Rydes Hill Preparatory School Nursery Review

Woodland adventures and baby rooms give Rydes Hill’s nursery two distinct dimensions: outdoor learning within a school setting, and care beginning at six months. Based in Guildford, the nursery now spans six months to four years. Pips caters for babies aged six months to one year, Seeds for one to two, Acorns for two to three and Oaks for three to four.

The baby provision opened from Summer 2026, so it postdates the November 2024 ISI inspection. At that inspection, 42 nursery children were organised into three classes. That is a historical roll, rather than a current places total.

Communication is a clear thread through the early years programme. In November 2024, adults developed children’s speech through interaction, while stories and organised sound activities built early reading skills. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here involves learning to communicate, becoming independent and practising how to play with others, alongside those first literacy steps. Children were curious, persistent learners whose early learning needs were met very well.

Forest School gives that learning a physical setting beyond the classroom. Nursery children use dedicated woodland, and an outdoor classroom makes outdoor learning possible in different weather. The approach centres on practical exploration and play. Nature walks, identifying plants and small creatures, and making things from natural materials connect learning with things children can examine and handle.

Specialist sessions add music, computing and dance to nursery life. For physical development, nursery pupils have PE on Mondays and Games on Tuesdays, with activities adapted to their developmental stage. These include balance, coordination and early ball skills. An extension to the early years play area had also increased opportunities for movement and learning outdoors by November 2024.

Settling starts before the first proper day. Pips and Seeds children are offered several introductory sessions so staff can learn their routines and begin forming relationships. Acorns and Oaks children can attend two complimentary settling sessions, from 8:00am to 11:30am. Nursery entrants are also invited to a taster during the preceding term, giving children a chance to meet peers and parents a chance to meet the team.

Famly provides an online journal of children’s experiences; ParentMail handles everyday messages and forms. The staffing structure includes a Nursery SEND Lead and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant role. In November 2024, early years staff assessed additional needs and involved speech and language therapists or occupational therapists when appropriate. Children were comfortable with adults, and staff responded sensitively when an activity made a child hesitant.

Holroyd Howe provides the catering. Religious and cultural dietary requirements are accommodated, while a child’s key person works with parents on menus and strategies where sensory sensitivities affect eating. Ordinary food dislikes are not individually catered for unless there is an underlying need or agreed dietary requirement. Families must complete allergy information before the initial taster. Allergen traces cannot be ruled out because preparation areas are shared, making this an important consideration for children with allergies.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the school’s Pre-Prep registration process. Registration deadlines fall in the autumn term, and Reception offers are made in October; late applications remain subject to places being available.

Transition activities are a separate matter. Children entering Pre-Prep are invited to a Move Up Day in June to meet their teacher and classmates. Familiarisation helps children prepare for the change, but does not secure admission.

Term-time places and all-year places are offered, with the latter covering approximately 47 weeks. Pips and Seeds open from 7:30am to 6:00pm, require at least eight hours per day and have a minimum booking of two full days weekly. For Acorns and Oaks, the minimum is four sessions, totalling two full days.

The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour Early Years Funding. Six funded hours per day fall between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Consumables are charged separately and include meals, snacks, PPE and specialist lessons. Contact RHfinance@Rydeshill.org.uk for current charges.

Uniform is worn from Nursery, with Valentino Schoolwear in Knaphill supplying it and a second-hand option run by the Friends of Rydes Hill. The entrance is on Broad Street, with parking inside. Collection by another adult requires advance notification; an unfamiliar collector must use an agreed password. Personal tours can be arranged through RHAdmissions@rydeshill.org.uk or 01483 544973.