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Nursery at St Hilary's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland, all-weather outdoor spaces and specialist sessions give St Hilary's youngest children a day that reaches beyond their classroom. This is the school's own Nursery and Kindergarten in Godalming, for boys and girls aged 2 to 4. Nursery serves ages 2 to 3; Kindergarten takes children aged 3 to 4.
Both sit within the school's early years provision. At the February 2024 inspection, there were two Nursery classes and two Kindergarten classes. That describes the organisation at that point, rather than a current allocation of places.
A timetable gives each day its shape, with activities planned around children's developmental stages, interests and the topic being explored. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and development together: children build language, physical and social skills alongside their understanding of the world. Specialist teaching adds music, sport, mindfulness and STEM to the day, bringing different adults and activities into familiar routines.
Large learning rooms are paired with woodland and outdoor surfaces usable in different weather. These give children space for indoor activity and exploration outside. Art takes place in younger children's classrooms, while science is woven into topics and taught by class teachers. In Kindergarten, French begins through stories, songs and games, making another language part of play.
In February 2024, ISI found that early years children progressed well in phonics and developed a substantial vocabulary through adults demonstrating language and encouraging its use. Collaborative play showed confidence and kindness. Shop role play also brought counting into practical situations, connecting numbers with something children could act out.
Each child has a Key Person who follows their development and gives parents a consistent contact for reassurance, progress and concerns. Staff can talk with families at either end of a session. Tapestry provides another window into learning, alongside parent meetings and Stay and Play mornings, so communication extends beyond a brief collection conversation.
Pastoral responsibility in the early years rests mainly with the class teacher. Learning support includes PREST screening in EYFS, with results helping determine further support and involvement from other professionals. Parents with concerns can arrange a discussion with the school. In February 2024, early years children were encouraged to identify trusted adults using the our five approach, giving them a practical way to recognise whom they could approach with a worry.
Lunch has specific eligibility rules. A charged hot meal is provided for Kindergarten children and for Nursery children attending a full day, or those with a sibling in Kindergarten staying for lunch who are also collected at 12.30pm. Breakfast is included in the charge for before-school care when required.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask admissions to confirm the Reception application requirements for your child. School offers depend on availability and the admission requirements applying when the offer is made.
Transition preparation is a different matter. In February 2024, early years children had scheduled sessions with their next teachers to build confidence about moving classes. Familiarity can help children prepare emotionally, but it should not be confused with an admissions entitlement.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to noon; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 4.00pm. Choices depend on availability and are typically fixed for the academic year. Ages 2 to 3 require at least four sessions, rising to six for ages 3 to 4. This suits families able to commit to a regular pattern.
Wraparound care spans 7.45am to 6.00pm. Before-school and after-school provision is charged, booked termly through School Cloud and allocated in booking order.
Funding needs careful matching to the booking. Universal funding provides up to 15 hours weekly for ages 3 and 4. Eligible working families can access up to 30 hours for two-year-olds from the term after their second birthday; for ages 3 and 4, working-parent funding combines with universal funding to reach 30 hours. Each 3.5-hour session uses three funded hours. Parents apply and renew eligibility each term. Ask the school for current charges.
Direct Clothing supplies uniform, with a secondhand shop also available. The school has on-site parking; its morning minibus excludes EYFS children. Enquiries and personal tours can be arranged through admissions@sthilarysschool.com or 01483 521723.
Nursery is for children aged 2 to 3, and Kindergarten for ages 3 to 4.
Morning and afternoon sessions are offered subject to availability, usually with a pattern fixed for the academic year. Children aged 2 to 3 need at least four sessions; ages 3 to 4 need at least six.
Staff are available at the beginning and end of sessions. Families also have Tapestry updates, parent meetings and Stay and Play mornings, with a Key Person as their regular contact.
No. Ask admissions to confirm the Reception application requirements for your child. School offers remain subject to availability and the admission requirements applying at the time.
Wraparound care runs from 7.45am to 6.00pm. Before-school and after-school care is charged and booked termly through School Cloud, on a first come, first served basis.
