The Ridgeway School Nursery Review

Short sessions and learning shaped around a child's development define the nursery offer at The Ridgeway School in Farnham. It sits within a special school serving children from age 2 with severe learning difficulties and profound multiple learning difficulties. The practical emphasis is on communication, growing independence and development at an individual pace.

Morning and afternoon sessions give the nursery its own timetable within the school. This is a provision to consider through the lens of a child's particular needs, rather than age alone: the school's learning routes are chosen through developmental assessment.

Learning starts with what a child can do and what comes next. Across Ridgeway, teaching combines play and independent exploration with routines, structured learning and experiences in the community. The curriculum responds to individual priorities, so the purpose of an activity matters as much as the activity itself.

Four themes organise that approach: physical and sensory development, emotional and social wellbeing, communication and self-advocacy, and independence and life skills. In parent language, the school aims to help children express themselves, develop practical skills and participate in the world around them. These aims give families a useful way to think about learning beyond conventional subject lessons.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted identified early-years sound-recognition activities as the starting point for reading. Children begin by noticing sounds in their surroundings. Early-years children also learn school routines and explore the idea of difference, giving everyday learning a social dimension alongside its communication focus.

Parents have a practical role in the school's assessment process. Evidence 4 Learning supports tailored learning and lets families send feedback and evidence from home for inclusion in their child's assessment record. That creates a link between experiences at home and the information used at school.

Ridgeway also aims to involve parents and carers in decisions and keep them informed. Its mental-health approach includes staff training, procedures for escalating concerns and a short awareness-training package for families. These are school-wide arrangements, relevant to understanding the support structure around the nursery.

Leadership responsibilities include SENCo oversight, a designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding roles. Responsibility for support therefore extends beyond the classroom team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place in Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and securing the next school place are separate decisions.

The morning session runs from 8.50am to 11.50am. Afternoon sessions run from 12.50pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Thursday. The afternoon pattern matters for families planning their week: it specifically covers four days.

Uniform is optional for nursery children, allowing families to choose whether to use it. For enquiries, contact the school on 01252 724562. The address is 14 Frensham Road, Farnham, GU9 8HB.