Riverbridge Primary School Nursery Review

A purpose-built classroom, generous outdoor space and two animal-named classes give Riverbridge’s nursery its own identity within a primary school. Children can join from 2 years old. Hedgehogs and Rabbits are based at Knowle Green, so the nursery belongs to the school’s younger-children site rather than its Park Avenue base.

This is term-time provision, with 15 and 30 hour places subject to availability. The practical distinction matters: families choose an established attendance pattern, while a full week depends on space. Specialist early years practitioners staff the nursery, with a manager and deputy manager working across both classes.

Play and language shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides provision, with nursery experiences combining activities children choose and those adults lead. In parent terms, that means learning to communicate and listen through play, stories and shared activities, alongside the beginnings of literacy.

Little Wandle Foundation for Phonics Programme resources support this early language work. Children share stories and poems, join in action rhymes and practise listening closely. Oral blending activities help them hear how spoken sounds combine into words. The emphasis here is preparation for learning to read, with conversation and attention doing much of the work.

The large classroom and outdoor area provide space for play indoors and outside. A Nursery Home Corner, funded by the PTA, adds a specific setting for pretend play. Across early years, creative activities include constructing a model bridge linked to The Three Billy Goats Gruff: a story becomes something children can make and explore.

Learning also travels home in tangible form. Nursery children receive story sacks containing a book and supporting resources, plus a puzzle or activity pack that is exchanged after its return. These give parents something concrete to share with their child rather than relying on a general account of the day.

Settling is supported by consistent routines. At the December 2024 inspection, nursery children were found to settle with confidence and become familiar with those routines quickly. That is useful reassurance for families facing a first separation.

Food needs planning around attendance. A packed lunch is required on full days and for Wednesday afternoon attendance; Wednesday morning children do not need one. Nursery children receive fruit in the morning, providing a snack alongside what families bring for lunch.

For additional needs, the school involves children and parents in decisions about individual support. Concerns start with the class teacher, who can arrange discussion with other relevant staff. An Inclusion Lead forms part of the wider school team. This gives families a route into support while keeping their knowledge of the child part of the conversation.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the September 2026 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through Surrey County Council’s coordinated primary admissions scheme. Being familiar with the school is separate from being allocated a place.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. Applications could be made online or using a Surrey County Council paper form. Families considering a later intake should treat that as a dated admissions cycle, rather than carry its deadline forward.

From September 2026, Hedgehogs attend Monday and Tuesday from 8.40am to 2.50pm, then Wednesday from 8.40am to 11.50am. Rabbits attend Wednesday from noon to 3.10pm, followed by Thursday and Friday from 8.40am to 2.50pm. Wednesday therefore requires a different collection or start time from the longer days.

The nursery offers government-funded 15 hours for 3 year olds. Places for 2 year olds include children eligible for Early Learning for 2 year olds, children with a Working Parents eligibility code and families paying for a place. Additional attendance is subject to space and must cover the extra 2.5 days; occasional days or a smaller addition cannot be booked. No refund is available for non-attendance, whatever the reason. Ask the school for current charges.

Nursery applications go directly to the school. Return the application form by email, post or hand delivery; the team holds it and contacts families when a place becomes available. Nursery enquiries can be made on 01784 227960.