MP joins official opening party at Surrey Heath school

Everything from a mud kitchen to a gravel pit are on offer to children attending a new nursery in Lightwater which officially opened with a special visit by a local MP. ​

Surrey Heath MP Dr Al Pinkerton was among guests attending the event on Friday (4) at Lightwater Village Nursery, which boasts an exceptional outside space to encourage children to build dens, connect with nature and use age-appropriate bikes.

The Nursery currently accommodates 47 children from aged two to four, with a further 24 places reserved for children starting during the course of the year. 

Deputy Mayor for Surrey Heath, Louise Ashbery was also able to take a closer look at the array of experiences on offer to children who are now part of the Lightwater Village School family.

“It was a pleasure to be here this morning to help inaugurate the Lightwater Village Nursery, staffed by the most incredible and dedicated Early Years educators,” she said.

The nursery already has 71 accepted spaces with some children already started, and others joining over the course of the year. There has also been a huge amount of interest in places for the next academic year already.

Dr Pinkerton thanked staff for their hard work and said: “It is a vital provision for this village and beyond. I wish you every success with the nursery and look forward to coming back in the future.”

New headteacher at Lightwater Village School, Francesca Hooker, has been a teacher for 23 years and brings a wealth of experience to the role, which includes the nursery. 

“I am proud of the extraordinary early years provision at Lightwater, our nurturing staff create calm and inviting environments that promote focused learning. With their wealth of experience, they guide each child on their unique developmental journey, ensuring that every moment spent with us is filled with discovery and joy."

The school’s early years phase leader, Sarah Smith, has been a driving force behind the successful opening of the new facility at the school, a member of GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of our nursery is the exceptional outdoor provision. Imagine your child exploring a vibrant world of learning opportunities,” said Miss Smith, who has been at the school for nine years. This week the children have been able to harvest courgettes and peppers from the vegetable patch while learning about the changing seasons.
  
“We are very inclusive and offer additional support and interventions for any pupils with additional needs, however small. We support all children and want to support every child as a unique individual.” 

The Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes at the school are significantly above the national average, 80 per cent met the GLD (Good Level of Development) at the end of reception, and 89 per cent of Year 1 pupils met the phonics mark, also significantly above the national average. 

Julian Drinkall, CEO GLF Schools, commented: “I am delighted to join our parents, carers and esteemed guests to see the new nursery at Lightwater in action. GLF’s nursery strategy emphasises the importance of ensuring our youngest children have access to high quality early education and are ready to start school. Our vision is to provide a continuous journey for children aged two to 11, starting at Lightwater Village Nursery, moving into the Infant School and through to Hammond Junior School. I am pleased that GLF Schools can now offer this provision for the Lightwater community.”