a story or discussion.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through play, conversation and growing independence. A book corner, spaces for mark-making and small world play, and areas for investigation and maths give children different ways to explore. Interactive whiteboards add another resource. Children also use school facilities and join school events, making the nursery part of the wider school day.
Wednesday’s Outdoor explorer day takes learning outside throughout the session. Waterproof suits and wellington boots are part of the kit, so outdoor play is planned for wet weather too.
In July 2025, early mathematical learning was a strength: nursery children counted and recorded deliveries during veterinary role play, giving numbers a purpose within their game. Early phonics begins with careful listening and distinguishing sounds. These are concrete foundations for later reading.
A home visit and Stay and Play session let children meet staff and give parents time to discuss their needs before starting. Settling arrangements are agreed individually, and families can request shorter hours or fewer days initially. In July 2025, children in early years settled readily and received close attention and encouragement.
Nursery class teachers work with a supporting nursery team. Parents can speak to staff at collection or drop-off, or contact the office to arrange a call. Staff observations inform learning plans; families receive an end-of-year progress report. This gives parents both everyday contact and a fuller account of development.
Lunch on full days is at 11:30am. Children help prepare the tables and eat together, making the meal a shared routine. Families can supply a packed lunch or order a charged school meal from Stir Food; children attending all week need a packed lunch on Wednesday. Lunch boxes should exclude chocolate and nuts. The fruit café lets children choose snack time, with fruit supplied and water and milk offered during sessions.
Children need not be fully toilet trained before joining. The nursery asks them to wear pants rather than nappies or pull-ups, with separate arrangements discussed for medical needs. Spare underwear helps with accidents. For SEND, support includes visual aids, practical equipment and targeted adult help; a Passport to Success brings individual needs and planned support together with family input.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Surrey County Council by the statutory deadline, alongside other applicants.
Transition activities serve a different purpose: familiarity. For children offered Reception places in the 2026 intake, the summer programme included a Stay and Play session where parents of nursery children could join their child. That helps prepare for the change of classroom; it does not secure admission.
Fixed weekly patterns. The funded 15-hour offer comprises two full days and a Wednesday half-day. Indian Elephants attend Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 3pm, plus Wednesday, 8:45am to 11:45am. African Forest Elephants attend Wednesday, 12:15pm to 3:15pm, plus Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3pm. Families cannot substitute mornings-only attendance.
Limited funded 30-hour places depend on eligibility and availability. These cover the full week, with Wednesday running from 8:45am to 2:45pm; staying until 3:15pm incurs an additional charge. The core 15 hours have no top-up fee. Ask the school for current charges for extras.
Dragonflies provides paid term-time wraparound care for attending children aged three or older, from 7:15am and until 6:15pm. Regular and occasional bookings use ScoPay, subject to space, at least one working day ahead. It does not operate during school holidays, INSET days or bank holidays. Afternoon care is also unavailable when school finishes early before Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays; breakfast care remains available on those early finishing days. Nursery term dates can differ from the main school’s.
To arrange a nursery visit, complete the online enquiry form or contact admissions@cranmere.surrey.sch.uk on 020 8398 5580. The nursery asks for a school sweatshirt and T-shirt, with practical, washable clothing. Tell the office whenever another adult will collect your child.
Usually in the term following their third birthday. A small number of FEET-funded children may start in the term they turn three.
No. The 15-hour places follow fixed patterns of two full days and one Wednesday half-day.
An all-in-one waterproof suit and wellington boots, alongside labelled, practical clothes suitable for the weather.
Dragonflies offers paid care from 7:15am and until 6:15pm during term-time for attending children aged three or older, subject to availability and advance booking. It closes on INSET days and bank holidays. Afternoon care is unavailable on early finishing days before Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays, while breakfast care remains available.
No. You must apply separately to Surrey County Council by the statutory deadline.
