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Nursery at Guildford Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Clay, woodwork and the freedom to choose between indoor play and the garden give Guildford Nursery School its character. Qualified teachers lead learning at this Surrey maintained nursery school, across Hazel Avenue and York Road. The emphasis is on practical exploration.
The wider provision welcomes children aged nine months to five years. Under-two care has separate early years registrations and is inspected separately, so the nursery school’s inspection findings should not be extended to babies. Hazel Avenue sits in a residential area; York Road is near the town centre.
Choice shapes the session. Children can pursue indoor activities or spend time outside, with adults observing their interests and helping extend their learning. Group time brings children together for stories, games and singing with their key person. Tidying resources and gathering belongings also give children practice in doing things for themselves.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s communication, movement and relationships alongside early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Birth to 5 Matters supports curriculum planning. The nursery describes its approach as Froebelian: learning through play and practical discovery. Sewing, cooking and clay work make that approach tangible, giving children materials and tasks to investigate rather than simply watch.
Outdoor learning has specific places and equipment. Hazel Avenue has a nature kindergarten within its grounds, while York Road children regularly visit Dapdune Wharf. Garden activities include large block construction, wheeled toys and water play. Wet-weather clothing is provided, helping outdoor exploration continue in different conditions.
In April 2026, Ofsted judged curriculum and teaching at Expected standard and achievement at Strong standard. Children developed early number knowledge and enthusiasm for books, with substantial progress in social and emotional development. Teaching consistency. Some activities lacked sufficiently precise learning intentions, leaving chances to develop vocabulary and knowledge unused. Making those intentions clearer remains an improvement priority.
Settling begins with a home visit from the child’s key person, who is a teacher or Early Years Educator and becomes the family’s main contact. Parents remain for the first day, followed by settling sessions adjusted to the child. This gives children time to build familiarity before longer separations. Tapestry shares photographs and observations; Learning Journey books collect work and learning stories, with families encouraged to contribute.
Lunches come from Zebedees, and an adult sits at each table to help children eat and talk together. Medical dietary requirements can be accommodated with the necessary documentation. Families contribute fresh fruit or raw vegetables for snacks; milk and water are provided. Younger children can rest in cots or on mattresses with a familiar adult helping them settle, and sleep checks are logged every 10 minutes. Staff support toilet training when children are ready.
SEND support includes a SENCo working with families and key people, plus Makaton, visual timetables and Intensive Interaction. A sensory room at Hazel Avenue and sensory space at York Road provide additional places for individual or small-group support. April 2026 findings recognised effective identification of needs and specialist collaboration; safeguarding standards were met.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and securing the next school place as separate decisions.
Transition support addresses the child’s needs rather than admission entitlement. Staff exchange information with receiving schools and arrange meetings to discuss individual support. Some children have supported visits to their next school; enhanced meetings can involve the family, current key person and new setting when needed.
Funded attendance follows term-time patterns. The usual 15-hour option is daily mornings, 9am–12pm, or afternoons, 12.45pm–3.45pm. The typical 30-hour pattern runs 9am–3.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am–12pm Friday. Eligibility applies, and funded hours use fixed sessions rather than unrestricted hourly booking.
Additional paid sessions can supplement funding, subject to availability. Lunch is charged separately from sessions that exclude it. Breakfast Club runs 8am–9am; After School Club runs 3.45pm–4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Clubs depend on availability and sufficient bookings, so confirm the site’s breakfast days before planning around them. Ask the school for current charges.
Enquiries go through the online form or admissions@guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk. Morning drop-off is 9am–9.20am; afternoon collection is 3.15pm–3.45pm. Easy-to-manage play clothes and named spares suit the day. Holiday planning. The autumn 2026 half term lasts two weeks, from 19–30 October, requiring a longer childcare arrangement.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
A key person visits the child at home. Parents stay on the first day, and subsequent settling sessions are adjusted to the child’s needs.
Yes. Children can choose outdoor play, Hazel Avenue has a nature kindergarten, and York Road children regularly visit Dapdune Wharf.
Zebedees supplies lunches, which must be paid for in advance. Families contribute fruit or raw vegetables for snacks, and the nursery provides milk and water.
Complete the online enquiry form or email admissions@guildfordnscc.surrey.sch.uk.
