Beauclerc Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Climbing frames, vegetable growing and pretend doctors give Bumblebee Class its character. Beauclerc’s nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4 within Beauclerc Infant and Nursery School in Sunbury-on-Thames. For 2026/2027, there are 26 places per session, with full-time children counting towards both session groups. The nursery says children’s enjoyment and wellbeing guide its approach. Exploration gives that aim a practical shape.

Learning moves between the classroom, the surrounding garden and the school grounds. Children use ride-on toys, plant in the flower and vegetable bed, and explore the wildlife area. These provide different ways to investigate: physical challenges on the climbing equipment, growing things outdoors and discovering the natural world beyond the classroom.

Indoors, a role-play space takes on a different real-life setting each term. Hairdressing has involved hair dryers; pretend medical appointments have involved stethoscopes. Dressing up and handling props give children something concrete to talk about as they explore familiar adult roles. Children also tackle problems and make discoveries both together and independently. The nursery describes creative learning as central to this approach.

Stories and sound work sit alongside that exploration. Nursery reading includes The Gingerbread Man and The Enormous Turnip, with attention to rhyme, rhythm and recognising familiar words. In May 2023, Ofsted found that reading teaching began at three, with adults demonstrating sounds, children practising with flash cards and books matched to their learning. The early-years findings also linked care with growing independence and cooperation. For parents, the combination is purposeful: learning to manage alongside other children accompanies the first steps in literacy.

A qualified teacher leads the nursery, supported by a nursery nurse and teaching assistants. The May 2023 inspection described relationships with nursery children and their parents as warm and reassuring, helping children make a positive start. That places the first experience away from home firmly within the nursery’s care responsibilities.

Families can share medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements and existing support for additional needs when applying. This gives staff relevant information before a child starts.

The shared Inclusion Team includes a SENCO, a Home School Link Worker and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. Support for special educational needs and disabilities follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, involving parents in agreeing adjustments and reviewing their impact. Individual Education Plan targets are reviewed termly. Possible help includes small-group learning, adapted equipment and assistance with personal care, including eating or toileting, according to the child’s needs. Parents can arrange a SENCO appointment through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Beauclerc or Chennestone. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and submit it by the statutory deadline. Choosing Bumblebee Class therefore means choosing the nursery experience; the next school place requires its own application.

For children with additional needs, transition support can include extra visits, photographs and transition books. Information about needs and provision is shared with the next class teacher, helping support continue across the change. These arrangements support the child’s adjustment and are separate from admission decisions.

The two 15-hour patterns divide the week. One covers Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 3pm, plus Wednesday, 8.45am to 11.45am. The other runs Wednesday, noon to 3pm, followed by Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3pm. Session allocation rests with the governing body, so a preferred pattern is a request rather than a confirmed booking.

Some eligible children can attend for 30 funded hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Eligibility must be confirmed when a place is offered. A full-week option with the additional 15 hours paid for is also offered to families who are not eligible for 30 funded hours; current charges can be obtained from the office. The universal 15 funded hours apply in term time from the term after a child turns three.

Personal nursery tours can be arranged by calling 01932 780672. Applications go directly to the school, either through the office or by email to info@beauclerc.surrey.sch.uk.