Nursery and Kindergarten
Children at St Hilary's Nursery and Kindergarten enjoy a wide range of activities, creatively delivered from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
Upon entering Nursery and Kindergarten, there is always a happy buzz of children playing and learning. Activities are planned both inside and outside and each is tailored to every child's individual interests through topic work and the children's development.
The EYFS requires every child to have a Key Person to whom their parent can turn to for information, reassurance and to share concerns. In Nursery and Kindergarten, this is a designated member of the team. Each Key Person is responsible for collating assessment information about their children. Assessment is on-going through written observations of the children's play and learning and may be recorded in the form of photographs, discussion with other staff and examples of their work.
At St Hilary's, we work in close partnership with parents and value free lines of communication. Staff are available to talk to parents at the beginning and end of each session, sharing information about the children's learning and development. We hold parents' meetings and have `Stay and Play' mornings. Our staff are well qualified, experienced and dedicated to a child-centred approach to learning.
All staff have high expectations of the boys and girls and use this information to identify individual targets and next steps for learning, so that each child can be challenged and supported to reach their potential and progress can be monitored.
EYFS provision at St Hilary's:
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Nursery for 2 - 3 year olds
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Kindergarten for 3 - 4 year olds
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Reception for 4 - 5 year olds
Nursery and Kindergarten begin their day from 8.30am, with registration at 9.00am. There are two sessions available during each day, with the morning session ending at 12.00pm. The afternoon session begins at 12.30pm and ends at 4.00pm for both Nursery and Kindergarten.
A hot meal (chargeable) is provided for children who attend Kindergarten and for Nursery children who attend a full day or have a sibling in Kindergarten who stays for lunch, and who is also collected at 12.30pm.
Parents may have a choice of sessions, which are subject to availability. Sessions are typically set for the whole academic year.
A minimum of four sessions is required for children 2 - 3 years
A minimum of six sessions is required for children 3 - 4 years
We offer before and after school care and this information can be found on our School Day page.
Early Years Funded Education
Please note, we are a registered provider for Surrey County Council Funded Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds. This provides up to 15 hours per week of funded education in Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception up to and including the term of their fifth birthday. Each morning or afternoon session is 4 hours long and each session counts as 3 hours towards the entitlement. St Hilary’s School does not participate in the 30 hours funding scheme.
FEET Places
We offer one FEET funded place each academic year on a case by case basis. For more information please contact Mrs Wynn the School Business Manager on bursar@sthilarysschool.com
Workplace Funding
We partner with several childcare providers and employers to offer the government approved Workplace Funding Scheme. If this is of interest to you or you would like to know more please contact Mrs Lemon the School Finance Manager on accounts@sthilarysschool.com
Childcare Vouchers
Your employer may offer the option of childcare vouchers which is a tax efficient way of paying for part of the fees. We are registered with several childcare voucher providers. Childcare vouchers can only be used for childcare, which includes Nursery fees, Kindergarten fees, Reception fees (up to the term of the child's fifth birthday), after school activities and before/after school care.
Little Hilary's Baby & Toddler Group
From 3 February 2025, an exciting new teacher-led baby and toddler group in the heart of Godalming - we can't wait to welcome you to Little Hilary's!
Based in our colourful classrooms with fantastic outdoor space and woodland area at St Hilary's Prep School.
All boys and girls aged 0-3 years, along with their parent or carer, are welcome to come and enjoy a teacher-led, themed session with a story, craft and song time.
Held on Monday mornings during term time, this free, fun session is sure to be an exciting start to every week!
No charge, easy on-site parking and refreshments
Book your place here