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NURSERY

AT CHINTHURST

(Nursery & Pre-Reception)

Academic Excellence, Powered by Heart.

WELCOME TO NURSERY The early years are a wonderfully important time in a child’s life, filled with first friendships, new discoveries and growing independence. At Chinthurst, every child’s first experience of education is designed to be happy, exciting and full of possibility. Our Nursery is a warm, nurturing environment where children are known and valued as individuals. Strong relationships are at the heart of our approach, giving children the confidence to explore, embrace new challenges and learn from their mistakes.

“Children in the Early Years benefit from a well-planned and well-organised curriculum that supports their early learning and developmental needs.” ISI Inspection 2026

This is Academic Excellence, Powered by Heart. Through purposeful play, carefully planned learning, specialist teaching and enriching experiences indoors and out, children develop curiosity, creativity, resilience and independence. Every small step and achievement matters, building strong foundations so that children progress from Nursery and Pre-Reception as happy, confident and inquisitive learners, excited and ready for the next stage of their Chinthurst journey.

Toni Burton

Head of Lower School

WHY CHOOSE NURSERY AT CHINTHURST?

THE SCHOOL STRUCTURE

Warmth, kindness and care are in abundance here, alongside the benefits of being fully rooted in a school community.

Chinthurst welcomes children from age 2 through to 11, with Nursery forming the beginning of their journey through our Lower School. Nursery has two stages – Nursery and Pre-Reception – before children progress into Reception and continue through the Lower School to Year 2. From Year 3, children move into the Upper School, continuing their Chinthurst journey through to Year 6.

• Experienced, highly qualified Early Years staff who know each child well and provide individual care, support and challenge. • Purposeful, exciting learning that develops communication, early literacy and numeracy, creativity, problem-solving and independence.

You can discover more about life in our Lower and Upper Schools in our separate brochures.

• Specialist experiences from an early age, including Music, Drama and PE, with French added in Pre-Reception.

Lower School

• Daily outdoor learning, with free-flow access to dedicated outdoor areas and woodland adventures as children grow in confidence. • A seamless journey from Nursery to Pre-Reception and on to Reception, with familiar staff, spaces, routines and friendships. Early Years

“Staff select resources thoughtfully to promote children’s curiosity, independence and exploration.”

Key Stage 1

Little Chicks

Children can join Nursery from age 2

Pre-Reception

The pre-school year. Children move up from Nursery or can join Pre-Reception directly. Pre-Reception is for children in the academic year in which they turn 4, and it may be possible to join at any point during the year where spaces are available.

Reception

Children move up from Pre-Reception or can join Reception directly in the September of the academic year they turn 5.

Years 1&2

Children progress from Reception. Occasional places may also be available for direct entry into these year groups. Upper School

ISI Inspection 2026 Key Stage 2

Years 3–6

Children progress into Upper School from Year 3. Occasional places may also be available for direct entry into these year groups.

THE CURRICULUM & LEARNING Our Nursery, Pre-Reception and Reception curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), enriched by the distinctive Chinthurst approach and our belief in Academic Excellence, Powered by Heart. Children enjoy a carefully balanced mix of adult-led learning, child-initiated purposeful play and structured activities and experiences. Early literacy and numeracy are woven throughout the curriculum, alongside opportunities to develop communication, creativity, independence and problem-solving skills. Learning is active and engaging, with children encouraged to investigate, explore, ask questions and persevere when they find something challenging. Free-flow between our indoor and outdoor Nursery spaces, together with access to the wider school and specialist teaching, creates a rich and varied learning environment. Through these experiences, children begin to think creatively and critically, become increasingly independent and develop the confidence and curiosity that underpin future academic success.

“The curriculum is taught through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities which follow children’s interests and build on their knowledge, understanding and skills.” ISI Inspection 2026

PHONICS & EARLY LITERACY A love of language begins early at Chinthurst. Through stories, songs, rhymes, conversation and imaginative play, children develop the speaking and listening skills, vocabulary and confidence that provide the foundations for reading and writing. As children become ready, Read Write Inc. introduces phonics in a fun, structured and consistent way. Children learn letter sounds using memorable rhymes and pictures before beginning to blend sounds together to read simple words. Mark-making and early writing are encouraged naturally through play and carefully planned activities. This consistent approach continues into Reception and beyond, giving children familiar language and methods as their reading and writing skills develop.

NUMERACY What I love most is getting to know each child and seeing their confidence and curiosity grow. There’s nothing better than watching them make friends, discover new things and come in each day excited to learn and explore.” Louise Balsdon, Head of Nursery

“We love Read, Write Inc!” “Children all learn at different speeds, so we move them forward at their own pace. The consistency of Read Write Inc. is so important, as children use the same language and methods throughout the school.” Toni Burton Head of Lower School

“Children practise and increase their speaking and listening skills through exploratory play, storytelling and music lessons.” ISI Inspection 2026

Early mathematics is practical, playful and rooted in real experiences. In Nursery and Pre-Reception, children explore numbers and shapes through inspiring, well-planned activities, with plenty of opportunities for play, investigation and hands-on learning. As children progress into Reception, we build on these foundations through imaginative maths sessions, helping them to manipulate numbers, explore how they connect and identify patterns. Numicon is used throughout Chinthurst to help children visualise numbers and understand the relationships between them. These visual representations provide strong foundations or understanding addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We encourage children to love maths and have fun solving problems. Which 3D shape will move down the ramp the fastest? There are four bears at the teddy bears’ picnic and two more arrive – how many bears are there now?

OUR SCHOOL-READY PROGRAMME

OUTDOOR LEARNING

Becoming school ready the Chinthurst way is about giving children strong foundations for Reception, while nurturing the confidence, curiosity and independence that are just as important for future success. Through playful, hands-on experiences, children develop early reading, writing and mathematical skills alongside communication, creativity and problem-solving. Everyday routines also encourage children to do more for themselves, from making choices and looking after their belongings to building friendships and tackling new challenges. As children progress through Pre-Reception, they become increasingly independent and confident, while still having plenty of time to explore, discover and enjoy learning through play. And because Reception is just a few steps away, the transition feels natural and familiar. Children already know many of the teachers, spaces and routines, helping them move on as happy, confident learners, excited for the next stage of their Chinthurst journey.

“Children enjoy the range of activities provided for them. They develop their self-esteem and confidence.” ISI Inspection 2026

“Both the indoor and outdoor environments offer opportunities for children to develop their independence skills and interests” ISI Inspection 2026

Childhood should be full of muddy boots, fresh air and moments of wonder. Nursery and Pre-Reception children enjoy free-flow access to our newly refurbished outdoor learning area and playground, with plenty of opportunities to dig, climb, balance, splash, plant and let their imaginations run wild. As children grow in confidence and independence, so do their adventures. Weekly Woodland Learning sessions take Pre-Reception children beyond the school gates to explore the local area, where they might balance along fallen logs, build dens, hunt for minibeasts or collect natural treasures, before settling down for a story in the woods and a warming hot chocolate.

THE CHINTHURST DIFFERENCE

“Children enjoy cooking activities where they roll dough, and using building blocks to design and construct ambitious towers.” ISI Inspection 2026

SPECIALIST TEACHING FROM THE START Being part of Chinthurst School gives our youngest children opportunities that go well beyond the Nursery classroom. From Nursery, children enjoy specialist teaching in Music, Drama and PE, with French introduced in Pre-Reception. These sessions are led by specialists from across the school, giving children the chance to discover new interests, develop new skills and make use of the wider school environment. Just as importantly, they become familiar with the people, places and routines around them, helping them feel part of the Chinthurst community from the very beginning.

STEAM IN EARLY YEARS Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics come to life through hands-on exploration, creativity and problem-solving. Children are encouraged to build, design, experiment, investigate and test their ideas, developing curiosity and confidence as they discover how things work. Through activities including cookery, art and STEAM challenges, children have fun creating, making decisions and finding their own solutions – important foundations for future learning.

WELLBEING AT HEART Wellbeing is woven into everyday Nursery life. Warm, nurturing relationships mean our team really gets to know each child - noticing when they need encouragement, reassurance, a quiet moment or simply a cuddle. From the earliest years, children learn to recognise and express their emotions, show kindness and build positive friendships. Through stories, puppets, conversation and everyday moments, we help children understand how they are feeling and begin to find ways to manage their emotions. As part of the wider school, Nursery and Pre-Reception follow Chinthurst’s Zones of Regulation approach and join in our daily Mindful Minute. Simple, age-appropriate activities – from calm breathing with a teddy rising and falling on their tummy to exploring textures, sounds and scents – give children practical ways to pause and feel calm. These early experiences help develop the emotional awareness, resilience and kindness that support children throughout their Chinthurst journey.

“Pupils’ emotional wellbeing lies at the heart of this nurturing, inclusive school.” ISI Inspection 2026

PART OF THE CHINTHURST FAMILY

“Pupils are supported to grow and flourish, including the youngest children in the early years.” ISI Inspection 2026

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

PART OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

A close partnership with parents is an important part of life across our Nursery. Through our online learning journey on Seesaw, families receive a photographic record of their child’s experiences and progress, helping them share in those special moments of learning and discovery.

From the very beginning, Nursery families are welcomed into the wider Chinthurst community. Parents are regularly invited to share in school life through curriculum evenings, sports days, musical performances and other special events, giving families plenty of opportunities to celebrate their child’s experiences and achievements.

Across Nursery and Pre-Reception, progress meetings take place every half term. Parents are invited in to see their child’s work and have a one-to-one conversation with a member of the team about their learning and development. Sometimes it’s the everyday conversations that matter most. Our team is available at drop-off and pick-up to share how the day has gone, celebrate achievements or talk through anything that may have arisen.

Our active Chinthurst Parents’ Association (CPA) brings families together too, organising a lively programme of events and activities throughout the year for children and parents to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to meet other families and feel part of the Chinthurst community.

SETTLING IN TOGETHER Starting Nursery is a big milestone, so we take time to make the transition happy, familiar and reassuring for the whole family. Our programme begins well before the first day, with Early Years Fun Mornings and taster sessions giving children plenty of opportunities to get to know Chinthurst. In the Summer Term, our Meet the Teacher event gives parents the chance to meet the team and connect with other families, while optional home visits provide additional reassurance and help us get to know each child. Before term begins, children, parents – and a favourite teddy – are invited to our muchloved Teddy Bears’ Picnic. With activities, a bear-themed picnic and the chance to spend time with new friends and teachers, it’s a lovely way for children to feel confident and excited about their first day at Chinthurst.

STARTING YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY WITH US FLEXIBLE SESSIONS FOR FAMILY LIFE We offer a choice of morning and full-day sessions, with additional sessions available to create full school days and provide greater flexibility for families. Nursery (Acorns & Oaks)

Pre-Reception

Age

2–3

3–4 (pre-school year)

Minimum Attendance

3 morning sessions each week

4 morning sessions and 1 full day

Morning

8.25am–12.30pm (including lunch)

Full Day

8.25am–3.30pm (including lunch)

MAKING LIFE A LITTLE EASIER Our wraparound care extends the school day from 7.30 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30 am – 5.00 pm on Fridays during term time. During most school holidays, Camp Beaumont provides holiday care on site for children aged 3 and above, giving children the reassurance of familiar surroundings alongside a programme of activities.

MEALS & FUNDING Lunch is included in both morning and full-day sessions, with fresh, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on site each day. We accept Government Tax-Free Childcare and childcare vouchers, and eligible children aged three and over may receive Early Years Government Funding from the term after their third birthday. Sibling discounts are also available.

08.25– 0 8.45 Arrival & Morning Jobs Story Time /Topic

Phonics /Maths

Maths

Phonics

Topic

Explore & Learn

Music

Drama

Explore & Learn / Helicopter Stories

Explore & Learn

09.00–0 9.45

09.45–10.00 Hand Washing & Snack

08.45–09.00

Explore & Learn

Outdoor Play

French

Outdoor Play

Explore & Learn

10.30–11.00

10.00–10.30

Story Time / Singing

Helicopter Stories

Story Time

11.00–11.20

Art & Free Flow

Golden Time & Free Flow

Outdoor Play

Cooking & Free Flow

Woodland Learning

STEM & Free Flow

13.20–14.50

Outdoor Play

12.30–13.00

13.00–13.20 Mindfulness & Story

11.20–12.15

Pre-Reception Timetable

12.15–12.30 Story Time

Hand Washing & Lunch

Pre-Reception is an exciting year of growing independence, deepening friendships and preparing for Reception.

14.50–15.00 Tidy Up Time

A TYPICAL PRE-RECEPTION DAY

(Friday Treat)

Circle Time

(Action Songs)

(Games / Singing)

Circle Time

(Story)

Circle Time

(PSED)

Circle Time

15.20–15.25 Home Time

15.00–15.20

START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY

Academic Excellence, Powered by Heart.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

T: 01737 812 011 E: admissions@chinthurstschool.co.uk W: www.chinthurstschool.co.uk

“Children show good social skills for their age and behave kindly towards each other” ISI Inspection 2026

Chinthurst School, Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5QZ 01737 812 011 | admissions@chinthurstschool.co.uk www.chinthurstschool.co.uk ChinthurstSchool chinthurst.school