Acorns Pre-school at Trinity Oaks Church of England Primary School

Natural materials, child-chosen play and lunch in the school hall give Acorns its character: a teacher-led pre-school already sharing parts of school life. It serves three- and four-year-olds on the same premises as Trinity Oaks Church of England Primary School in Horley. Children can start in the term following their third birthday.

Acorns belongs to the school’s early years provision. Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection judged early years to be at Strong standard, covering the school’s early years phase rather than awarding Acorns a separate nursery grade. Children showed sustained attention, independence and persistence with challenges.

Play leads the learning. Acorns follows Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance, with inspiration from Reggio Emilia and The Curiosity Approach. In parent terms, this brings talking, movement and relationships together with early number work, reading and writing, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Children’s interests help shape the themes they explore.

The learning spaces use natural materials and resources intended to prompt exploration. Children choose what to use and pursue their own ideas, giving them opportunities to practise decision-making as well as problem-solving. Indoor and outdoor learning are part of the early years curriculum; wellies are included in the pre-school kit for outdoor play and local walks.

Language receives close attention. In June 2026, early years staff developed children’s vocabulary through conversations and provided catch-up sessions when extra help was needed. Support responded to each child’s next learning steps. Towards the end of pre-school, Phonics Shed introduces work with sounds for early reading and writing.

A qualified teacher leads Acorns. September 2026 new starters began with shorter attendance before moving to normal hours: they had a settling day on 7 September, followed by a morning including lunch on 8 September, then their usual hours from 9 September. That staged start gave children time to become familiar with the day before taking on their full pattern.

Lunch takes place in the school hall, where pre-school children mix with older pupils and experience a larger shared space. Families whose children stay for lunch can choose a charged school meal or send a packed lunch. Nursery children are also offered morning milk through Coolmilk, with free milk for under-fives.

Early years staff assess progress through observation, and families receive reports each term. In June 2026, staff recognised additional needs early and adjusted support to individual children. The school uses Assess–Plan–Do–Review for SEND support, giving families a cycle of assessment, action and review rather than a fixed response to a changing need.

Attending Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Surrey admissions. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Treat this as a separate decision and application, even if your child already attends the pre-school.

Familiarity with school life is a different matter. Acorns and Reception teachers plan together, while lunch in the hall helps children practise school routines and spend time alongside older children. Those experiences can make the surroundings familiar; they do not secure admission.

The 15-hour pattern combines Monday and Tuesday, 8.30am to 3pm, with Wednesday, 8.30am to 11.30am. The 30-hour option runs Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm. These are fixed weekly patterns rather than a choice of any three mornings.

All children receive 15 funded hours from the term after turning three; eligible working families can receive 30. Full days include an additional, charged half-hour beyond funded provision. Families using the 15-hour pattern can pay to extend Wednesday to noon, and additional unfunded attendance can also be purchased. Ask the school for current charges.

Treetops Breakfast Club accepts pre-school children during term time, from 7.45am to 8.40am, with registration required before advance or occasional bookings. Its after-school provision starts at Reception, so Acorns families should plan collection around their pre-school session.

Uniform includes a burgundy sweatshirt or cardigan, a yellow polo shirt, black leggings or joggers and plain black or white trainers. Nursery applications go to the school office. Prospective families can book an Acorns tour or contact the office on 01293 776935.