Halstead St Andrew's School Nursery Review

Outdoor learning, drama and music give this nursery day more than a classroom focus. Nursery and Rising Reception form part of Halstead St Andrew's School's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with entry starting at age two and a limited number of places for children of that age. It is the youngest part of an independent, mixed school in Woking.

Church Hill House is the school site following the move bringing Nursery and the older year groups together from January 2026. In May 2026, there were two Nursery classes. That class count describes the provision in May 2026, rather than a number of places available to new families.

Children have time to choose their own activities alongside learning planned by adults. Much of the learning takes place outdoors. Indoors, purpose-built classrooms have colourful surroundings and resources arranged to encourage exploration, giving children different starting points for play and discovery.

The EYFS combines learning about relationships, communication and movement with early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. Literacy and numeracy receive emphasis from the beginning, while specialist sessions bring drama, PE, music and outdoor learning into Nursery and Rising Reception. The balance gives children opportunities to practise physical, expressive and language skills alongside early academic learning.

In May 2026, early years teaching supported good progress through conversation, exploration and creative activities. Meerkat Mail and the topic this school and beyond connected learning with the world outside the classroom. Adults demonstrated language and asked questions, helping children explain ideas and learn together.

Physical development has concrete outlets: children run and ride tricycles outdoors, while paintbrushes, scissors and pencils develop smaller hand movements. Art, imaginative play and music also give children ways to express ideas before they can put everything into words.

Settling begins with a short taster session for Nursery and Rising Reception entrants. Children joining in September are also invited to a familiarisation session near the end of the summer term. These give them contact with staff and other children before their first full day; families receive joining information and begin receiving weekly email updates.

A Head of Nursery and Rising Reception works within a team that includes a Rising Reception Key Person and an EYFS Pastoral Lead. In May 2026, early years staff understood children's individual needs and kept regular contact with parents. Circle time, breathing exercises, worry monsters and zones of regulation helped children discuss feelings and practise managing them. Sharing materials and taking turns made social learning part of play.

Thomas Franks provides school meals. After School Club includes tea only in its middle session. In May 2026, early years staffing ratios were suitable, adults supervising eating had relevant training, and early years staff had paediatric first aid training.

For additional emotional support, parents start with the class teacher, who can refer to the Inclusion Team. ELSA support includes help with anxiety, friendships and expressing feelings. School-wide inspection actions concerned consistent use of assessment to adjust teaching and keeping required information current; outdated safeguarding and attendance role details were corrected during the visit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate decision: a Reception application goes through the school's registration process and Admissions Team. Registrations are considered in arrival order, with sibling priority, and offers depend on availability and the school's admission requirements.

Learning preparation is a different question. Rising Reception develops early phonics and number skills through practical activities, giving children experience they can build on at the next stage. That preparation should be considered separately from securing admission.

Morning options comprise three, four or five mornings; full-day options comprise one or five days. After School Club operates Monday to Friday during term time, in three blocks: 3:15pm to 4:15pm, 4:15pm to 5:05pm and 5:05pm to 6:00pm. Free play takes place indoors or on the playing fields in warmer months, extending the day with time to play.

The school accepts 15 funded hours for eligible three- and four-year-olds. Contact the Admissions Team for current charges. Enquiries go to admissions@hsaschool.co.uk or 01483 760943, and personal tours can be booked. Children wear uniform appropriate to their school year; Schoolblazer supplies it, and the parent-run Swap Shop provides a second-hand option.