St Mary's CofE Primary School, Byfleet: Nursery Review

Children's interests help shape the learning at St Mary's nursery, with topics changing as their ideas develop. This is provision for ages 3 to 5 within St Mary's CofE Primary School, Byfleet, on Hart Road. Its character comes from combining shared teaching with opportunities for children to choose what they explore.

The wider school grounds include woodland, several playgrounds and a large field, alongside an environmental area. These are school facilities rather than a description of a separate nursery garden. They give the nursery a setting within a larger primary school site.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent language, this brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, mathematics, creativity and discovering how the world works. Children develop at different speeds, and the approach makes room for their individual interests.

Shared carpet sessions introduce learning in English, phonics, mathematics, religious education and topic work. Children then explore related activities through provision that they can use independently. Nursery planning uses St. Mary's Objectives across the year, alongside Continuous Provision: the learning opportunities children can return to and explore. Adult input and children's choices both have a place.

Discovery time gives that approach concrete form. Children choose art materials for themselves, while the school aims to give early years children daily opportunities to build and make with glue, scissors, paint, tape and junk modelling materials. Making is also an opportunity to consider how a creation has worked. Computing exploration includes Beebots and Chromebooks. Early geography involves noticing seasonal changes and weather, exploring globes and maps, and making or following maps during discovery time. These are practical ways to investigate ideas, rather than simply listen to them.

Before starting, each child who has been offered a place is invited to visit the nursery on one or more occasions. That provides a first introduction before the agreed attendance pattern begins at the start of the nursery term.

Snack provision includes milk and a piece of vegetable or fruit. For children attending full days, a school lunch is optional and chargeable, with advance payment required; those who do not take it bring lunch from home. Water bottles should carry the child's name and contain water only. Nuts are prohibited across the school.

Parents can arrange a staff meeting by emailing the office with a short explanation; a response comes from the teacher or office within 48 hours. Urgent concerns should be raised by telephone. The school's Home School Link Worker supports families facing issues such as bereavement or separation and can direct a request to the SENCo, class teacher or ELSA. This gives parents a route to discuss concerns beyond the day's activities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families need to make a separate application through Surrey County Council's normal admissions route. For entry in September 2027, the deadline for an on-time application is 15 January 2027. Treat that application as a separate task when planning your child's next step.

Before Reception begins, an induction session in the summer term introduces children to their teacher, and a parent information evening helps families prepare. These arrangements support the transition; they do not secure admission.

The nursery day runs from 9.15am to 3.15pm. The two attendance patterns combine Monday and Tuesday full days with Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon with Thursday and Friday full days. Wednesday morning finishes at 11.45am; the afternoon begins at 12.15pm. Children on the beginning-of-week 15-hour pattern start at 8.45am on Wednesdays to receive their full entitlement.

The nursery offers 15 funded hours and places for children eligible for 30 funded hours. On full attendance days, an optional paid early start is available at 8.45am. Additional morning or afternoon sessions depend on space. Ask the school for current charges.

Uniform consists of a school polo shirt, sweatshirt or cardigan, black tracksuit bottoms, and shoes or trainers. Open-toed sandals are excluded. Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01932 410300 or info@stmarys-byfleet.surrey.sch.uk. Hart Road parking is very limited; additional parking is at the church hall car park beside the Rectory Lane gate, with restrictions at both entrances.