Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Structured play and a nursery outdoor space of its own give this provision its character. At Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School, children join a nursery class within the infant school, with a qualified teacher and teaching assistants supporting their learning. Entry can be on a child's third birthday or at the beginning of the following term.

In February 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The early years findings give particular weight to language development, perseverance and the everyday routines established from Nursery.

Play has a clear purpose here. Adults plan activities around learning goals, but leave room for children's interests to change their direction. A session can include an activity guided by an adult, play an adult has prepared, and something children begin themselves. This gives children opportunities to make choices as well as follow guidance.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with children's development. Communication, physical skills and emotional and social development sit alongside maths, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. In practice, play provides opportunities to share, take turns, negotiate and explore ideas. Staff observe what children can do and review their progress to shape subsequent activities.

Learning extends outdoors. The nursery has its own outdoor learning area, accessible throughout the day, and plans learning both inside and outside. Outdoor activities extend what happens indoors, rather than being confined to a separate playtime. Fruit and stories punctuate the morning and afternoon, combining adult storytelling with attention to healthy eating and drinking.

In February 2025, early years staff developed children's vocabulary through everyday opportunities and supported skills including counting and pencil grip. Children showed persistence and enthusiasm for learning. There was also a school-wide improvement point: some tasks did not sufficiently match pupils' existing knowledge and abilities, limiting their learning. The required action was to strengthen staff expertise in matching activities to pupils' needs.

Each nursery child has a key person. The role combines individual learning and care with a consistent relationship for the child and contact with parents or carers. Teaching assistants pass their observations to the key person, and families can be directed towards outside support where appropriate. That gives the relationship a practical purpose beyond reassurance.

For children with additional needs, parents can discuss their circumstances or arrange a meeting with the Inclusion Manager. Family support also includes a Home School Link Worker, whose remit covers worries, bereavement and parental separation, as well as help accessing other services.

Nursery lunchtime runs from 11.30am to noon. Children under five can receive free school milk through Cool Milk registration. The school also manages a breakfast club for nursery children, providing a distinct option for families needing care before the nursery session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, with Surrey County Council managing applications under its coordinated primary admissions scheme. The e-admissions form is the application route. Families need to follow the normal Reception deadline rather than treating their nursery place as an automatic move into school.

Morning, afternoon and full-day nursery sessions are offered. Afternoon sessions begin at noon, and afternoon and full-day children finish at 3pm. Collection is from the classroom's rear door. Regular attendance is expected, so the pattern chosen needs to work consistently for the family.

The nursery's autumn term in 2026 runs from 8 September to 17 December, with half term from 19 to 30 October. For children ready to begin before September 2027, tours can be arranged by emailing info@longditton.surrey.sch.uk. This provides an opportunity to see the nursery before choosing it.