The Wharf Nursery School

About The Wharf Nursery School

The Wharf Nursery School in Waverley is a state-funded nursery for children aged 2 to 5, currently educating 92 pupils. This is a small, intimate setting, and while the data doesn't specify its total capacity, the school appears to be well-established within the local community. Its intake reflects a moderate level of socio-economic diversity, with 14.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals. This is slightly above the national average for primary-phase schools, which typically sits around 13-14%, suggesting the school serves a mix of families. The school is non-religious, with a mixed gender intake, and is led by headteacher Zoe Bray. As one of only four state nursery schools in Surrey, and one of just two rated Outstanding by Ofsted in the local authority, it occupies a highly selective niche. The admission information does not detail oversubscription figures, but its strong reputation and limited local supply of similar provision likely make it a sought-after choice for parents in the area.

Academically, The Wharf Nursery School has achieved the highest possible rating from Ofsted. In its most recent graded inspection in June 2023, it was judged Outstanding across all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This is a significant improvement from its previous inspection in September 2012, when it was rated Good overall. The school does not participate in formal SATs or Progress 8 measures, as these apply to older primary and secondary pupils, but its early years provision is clearly strong. The Ofsted report highlights that children make excellent progress from their starting points, with staff expertly supporting their communication and language development. Given that only two out of four state nurseries in Surrey hold an Outstanding rating, this places The Wharf Nursery School in a very strong position locally for early years education.

The school offers a range of facilities that support its early years curriculum, including an art studio, outdoor playground, sensory room, gymnasium, and a dining hall. Sports provision includes gymnastics and swimming, and there is a book club for enrichment. For children with additional needs, the school provides targeted support for speech, language and communication needs, visual impairment, and other difficulties or disabilities. This makes it a practical choice for families seeking an inclusive nursery environment with specialist resources. The school is not a boarding facility and operates as a day nursery only. Given its Outstanding Ofsted rating, strong SEND support, and position as one of only two top-rated state nurseries in Surrey, this school is particularly well-suited to local families who prioritise high-quality early education and want a setting that can accommodate a range of developmental needs from an early age.

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