Bramley CofE Infant School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Two age groups, their own playground and a place within the infant school’s main building give Bramley’s early years department a distinct identity. Nursery caters for two-year-olds; Pre-School is for children aged three and four. The younger group normally has a maximum of nine places per session, while Pre-School sessions would not normally exceed 30 children. Both limits allow for additional allocations, so these are usual group sizes rather than absolute caps.

For 2026–27, children can join Nursery from the half term after their second birthday. The usual move to the Pre-School room comes at the start of the term after they turn three, with an earlier move after the third birthday sometimes discussed with parents. That creates an intermediate step before school entry.

Stories and conversation give the learning its strongest thread. In June 2025, staff observation shaped early years activities around each child’s existing knowledge. Storytelling and books helped children build vocabulary, understand language and begin writing. The implication is practical: learning develops from what a child can already do.

Nursery and Pre-School follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, this combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Play, adult examples and guided activities are part of that framework. In June 2025, children explored number and length through practical tasks, with adults using questions to develop their thinking and vocabulary.

The department has its own facilities suited to the children’s ages, alongside its playground. Outdoor learning also draws on a small wooded area and field in the school grounds, with the Forest School lead supporting the early years team. This gives outdoor activity a place alongside classroom learning. Established early years routines help children practise sharing, waiting for a turn and working together.

The team includes a lead nursery nurse, an EYFS teaching assistant and EYFS practitioners; the early years lead also teaches Pre-School. Pre-School children can build towards their funded attendance, starting with at least three sessions. Families should factor in that settling sessions trigger a full half term’s fees once attendance begins.

Food arrangements give parents a choice. A hot lunch can be bought, or children can bring a packed lunch, excluding nuts, sweets and fizzy drinks. Morning snack is free and usually fruit; families supply an afternoon snack for children staying later. Parents also provide their child’s nappies, wipes and creams, although consumables attract no additional fee.

In June 2025, visual prompts and familiar routines helped early years children concentrate and handle their emotions. For SEND support, parents take part in planning and termly reviews with teaching staff and the inclusion lead. The school building is on one level, with a ramp and accessible internal doorways, useful physical details for families considering mobility needs.

Nursery or Pre-School attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the September 2027 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through their local authority. For Surrey residents, the route is Surrey County Council’s admissions service, online or by application form; residents elsewhere apply through their own authority. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.

Term-time sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, 12:30pm or 3pm. Nursery requires at least two sessions across two days. Pre-School starts from a minimum of three sessions, building towards the applicable funded hours. Extra sessions may be possible, but booked sessions cannot be swapped.

All session patterns accept funding. Universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds covers up to 15 hours weekly for up to 38 weeks; eligible working families can access up to 30 hours. A signed funding declaration is required each term. Sharing funding. Pre-School generally cannot split funding with another provider, except in exceptional circumstances or when it cannot offer the full funded hours. When the school cannot offer full funded hours, parents splitting funding must inform it in writing of the other setting’s name, address and hours claimed.

Optional extras are not a condition of funded access. Lunch can be charged, and a donation may be requested for a trip or visiting farm. Contact the school for current charges and book a Nursery or Pre-School tour through admin@bramley.surrey.sch.uk or 01483 892346.

Children wear clothes chosen by parents, with spare clothes needed each day. Doors open between 8:30am and 8:45am; collection follows the booked session’s finish.