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Sunflowers Nursery is a term time only nursery for children aged 2 and above. Located at Staines Preparatory School in Staines, Surrey, we offer a warm and structured introduction to learning within our early years setting.
We are open for approximately 35 weeks per year. Our morning session runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm with lunch and a full day runs from 8.30am to 4pm, we offer 30 hours government-funded provision for eligible families.
We have 2 entry points at Sunflowers Nursery, these are Seedlings and Petals.
Seedlings (N1) – from age 2
Our Seedlings provision at Sunflowers Nursery offers a warm and supportive first step into nursery life for children aged 2. In a bright, spacious environment with both indoor and outdoor learning areas, children are encouraged to explore, play and develop confidence at their own pace. Carefully selected resources and purposeful play spaces support curiosity and independence.
Each day includes a balance of structured and child-lead activities designed to inspire a love of learning, including:
• Early phonics and language development
• Simple math games and number play
• Creative activities such as play dough, art and construction
• Music sessions led by a specialist music teacher
• Physical development through daily movement, climbing, riding bikes and outdoor play
Children also benefit from access to wider school facilities, including sports areas and the school library, where parents are invited to join story sessions.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through visits to our environmental areas for Forest school, helping children develop confidence in the natural world. At this stage, independence is gently encouraged. Children begin to build key self-care skills such as putting on coats and wellies, toileting and learning how to socialise and play alongside their peers. Parents are closely involved in their child’s learning journey through Seesaw, an online learning journal where progress, experiences and milestones are shared.
The minimum attendance recommended for Seedlings (N1, aged 2-3) is 3 x sessions a week.
Petals (N2) – from the academic year in which children turn 4
Petals builds on the foundations of Seedlings, offering a more structured early years experience that supports children as they prepare for Reception. Children continue to learn through a balance of purposeful play and guided activities, with increasing focus on early academic and social development.
The curriculum includes:
• Phonics to support early reading and writing
• Early maths skills through practical games and problem-solving
• Creative exploration through art, music and role play
• Regular PE sessions with specialist sports staff
• Music sessions led by a specialist teacher
Children make full use of the school’s facilities, including ICT resources such as iPads and computers, the library and outdoor learning spaces. Regular Forest School sessions and environmental visits continue, along with planned trips across the year to broaden experience and understanding.
Physical development remains a key focus, with daily opportunities for active play, including climbing, ball games, cycling and other outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively, building early teamwork and problem-solving skills through shared tasks such as obstacle courses and group challenges.
As independence grows, children are supported in developing confidence in managing routines, friendships and responsibilities.
Sunflowers Nursery is part of Staines Preparatory School, and for families who are looking to continue their child’s educational journey we can support the transition into Reception at the Prep School.
The minimum attendance recommended for Petals (N2, aged 3-4) is 5 x sessions a week.
Early Years Free Entitlement
At Sunflowers Nursery we accept Early Years Funding for pupils in Nursery and Reception up to and including the term in which they turn five. Please visit our Early Years Entitlement page to read more about how this works and to apply for the funding.
Our aim is to make high-quality early education accessible to all families.
Key information:
• Seedlings accepts children from age 2
• Funding is available for eligible families
• Places are open to both funded and fee-paying families
• Children do not need to continue into Prep School to attend nursery
• We support families through the funding application process
• Additional charges may apply for educational trips and workshops
[Find out more about Early Years Entitlement]
Book a visit and see us in action!
We welcome visits from prospective families and would be delighted to show you our nursery in action.
Whether you are:
• Looking for 2+ nursery places in Surrey
• Exploring 30 hours funded childcare
• Or researching early years options
We are here to help. Please contact our admissions team to arrange a visit or check availability.
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