Westvale Park Primary Academy Nursery Review

Garden mud, Monday library books and learning alongside older children give Happy Bunnies Nursery its character. For children aged 2 to 4, this is an integrated part of Westvale Park Primary Academy in Horley, with the Foundation Village bringing nursery and Reception children together during play.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good following its inspection on 7 and 8 June 2023. Nursery children felt secure learning alongside older pupils, and adults' conversations supported their language development.

Play combines activities organised by adults with choices children make themselves. During choosing time, children can move between outdoor and indoor activities. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers learning to communicate, move and manage feelings alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Here, that framework takes shape through stories and play rather than a day built solely around adult instruction.

The Foundation Village groups learning around children's development rather than age alone. Younger children share play with Reception children, giving them older companions to learn from. In the All About Me topic, The Colour Monster helps children discuss feelings, while self-portraits draw attention to facial features. Conversations about favourite things and families give children concrete subjects to talk about. Dough Disco develops coordination and muscle strength for later writing.

Outside, the garden is used for muddy exploration. Across EYFS, children also use a smaller garden, have Forest School tasters and mini camp fires, and visit the local park weekly. These are distinct from the older pupils' Forest School programme. Mondays bring a library visit and a chosen book to take home, making shared reading part of the nursery week.

A school-wide improvement action from June 2023 called for teachers to make better use of assessment when planning activities, so learning addresses gaps and builds on existing knowledge. This was a school-wide concern rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Settling follows each child's pace, with parents encouraged to help. Families can also choose a home visit where they feel it would help their child. That gives the start some flexibility rather than expecting every child to settle on the same timetable. For children with additional needs, the class teacher can work with parents on transition; the SENCo can also discuss concerns and keeps parents updated about support strategies.

Food has clear routines. Fruit is provided for snacks, and families can register for free milk through Cool Milk. Hot meals are optional and charged separately; packed lunches must be nut free. Aspens Services provides catering, with a form for dietary requirements and allergies. Nursery meals are booked through Arbor, with credit added before lunches are selected and bookings requested at least a week ahead.

Parents supply nappies and wet wipes. At least two spare clothing sets are requested, covering both messy play and children still learning to use the toilet.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Surrey School Admissions. For the September 2026 intake, applications went through Surrey County Council's admissions portal and closed on 15 January 2026; that deadline has passed.

Shared play in the Foundation Village provides familiarity with older children, but it does not replace the admissions process. For children joining the school in September, summer-term visits cover part of a school day, parents have an evening visit, and staff discuss transitioning children with their preschool or nursery.

This is a term-time nursery with three Monday-to-Friday patterns: Option A, 8.45am to 11.45am; Option B, 12.15pm to 3.15pm; and Option C, 8.45am to 3.15pm. Children are expected to use their contracted hours, and repeated absence can lead to their pattern being amended.

Fully funded places carry no hidden charges. The universal entitlement provides 15 weekly hours for children aged 3 and 4 from the term following their third birthday. Eligible working parents can use the 30-hour entitlement; their code must be issued in the preceding term and eligibility reconfirmed every three months. Additional hours may be charged where attendance exceeds funding or a child is ineligible for 30 hours. Ask the school for current charges.

Waiting list. The nursery is currently full with an extensive waiting list. An online nursery application adds a child to that list, so families should arrange backup childcare.

Uniform is optional. Comfortable own clothes are welcome; bring wellies, a splash suit, a waterproof coat and a water bottle. Enquiries go to the school office on 01293 365019 or westvalepark@westvaleppa.org.uk.