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Nursery at Glenesk 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, a combine harvester climbing frame and outdoor areas connecting Nursery with Rising Reception give Glenesk’s youngest children plenty to explore. This is provision within an independent school in East Horsley, with a purpose-built nursery building rather than simply a classroom in the main school.
Nursery caters for children aged two to three; Rising Reception follows at three to four. Children can begin Nursery on their second birthday and join during the year. Families can choose part-time attendance or full days, giving the first stage a different pace from the later school years.
Learning starts with play and direct experience. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical skills, relationships, early literacy and mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Glenesk uses an enhanced version of this framework, with exploration and structured play providing ways to practise listening, speaking, concentrating and cooperating.
During the May 2024 ISI inspection, early-years teaching combined activities chosen by children with learning initiated by adults, supporting communication and social development. Activities included construction, drawing, sticking and cutting, while themed challenges developed early number and literacy skills. Encouragement helped less confident children participate, and additional challenges extended learning. These findings cover the early years collectively.
Outside, children have spaces dedicated to early-years learning. A nature area supports minibeast searches and making large butterflies to explore symmetry; the gardening area and mud kitchen add practical possibilities. Changes to the outdoor layout allow more movement between the Nursery and Rising Reception play spaces.
For the older preschool group, Rising Reception afternoons have themes including science discovery, cookery and forest school. Swimming takes place in the heated indoor pool, with opportunities to learn from age three. This gives families choosing longer sessions a concrete picture of what the additional time can contain.
A key person gives each nursery child a particular member of staff to build a relationship with. Settling sessions are discussed with class teachers, so preparation for starting involves the people who will care for the child. The team includes nursery teachers and teaching assistants, an early-years leader and safeguarding roles dedicated to the early years.
In May 2024, early-years safeguarding training, supervision and staffing ratios were appropriate. Staff also observed children’s development and met to agree additional teaching or support. Glenesk’s SENCO works with teachers to review provision, with help offered individually or in small groups. A separate school-wide improvement recommendation concerned closer analysis of behaviour patterns; families should distinguish that concern from the findings specifically about early-years care.
Lunch has its own preschool sitting: Nursery and Rising Reception eat in the hall together, supervised by staff. Meals are prepared in the school kitchen, with provision for allergies and special diets. Snacks include cheese, fruit and vegetable crudités, and children can reach their water bottles in classrooms. Eating independently is part of the routine, alongside adult oversight.
Rising Reception is the preschool stage from age three, with small-group teaching and activities intended to develop independence. Glenesk recommends gradually increasing Nursery attendance towards four or five sessions in the term before that move.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception application requirements and timing with the admissions team. Registration alone does not confirm a place: an offer depends on availability and acceptance. The practical preparation within Rising Reception is a learning transition, not an admissions entitlement.
Nursery mornings run from 8.40am to noon, full days finish at 3.15pm, and extended mornings finish at 1.30pm. The minimum attendance is two mornings each week. Lunch is included with full days and extended mornings; morning-only attendance excludes it.
Charges follow three school terms. For eligible nursery children from age two, Surrey early-years funding is applied to fees: each session qualifies for three funded hours, with claims up to 15 hours weekly. Ask the admissions team for current charges.
Early Birds starts at 7.45am and excludes breakfast. Stay & Play continues until 6pm during term time; wraparound care is charged separately and booked through Cognita Connect. For Stay & Play, the school asks for at least 24 hours’ notice and booking before 11am on the day. SuperCamps also has limited holiday places specifically for Glenesk Nursery children aged two to three, booked directly with the provider.
Uniform begins at age two, with Alley Catz supplying it; label clothes and belongings. Enquiries and private tours can be arranged on 01483 282329. Tours usually take about an hour and a half, allowing time to discuss the child’s needs and preferred attendance pattern.
Nursery is for ages two to three, followed by Rising Reception for ages three to four. Nursery children can join during the year from their second birthday.
Yes. Nursery morning-only sessions run from 8.40am to noon, with a minimum of two mornings per week. Extended mornings and full days are also options.
Lunch is included for full-day and extended-morning attendance. Morning-only sessions exclude lunch. Nursery and Rising Reception children eat together in their own supervised sitting.
No. Confirm Reception application requirements and timing with the admissions team. Registration alone does not guarantee a place.
Yes. SuperCamps provides limited holiday camp places for Glenesk Nursery children aged two to three. Book directly with SuperCamps.
