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Nursery at Chilworth CofE (Aided) Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, a bug hotel and the Woodland Cabin give Puddle Ducks a distinctly hands-on character. This is Chilworth CofE (Aided) Infant School’s attached nursery, within the school grounds, welcoming children from age two. Its Christian setting shapes the nursery’s aims: kindness, respect and growing independence sit alongside learning through play.
The Woodland Cabin opened in May 2025, adding a sensory space intended for both exploration and calm. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 2 and 3 April 2025. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play leads the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach connects children’s interests with language, physical development, relationships and understanding their surroundings. Children have opportunities to choose activities, alongside experiences led by adults. In April 2025, children in the nursery and Reception sustained their involvement in play, while adults extended conversations and introduced new vocabulary. Clay modelling, painting and large construction supported their growing independence.
Reading begins with listening and talking. Nursery experiences include poems, stories, action rhymes and oral blending. This gives children practice in paying attention to language before formal reading. Art brings equally concrete choices: children explore textures, paint with fingers or sponges, and roll and knead play dough.
Weekly music lessons use Charanga. Children investigate tempo, melody, rhythm and pitch, trying instruments with and without fixed notes both independently and together. There is room for movement too: nursery PE includes rolling and kicking balls, responding to music and joining parachute games.
Outside, water and art stations join the sand pit, mud kitchen and bug hotel. Children look for seasonal changes, dig for worms and make potions. The nursery also uses the school’s field and adventure playground when older pupils return to class, giving younger children more space to explore. A nursery canopy supports outdoor activity in wet weather.
The team includes a nursery supervisor, early years assistants and an assistant undertaking a Level 3 Early Years Education apprenticeship. The supervisor also holds a deputy safeguarding lead role, connecting nursery care with the school’s safeguarding team. In April 2025, consistent routines began from nursery entry, helping children understand expectations and build relationships.
Support for families includes guidance about separation anxiety. Across the school, the SEND coordinator works with parents, staff and outside professionals; termly SEND coffee mornings and additional meetings before parent-teacher interviews give families opportunities to discuss support and targets.
Meals are provided through Surrey County Council, with fresh food prepared daily in the school’s on-site kitchen. A special diet request form gives families a route to communicate dietary requirements. Children bring a named water bottle, and nappies, wipes and nappy bags when needed.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process to Surrey County Council, online or by post.
Using the wider school grounds gives nursery children familiarity with their surroundings before moving on. That practical preparation is separate from the allocation of school places. An induction evening for new Reception parents took place on 18 June 2026.
Nursery-hours sessions run from 8:50am to 2:50pm, split at 11:50am for morning and afternoon attendance. School-hours options run from 8:40am to 3:10pm, also split at 11:50am. A separate wraparound pattern runs from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday only. ActivSport care is restricted to three- and four-year-olds, with morning care from 7:30am to 8:40am and afternoon care from 3:10pm to 5pm.
Funded entitlement covers 6–30 hours weekly, subject to eligibility. Additional hours can be purchased; meals, snacks and messy play carry separate charges. Contact the school for current charges.
Children can wear their own clothes, with optional Puddle Ducks sweatshirts. Pack two changes of clothing and leave wellies at nursery; slip-on or Velcro shoes help children manage independently. Nursery tours last approximately 30 minutes. Book through the visit form, email info@chilworth.surrey.sch.uk or call 01483 562476.
Children can join from age two. ActivSport wraparound care is for three- and four-year-olds only.
Yes. Nursery-hours mornings run from 8:50am to 11:50am and afternoons from 11:50am to 2:50pm. School-hours alternatives start at 8:40am or finish at 3:10pm.
No. Families need a separate application to Surrey County Council through the normal admissions process.
They can wear their own clothes. Puddle Ducks sweatshirts are optional, and children should bring spare clothes and wellies.
Children can use a mud kitchen, bug hotel, sand pit, and water and art stations. Activities include digging for worms, making potions and looking for seasonal changes.
