Shalford Infant School Nursery Review

A light classroom, an outdoor area designed for nursery children and a teacher leading Acorn Class give Shalford’s nursery its character. Children aged 2–4 attend this school nursery, with qualified nursery nurses supporting the qualified teacher. That puts teaching and day-to-day care within the same classroom team.

The early years provision was graded Good at Ofsted’s February 2023 inspection. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Indoor and outdoor learning are connected here. Acorn Class has a spacious classroom and its own outdoor area, which children use throughout the year for exploration, play and learning. The practical appeal is room to pursue activities in both environments.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Shalford uses continuous provision: organised learning spaces and activities that children can return to, alongside tasks directed by adults. Revisiting an activity gives children opportunities to practise something they have already been taught. Topics bring learning together, while stories, drama and role play give children ways to develop language and express ideas.

In February 2023, nursery activities were planned around individual children’s needs, helping them make a positive start. Curriculum delivery across early years was uneven, however, and some children learned less than leaders expected. Staff knowledge and expertise needed further development to make teaching more consistent. Curriculum consistency. This is a material consideration alongside the positive finding about nursery planning.

Lunch can fit the family’s preference: children may bring food from home or have a hot meal. The hot-meal option carries an additional charge for nursery children, with payment details handled by the office. Milk is free for under-fives; parents register through Cool Milk and order it for their child.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s arrangements include support plans, regular reviews and parent involvement. Progress is discussed with families at least three times a year. The class teacher and SEND coordinator are the contacts for concerns, giving parents a route to discuss support and changes as their child’s needs develop.

Safeguarding in February 2023 included staff training on risks affecting the youngest children. Concerns were passed on promptly, with external agencies involved where children needed help. This matters in a nursery serving children from age two.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. For 2026 entry, applications were directed through Surrey County Council’s school admissions service.

Transition care is a separate strength. In February 2023, adults took time to understand each child when they moved from nursery to Reception. That attention supports continuity of care; it does not secure admission.

Term-time opening runs from 8:50am to 3:00pm, five days a week. The nursery offers 15-hour sessions and 30-hour attendance, giving families two attendance patterns to consider alongside work and home routines.

Funding is available to working parents for children from age two, with funding options and applications handled through Childcare Choices. For current hot-meal charges, contact the school office.

Nursery uniform combines red polo shirts and sweatshirts with grey jogging bottoms or shorts. Plain versions are permitted alongside school-branded items. Children wear trainers; footwear must have a back and cover the toes, so sandals are excluded.

Enquiries and visits go through the school office on 01483 562143 or info@shalford.surrey.sch.uk. A nursery application form is used to request a place. A look around offers a useful chance to see the classroom and outdoor space before choosing the provision.