Guildford Grove Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, singing and rhyme give Guildford Grove’s nursery its clearest character: an introduction to learning built around language. This is the maintained nursery within Guildford Grove Primary School on Southway, Guildford. The wider school also includes The Lighthouse, its specialist centre for deaf children, giving the nursery a place within a school where deaf awareness forms part of staff knowledge.

For families, that combination brings two useful points of focus: early language experiences and a school support structure that includes specialist expertise.

Reading begins with listening and joining in. At the June 2024 inspection, nursery children experienced songs, rhymes and stories as preparation for later phonics learning. These language experiences prepare children for learning phonics later.

Seasonal themes give the nursery curriculum a recognisable shape. Autumn centres on colours through I can sing a rainbow; spring turns to animals with paws, claws and whiskers; summer brings Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. These named themes give parents a useful starting point for conversations about nursery learning, from colours to animals.

Additional learning support follows an individual process within the school. When a special educational need is identified, a personalised programme is recorded in an Individual Provision Map and reviewed during the year. Parents and carers take part in identifying needs, planning support and reviewing it. This gives families a role in decisions about their child’s learning.

Advice from professionals, including speech and language therapists, is incorporated into children’s regular routines. Adapted scissors and writing wedges are examples of equipment the school can provide when needed. Across the school, physical access equipment includes ramps, hoists and an accessible toilet; these are school facilities rather than a description of the nursery room.

Communication support extends to families. Translators can attend meetings when required, and staff have deaf-awareness knowledge. Safeguarding training is refreshed regularly. For a concern about a child’s welfare, families can contact the safeguarding team at dsl@guildfordgrove.surrey.sch.uk or speak to a designated safeguarding lead.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, which Surrey County Council manages for the school. Nursery attendance and school admission are separate decisions: the early learning described here should be considered on its own merits when choosing a nursery.

Nursery children pass into staff care at 9.00. Gate 1 serves Nursery alongside Reception and Year 1, and staff supervise the morning gates. Parents remain responsible until the classroom handover. At collection, staff agree with families which adults may collect younger children; a password may be part of that arrangement.

Uniform is practical: black or grey leggings or jogging bottoms with no sports logos or stripes, a white polo shirt, and an emerald-green sweatshirt or cardigan carrying the school logo. Footwear is dark trainers or Wellington boots. Clothes should carry the child’s full name, and second-hand uniform can be requested from the school office.

For nursery enquiries, contact info@guildfordgrove.surrey.sch.uk or telephone 01483 504713. Admissions queries can go to admissions@guildfordgrove.surrey.sch.uk.