Bell Farm Primary School Nursery Review

Playing, experimenting and learning to do things independently give Little Bluebells its character. This is Bell Farm Primary School’s nursery in Hersham, Walton-on-Thames, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday. The nursery aims to make discovery enjoyable and to build children’s confidence through activities they can explore for themselves.

Its place within the school brings a shared early years curriculum, including indoor learning, outdoor provision and Forest School. For families, the appeal is a nursery day built around play and growing independence, with school admission remaining a separate decision.

Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which brings together seven areas of learning. In everyday language, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number work, creativity and an understanding of the world. Activities combine choices made by children with experiences organised by adults. Children work on their own and in small groups, with topics connecting their learning.

Conversation has a practical focus: children practise expressing ideas, extending vocabulary and using complete sentences. Number learning includes patterns, calculation, shape and measurement, giving children different ways to explore mathematical ideas. Art, dance, music and imaginative play provide opportunities to communicate through more than speech.

Roleplay areas give children space to act out situations and explore the world. Indoor and outdoor activities also develop both larger movements and the smaller hand movements children need for increasingly precise tasks. Forest School adds encounters with nature to this mix. Structured routines and opportunities to practise everyday skills support the school’s aim of helping children become more independent; learning is about managing themselves as well as acquiring knowledge.

Parents receive regular updates about learning topics and themes, making it easier to talk about nursery activities at home. The nursery also aims to involve families in children’s development and to respond sensitively to individual needs.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) sits within the school’s arrangements. Class teachers take the initial supporting role, with classroom resources including visual prompts, practical equipment, technology and targeted help from adults. A One Page Profile draws together contributions from the child, parent and teacher to guide support. This gives families a defined way to contribute their knowledge of their child. The school also has a full-time Pastoral Support Officer available daily for parents’ concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Bell Farm. Parents must make a separate application through Surrey County Council and meet the normal deadline for their child’s intake. Treat choosing Little Bluebells and applying for school as two separate steps.

Once a school place has been accepted, the starting-school programme introduces children gradually through smaller-group activities. These include a story session with parents present, a stay-and-play session apart from parents, and an All About Me scrapbook. Two initial half days provide a staged start. These activities support familiarity with school routines; they do not confer an admissions advantage.

For the September 2026 intake, the 30-hour pattern runs from 8.45am to 3.25pm Monday to Thursday, then 8.45am to 12.05pm on Friday. That shorter Friday needs to fit the family’s working week.

Additional-hours funding requires eligibility and an 11-digit HMRC code. Families who do not qualify can also take the extended pattern with an hourly top-up charge; contact the school for current charges. Session allocation rests with the headteacher and governors.

Nursery tours take place during sessions and can be booked through admissions@bell-farm.surrey.sch.uk or 01932 224009. The same contact route provides a nursery application form, allowing parents to arrange a tour and begin their enquiry directly.