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Nursery at St James CofE Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily Funky Finger activities and games with sounds give Little Ducks a distinctive rhythm: children strengthen the movements needed for writing while learning to listen closely. This is the nursery at St James CofE Aided Primary School in Elstead, sharing the school grounds rather than operating on a separate site.
Ofsted judged the early years provision Good at the inspection on 25 and 26 June 2024. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection. In June 2024, nursery children were learning to respect one another, and communication was a clear priority, supporting confident conversation and cooperation in play.
Play and adult guidance work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers language, movement and emotional development alongside early reading, maths, creative work and understanding the world. Children explore indoors and outdoors, with activities led by adults alongside play they initiate themselves. Open-ended resources let children try their own ideas; activities connected to themes and books give that exploration a focus.
For three- and four-year-olds, daily Monster Phonics Phase 1 sessions concentrate on listening before formal reading. Children distinguish environmental and instrumental sounds, explore rhythm and rhyme, and practise using their voices. Oral blending and segmenting introduce putting sounds together and taking them apart. During the summer term, children may progress to a letter sound each week if that suits their development. The condition matters: progression follows readiness.
Funky Finger sessions happen daily, exercising hands, fingers and arms. Mark making is encouraged, including giving meaning to the marks children produce. These are practical steps towards writing. Early maths takes a mastery approach, exploring counting, patterns, comparison, measures, shape and space, and how numbers can be composed. Objects, images and models make mathematical ideas tangible, with opportunities to use them during play.
Stories also have a clear place. In June 2024, nursery children enjoyed frequent storytelling and began exploring sounds, building preparation for later phonics learning.
Settling involves becoming part of the school community. In June 2024, children joining early years settled quickly, with familiar staff supporting their progress through the school. Little Ducks has a lead practitioner and a teaching and support team, giving the nursery its own staff structure within St James.
Tapestry connects learning with home: observations, photographs and videos are shared with parents through this online platform. Staff use ongoing assessments to plan next steps and identify children needing additional help, with targeted interventions planned and monitored. Parents therefore have a way to see learning beyond the finished piece of work.
Trick Box begins in early years. The school describes it as a programme for resilience and communication, designed for use both at school and at home. It gives families a shared approach to supporting emotional development.
Attending Little Ducks does not guarantee a Reception place or give extra admissions priority. Nursery children are ranked equally with other applicants. Families must make a separate application through Surrey's Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme by the deadline for their child's entry year.
Familiarity is useful for transition, though it brings no admissions advantage. In June 2024, close nursery-to-Reception links supported learning, and staff who already knew the children helped them move onwards.
Funding depends on age and family circumstances. Three- and four-year-olds can receive up to 15 funded hours weekly for up to 38 weeks annually, starting in the term after their third birthday. Eligible two-year-olds receiving additional forms of support can access up to 15 hours weekly for 38 weeks; working families may qualify for 30 hours weekly for up to 38 weeks. Childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare payments are accepted.
Nursery enquiries go to nursery@st-james-elstead.surrey.sch.uk. Open afternoons can be booked to meet the teachers and see Little Ducks within the shared school grounds, giving families an opportunity to consider the setting before applying.
No. Children attending the nursery receive equal priority with other applicants, and families must apply separately through Surrey's Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme by the relevant deadline.
Three- and four-year-olds have daily Monster Phonics Phase 1 sessions, exploring sounds, rhyme, rhythm and oral blending and segmenting. Summer progression to a letter sound each week depends on developmental readiness.
Observations, photographs and videos are shared through Tapestry, the online learning platform.
Entitlement depends on age and circumstances. Universal funding for three- and four-year-olds is up to 15 hours weekly for up to 38 weeks a year. Eligible two-year-olds can receive support, and qualifying working families may receive 30 hours weekly for up to 38 weeks.
Book an open afternoon to meet the teachers and view Little Ducks. Nursery questions can be emailed to nursery@st-james-elstead.surrey.sch.uk.
