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Nursery at Danes Hill School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Paddock gives this nursery a distinctive outdoor focus: children spend time there with trained Forest School teachers, alongside learning with their class teacher and subject specialists. Danes Hill’s nursery belongs to Bevendean Pre-Prep on Steels Lane in Oxshott, a separate site from the Prep school. The youngest children have their own school base.
Children can join from age 2. Tiny Ts and Mini-Transition cover ages 2–3, followed by Transition for ages 3–4. At the October 2024 inspection, the nursery had 51 children across three classes; that is a dated roll, rather than a measure of current availability.
Language gives the day its strongest thread. The ISI inspection of 1–3 October 2024 found that early-years adults used songs, stories and spoken examples to build children’s communication, with extra attention to the reading, writing and number skills they found difficult. For a young child, this means learning to explain a need or contribute an idea alongside developing early academic skills. Progress covered the different areas of learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses both inside and outside spaces, with activities shaped around children’s interests and individual needs. Physical sessions led by specialists develop large movements and physical skills. Outdoor learning is timetabled within Pre-Prep, and the Paddock supplies a named setting for Forest School. Learning need not stay at a table.
Alongside class teaching, Pre-Prep specialist lessons include swimming, performing arts, sport, Forest School and both Spanish and French. Personal Development and Citizenship also run through the nursery curriculum. The school aims to give children words for their feelings and help them consider other people, making social learning part of the day rather than a separate concern.
Settling has some flexibility for the youngest starters. Tiny Ts may begin with three sessions during their first half term, before moving to the five-session minimum. That offers a smaller initial commitment while routines become familiar. In October 2024, early-years children adapted readily to those routines, and adults gave their emotional and physical needs priority.
Extra help begins early: staff recognise children who need support, including emerging special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school’s support team includes a SENCO and specialist teachers. Form teachers are parents’ first contact, giving families a clear starting point for conversations about their child.
Lunch comes with an afternoon nursery session. Medical support includes a registered nurse who attends Pre-Prep routinely and when needed. Families complete a medical form before joining and must supply an authorisation form with prescribed medicine. This makes health information part of preparation for the nursery day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception entrants register with Danes Hill School, with the Registrar as the contact.
Reception places are offered in registration order, and entry at that stage involves no assessment. Existing nursery families should confirm their progression arrangements with the Registrar rather than assuming that time at Bevendean secures the next place.
Morning sessions run from 8.25am to 12.15pm; afternoons, including lunch, run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Tiny Ts and Mini-Transition require at least five sessions, while Transition requires seven. Families can combine morning and afternoon sessions into full days, so the minimum is a session commitment rather than a compulsory full-day pattern.
Prep care is free until 4.30pm, and extended wraparound care is also offered. Early Ravens and Late Ravens are the named Pre-Prep options, with wraparound available from 7.15am to 6pm. The school bus service starts at Year 2, so nursery families need another travel arrangement.
Funding. Danes Hill will no longer participate in the Government FEE Scheme. Plan around the school’s charges and contact it for current fees and applicable extras. A means-tested bursary enquiry can be made after registration through the Registrar.
Enquiries go to registrar@daneshillschool.co.uk or 01372 849203. Personal tours can focus on Bevendean, allowing families to see the site their nursery child would use.
Children may join from age 2. Tiny Ts and Mini-Transition cover ages 2–3, and Transition covers ages 3–4.
Mornings run from 8.25am to 12.15pm. Afternoon sessions include lunch and run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm.
Yes. Tiny Ts may attend three sessions during their first half term as a settling period, increasing to the five-session minimum afterwards.
No. Reception entrants register with the school, and places are offered in registration order, with no assessment at this stage. Existing nursery families should confirm their progression arrangements with the Registrar.
Yes. A personal tour can cover the Bevendean Pre-Prep site. Contact the Registrar at registrar@daneshillschool.co.uk or 01372 849203.
