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Nursery at Chinthurst 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Climbing apparatus, dough to roll and a pretend shop give Chinthurst’s youngest children plenty to get their hands on. This is nursery provision within an independent school in Tadworth, with Nursery divided into Acorns and Oaks for ages 2 to 3, followed by Pre-Reception for children aged 3 and 4 in their pre-school year. Nursery sits in the lower school building, alongside classes through to Year 2.
Play and adult guidance work together here. At the ISI inspection of 20 to 22 January 2026, the early years curriculum was judged carefully organised, with activities adjusted to children’s development and interests. The EYFS approach means early learning happens through practical exploration as well as activities led by staff. Storytelling, exploratory play and music give children opportunities to practise talking and listening.
Inside, children have spaces for sensory exploration, quiet activities and making their first marks. Building tall towers develops construction skills; handling little utensils and tools exercises the hand control needed for writing. Rolling dough brings that practice into cooking. Physical challenge has its place too, with climbing equipment helping children develop movement skills.
Dedicated outdoor play spaces allow learning to move between indoors and outside throughout the day. The central field, main playground and nearby woodland extend the possibilities. Woodland activities can include balancing on logs, collecting natural objects and drilling conkers, giving children practical tasks beyond the classroom. Oaks children also have French once a week, introduced through imaginative play, stories, games and music.
Social learning is woven into ordinary routines. In January 2026, early years children demonstrated kindness and age-appropriate social skills: staff modelled helpful language during role play and circle time, while children practised sharing, taking turns and tidying together. These are useful foundations for joining a group and managing small responsibilities.
Lunch is included in both morning sessions and full days. Food is cooked on site each day, and the nursery aims to make eating a sociable opportunity to explore food and practise manners. Before joining, families have familiarisation and transition events close to their child’s start date, providing an introduction before the regular routine begins.
Care arrangements also have concrete safeguards. In January 2026, early years staffing ratios were maintained even at meals, and staff with paediatric first aid training accompanied children on outings. Children received close supervision, with detailed records kept for accidents and intimate care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should plan for a separate Reception application and use the school’s admissions process, which begins with an enquiry. Reception applicants attend a taster session involving informal observation; registration itself does not guarantee an offer.
Preparation for joining is a different matter from admission. Familiarisation and transition events take place nearer a child’s start date. They help introduce school life, but should not be treated as an entitlement to the next place.
Morning sessions run from 8.25am to 12.30pm; full days finish at 3.30pm after the same start time. Nursery requires at least three mornings each week. Pre-Reception has a larger minimum: four mornings plus one full day. Extra mornings or extensions to full days let families build a longer pattern around those minimums.
Funding and extras. Universal funding provides up to 15 hours weekly during Chinthurst’s term, beginning the term after a child turns 3 and continuing through the term of their fifth birthday. Each morning attracts three funded hours. Meals, consumables, extra hours, specialist teaching, enrichment and outings are excluded from funding. Places using only the funded hours are limited, and the school does not participate in other government childcare funding schemes. Ask the school for current charges.
Longer care. Term-time wraparound runs from 7.30am until 6pm Monday to Thursday, closing at 5pm on Friday, and is charged separately. Camp Beaumont provides on-site holiday care for ages 3 and above during most school holidays. Enquiries can be made through the admissions form or by calling 01737 812 011; individual tours and Early Years Fun Mornings provide opportunities to meet the nursery team.
Acorns and Oaks cover ages 2 to 3. Pre-Reception is for children aged 3 and 4 in their pre-school year.
Nursery requires three mornings each week. Pre-Reception requires four mornings and one full day.
Yes. Morning sessions finish at 12.30pm and include lunch, as do full days.
The school participates in the Universal 15 Hours Entitlement during its terms, from the term after a child’s third birthday through the term in which they turn 5. Three hours apply to each morning session; funding excludes meals, consumables and the other additional provision described above. Funded-hours-only places are limited.
No. Plan for a separate Reception application. Reception applicants have a taster session with informal observations, and registration does not guarantee an offer.
