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Nursery at Lime Tree Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two-, three- and four-year-olds share one room at Lime Tree Nursery, giving this school nursery a mixed-age character. Based at Lime Tree Primary School in Merstham, it takes children from age two when places allow, with older preschool children prioritised. The shared room matters: age groups are brought together rather than housed in separate rooms.
Early years provision was graded Outstanding at the Ofsted inspection on 17 and 18 May 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
Full nursery days run from 9am to 3pm, with a shorter Wednesday session for children attending either of the 15-hour patterns. The mixed-age room is the nursery's organising feature, while staff observe children's play to understand how they learn and what care they need. This connects everyday activity with individual support.
The May 2022 early years findings give a concrete picture of learning: children were eager to take part, and adults showed expertise in teaching the sounds used in reading. Movement had a place too. During a dance activity, early years children participated enthusiastically, then became calm promptly afterwards. For parents, that example shows enjoyment alongside the ability to switch from an energetic activity to a quieter moment.
Settling begins at home. Before children start, nursery staff make a home visit and ask families to complete an All About Me form, giving them a starting picture of the child's interests and needs. A key person supports settling, observes learning through play and acts as the family's first contact. Parents learn who this is after a few weeks, once relationships with the team have developed.
Tapestry carries observations, photographs and records of children's words and activities to parents. Families can also speak directly with staff through an open-door approach. A room leader, nursery assistants and a lunchtime supervisor form the nursery team.
Lunch offers a practical choice: a hot meal prepared by the school kitchen, charged separately, or a healthy packed lunch with no nuts. For children with additional needs, families are encouraged to contact the SENCO before admission so support can be planned. Children entering early years with an EHCP receive extra transition visits, meetings with parents and, where necessary, professionals.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and there is no automatic transfer. Families must make a separate application through the admissions process of their home local authority. For Surrey families, this means Surrey County Council's admissions scheme; the deadline for September 2027 Reception entry is 15 January 2027.
Attendance at the nursery gives no Reception admissions priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. Priority categories cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings and qualifying children of staff, followed by other children. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions.
Ladybirds attend Monday and Tuesday, 9am–3pm, plus Wednesday, 9am–noon. Bumblebees attend Wednesday, noon–3pm, then Thursday and Friday, 9am–3pm. Each totals 15 hours. Grasshoppers attend 9am–3pm throughout Monday to Friday, totalling 30 hours; places on this pattern are limited. Nursery runs during school terms, from September to July, and currently provides no wraparound care. Families needing longer days must plan around those boundaries.
The universal funded entitlement is 15 hours weekly from the term after a child's third birthday. Eligible working families may receive 30 hours, including eligible two-year-olds from the term after their second birthday under the entitlement extended in September 2025. Some other families qualify for Surrey's FEET funding from the term after their child turns two. Funded hours fall within 9am–3pm. Paid places are also possible where funding does not cover attendance; contact the school for current charges.
Uniform combines a white polo with a green V-neck sweatshirt from Your Image, plus black shorts, leggings or jogging bottoms. Enquiries go to info@limetreeschool.org. Nursery drop-off gates open at 9am; collection follows the child's session end.
Children can attend from age two, subject to space. Three- and four-year-olds take priority, and the nursery uses a shared room for these age groups.
Ladybirds and Bumblebees each attend for 15 hours over two full days and a Wednesday half-day. Grasshoppers attend Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm, for 30 hours, with limited places.
Staff visit families at home before children start and use an All About Me form. A key person supports settling and becomes the family's first contact, with their identity confirmed after a few weeks.
School lunch is charged separately. Children can instead bring a healthy packed lunch containing no nuts. Contact the school for current meal charges.
No. A separate local authority application is required, and nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2027–2028 Reception arrangements. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
