Lingfield College Nursery Review

The Cocoon, Caterpillars and Butterflies mark out three stages of nursery life, from babies joining at six months to children aged three to four preparing for school. Lingfield College’s nursery sits alongside its Prep School on Racecourse Road in Lingfield. Families can choose term-time attendance or a 50-week pattern, making the provision relevant to different working arrangements.

The classes are The Cocoon from six months, Caterpillars for ages two to three and Butterflies for ages three to four. These sit within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage, giving children an age-based structure before Reception.

Outdoor activity punctuates the day. Nursery children share morning play and lunchtime outdoor periods with Reception children, and staff also organise focused activities outside. Daily outdoor play is encouraged when weather permits. Forest School sessions require waterproof clothing, so outdoor learning has a practical place in the nursery routine.

The Early Years Foundation Stage links children’s learning with their development. In October 2024, ISI found that the school’s early years provided opportunities across seven learning areas, with staff supporting language through their interactions and helping children explore nature confidently. For parents, that means conversation and exploration contribute to learning alongside organised activities. Those findings concern the school’s early years; the registered setting was inspected separately by Ofsted.

Music, dance and outdoor education enrich the early years curriculum. French starts in Nursery, taught by a specialist language teacher. Social learning also happens through activities that encourage children to communicate, share and practise considerate manners, bringing everyday relationships into the learning programme.

Settling starts during the month before entry, with approximately three introductory sessions adapted to each family’s needs. Parents can stay for the first session and talk with the Room Leader. Before starting, families share information about feeding, sleep, health and favourite things, helping staff understand the child’s existing routines.

Communication continues through the Famly App and each child’s Learning Journey. Parents have two formal progress meetings a year, an annual written report and a two-year check report. Longer conversations can be arranged alongside everyday discussions at collection and drop-off.

Meals, water and snacks are provided; families supply nappies, wipes and spare clothing. Full-day children usually have a rest after lunch, with sleeping facilities and quiet alternatives for those who remain awake. Staff try to accommodate natural sleep patterns. Nursery staff have first-aid training covering anaphylaxis and auto-injectors, while paediatric first-aid staff are on site throughout the day.

For children needing an Individual Education Plan, targets follow observation and discussion with parents, with termly reviews and input from key people. Support limits. The school cannot provide highly specialised or intensive interventions for complex educational or psychological difficulties. Families with these needs should consider that limit when choosing provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery children have priority access to the Prep School, but the Reception offer remains a separate admissions decision involving assessment and a nursery reference. Families should handle Reception entry directly with the school’s Admissions team. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with no formal closing date; registration is recommended by the preceding Autumn Term’s end, or Spring Term at the latest.

Familiarity and entitlement are different matters. Shared outdoor periods introduce nursery children to Reception peers. For September starters, summer visits involving Reception staff and nursery key workers, followed by induction sessions, support the change. Staff visits may not be possible for children starting in other terms. Leaving before Reception. The nursery holding deposit is non-refundable if a child leaves nursery and does not continue into Reception. Consider that condition before accepting a place.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 12.30pm, full days from 8.30am to 3.30pm, and extended days from 7.30am to 6pm. Lunch accompanies morning and full-day bookings; extended days include breakfast, lunch and tea. Afternoon attendance, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, is offered only through ad hoc requests. Separate morning and afternoon wraparound sessions extend the core day.

Chosen days are booked for each term, with additional sessions subject to availability. Confirm the attendance pattern before booking: the nursery requires at least three morning sessions a week, while Butterflies children should attend at least six sessions weekly. Bank holidays, Christmas closure and inset days interrupt the 50-week arrangement.

The school participates in Early Years Funding Entitlement. Ask the school for current charges. Booked sessions remain payable when missed through illness or holidays, and late collection carries an extra charge. Start with the online enquiry form; personal tours can be arranged through Admissions at admissions@lingfieldcollege.co.uk or 01342 838153.