Little Downsend School Ashtead

22 Oakfield Road, Ashtead KT21 2RE
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9.9 31 Reviews
  • Little Downsend School Ashtead, Ashtead
Little Downsend Ashtead is the perfect place for little learners to begin their exciting adventures. Based on a lovely quiet leafy street, in a large Victorian house, Little Downsend Ashtead has a warm and cosy feeling about it that children and parents both love. In September 2023, Little Downsend Ashtead will offer places for babies and children aged 6 months to 4 years.

Children at Little Downsend feel part of the family, there is a loving and caring environment in which they feel happy and settled. Alongside this nurturing approach, children are encouraged to explore the world around them and to use their sense of curiosity to challenge their thinking. There is equal focus on high academic standards in a playful environment.

From Bright Beginners to Rising Reception, children eagerly embrace play-based learning, honing their 'what comes before...' skills so their development in reading, writing and numeracy is accelerated. Small classes mean that children benefit from personalised learning experiences. Children are set up for great academic success, with results exceeding National and Surrey averages in every area. The approach to learning is focused on the future, making sure that even the littlest people are equipped with the skills they need to be truly incredible.

At Downsend, children benefit from specialist teaching in dance, French, music, and sport. Forest School also takes place weekly with special activity weeks and themed days planned throughout the year to inspire new ideas for learning.

Little Downsend Ashtead has a large outdoor play space, encouraging children to explore their environment, to get fresh air and to learn in the outdoors.

Little Downsend offers monthly payments and a pay-as-you-go holiday club.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lisa Burns (Head of Little Downsend)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 54

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 4 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Bright Beginners (age 6 months old) and Early Learners (Age 1):
    A full day runs from: 07:45 – 16:00 at a cost of £99.65.
    Extended Day runs from: 16:00 – 18:00 at an additional daily cost of £20.


    First Steps (Age 2) and Rising Reception (Age 3):
    A full day runs from: 07:45 – 16:00 at a cost of £97.91.
    Extended Day runs from: 16:00 – 18:00 at an additional daily cost of: £20.

  • Little Downsend offers different rates depending on how many half days per week your child will be with us.
    Little Downsend offers a 'pay as you go' holiday club.
    Please note, that we provide monthly payment options for our nursery year groups.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Holiday club offered

Little Downsend School Ashtead Reviews (31)

9.9

Little Downsend School Ashtead has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Downsend School Ashtead has 31 reviews.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Downsend Ashtead continues to surpass my expectations in many ways. The staff are fantastic and supportive of my son's individual needs. There is genuine interest & flexibility in the level of care and attention provided. It is a lovely environment where my Son has coped with all of the transitions
& milestones well - support has been felt by all the family which continues to remain important as my son progresses through his education. His social skills and rate of development have accelerated as a result of his attendance at Little Downsend & we are grateful for the competence and care from all of the staff. Would highly recommend this nursery over and over again.
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Little Downsend when he turned 1 and we could not be happier with the care and support he has there. The staff are so attentive and keep us regularly updated and clearly really care about the development of the children that attend. He settled very quickly, and is so happy when he
is dropped off and picked up. We can already see how far he has come and how much he has developed in the short amount of time he has attended. I was worried how he would sleep, would he eat okay, would he be happy not being with mummy and daddy, but safe to say he is thriving and loving it. We've been so impressed and are so pleased we enrolled him!
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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl started at Little Downsend at 7 months, as I returned to work. I was very apprehensive about her starting at nursery but from day 1 the teaching staff have been phenomenal and our little girl settled in straight away. They were so kind and patient as she got used to feeding and sleeping
in a new environment. 8 months later and she is absolutely thriving. She is so excited when we drop her off and loves all the teachers. We get lots of photo updates and a comprehensive report at the end of each day which also gives us great peace of mind. The baby room is little but the facilities are top of the range, brand new and always feels spotless. The best decision we have ever made for our daughter and we hope to keep her at the school for as long as possible.
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Review from R T (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started when he was 1 and absolutely loves going to nursery, it's clear from drop-off that he has a wonderful relationship with the staff in the room - he is so pleased to see them each morning. I'm updated during the day with photos of what he has been doing via the app. The staff are absolutely
amazing, I can't thank them enough for the care and attention they put into the fantastic activities, as well as just sitting down for a cuddle when he needs it. My son also has allergies and I'm confident that these are always kept in mind to make sure he is safe.
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Review from H J (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. The staff are great, caring and welcoming. Organised educational activities each day which are communicated to parents very well. The facilities are fantastic, my child loves going here each day.
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Review from Coralie A (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started here at the age of one. His sister goes to another Little Downsend site and from the moment I walked into Ashtead I knew it was going to be the right setting for him.
Little Downsend is an extension of our family. The whole team take great interest in both the children, their personalities
and their strengths. They are greeted every morning by someone familiar who knows them and their friends.
The team were so wonderful at all of the settling sessions, taking time to understand my son, his habits, likes and dislikes. The room is open, with lots of activities and the staff are fully engaged and invested in the development of the children - even the little ones. My son settled instantly, no issues with naps or feeding, with the very experienced team dealing well with some of the drop-off 'wobbles'.
I get a comprehensive update on his day, and the team have been wonderful at keeping me updated on his activities. I would recommend Little Downsend to anyone, it's wonderful.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The school has a lovely, friendly atmosphere and all the staff seem to know all of the children and really care about them. Our child loves attending and as our child had a less good experience attending a previous nursery we were nervous about how they would be but it has been great.
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’m so pleased with every aspect of our experience at Little Downsend Ashtead to date. My daughter started here when she was around 16 months old, and despite never having separated from me for any length of time, she settled incredibly quickly and has formed really positive and trusting relationships
with all of the key adults in the room. The staff are all so kind, experienced and personable. I find it very reassuring to see the same familiar faces every morning when I drop my daughter off, turnover seems to be very low, and everybody across the whole building knows my daughter's name and takes a moment to say hello or make some small talk with her. I receive frequent updates with photos and videos via the online learning journal and it’s lovely to see the stimulating activities my daughter gets to experience as well as see her interact with some of her peers. I would choose this nursery time and time again and am so pleased to have such a fantastic setting so close to home.
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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are absolutely thrilled with the care our little one has been receiving at Little Downsend's new nursery. My daughter started there 4 months after her first birthday. She has grown in confidence and happily walks into the premises every morning. Daily music and craft sessions enabled her verbal and
manual skills to develop amazingly. The staff is super dedicated and provides regular updates via an app on the activities and achievements. The equipment is superb and I feel reassured that my little one spends her time in a fun and safe environment.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has settled in tremendously at Little Downsend School Ashtead. We are excited on his behalf for what is to come and all the experiences he will have. He walks in happily every morning, and from the updates we get, he loves his time there from the moment he arrives.
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son was quite a quiet little one, usually watching whilst other children engaged in activities. Since being at Little Downsend Ashtead, his confidence is now through the roof. He actively takes part and enjoys every day he has there. I can't thank the staff enough for all they do for him.
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Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Beyond happy and impressed with the care both of our children have had and are having with Little Downsend.
Excellent communication
Caring and nurturing environment
Academically stimulating
Socially active for the parents, also cannot thank them enough.
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Review from Nick M (Father of Child) published on 1 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful school with a warm atmosphere. Great staff and great teaching. We have always been impressed by the dedication of the staff and attention to detail. Rather than being a school, it is a real community.
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Review from Victoria (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic place for little ones! My child skips out of the door every day looking forward to what the school has planned for him. A warm and kind member of staff greets him every day and he has a smile on his face when he leaves. What more could you ask for.
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Review from Clare M (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is not just an excellent nursery but it feels like a second home. The teaching and pastoral care are both excellent. Both my eldest and youngest children have been very happy at Downsend.
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Review from Christine W (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Downsend Ashtead is the most amazing little school. My children have enjoyed their time there from day one. The school is filled with fun, adventurous and fabulous teachers. Thank you for making the children so happy.
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Review from Ceara E (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Downsend is a well organised and maintained nursery with excellent facilities and experienced staff. Children are provided with a great variety of activities and opportunities beyond what would be found in many other early years settings. I like the fact that the nursery operates somewhere between a
nursery and a school so that my son had a routine and structure to his day whilst also having the freedom to explore and play with his friends. The staff are very committed and enjoy the children in their care. Communication with parents is excellent and MOST importantly the children who attend are happy and very well looked after. My son has been there for over a year, starting in the first steps, and it has been one of the best decisions we have made for him. I would recommend Downsend to anyone looking for a nursery with a smaller, homely feel where the children are encouraged and well cared for.
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Review from Frankie W (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The experience myself and my children have had at Little Downsend Ashtead have been outstanding. There is the most amazing team of people who have made our time at Little Downsend unforgettable. Thank you all. You have left a lasting impression on my 3 children.
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Review from Abigail M (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All 3 of my children have attended Little Downsend Ashtead and I honestly don’t believe they could have had a better start to their education. They absolutely thrived but most importantly they have all been so happy there. Lovely small classes, lots of attention, and a lovely community feel with caring
and friendly teachers who cannot do enough for each child. I would thoroughly recommend Downsend to anyone considering it as a nursery or school.
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Review from Katrina S (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to Little Downsend in Ashtead. They are an extension to our family in a way, he feels loved, supported but he is also given direction to learn every day. I know he is safe, he can be himself and he will thrive. The teaching and care is outstanding, the facilities are excellent and
he loves lunch! My son loved the extended day as he got to play with different children in different year groups. I’ve got a 6-week old baby and already I have registered him for when he is 2. I am so pleased we are part of this nursery and preschool.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.923)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10 for Little Downsend School Ashtead is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.923 for Little Downsend School Ashtead is calculated as follows: ( (123 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 130 Ratings = 4.923
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Downsend School Ashtead is based on 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 54 number of registered child places is 10.8, which has been reached with 11 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Lisa

Lisa Burns

Job Title: Headteacher - Little Downsend Joined: 2023

Appointed as Head of Little Downsend in 2023, Lisa Burns brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Early Years education. With a strong belief that big ideas begin early, Lisa is dedicated to creating inspiring, nurturing environments where curiosity, creativity, and confidence can flourish.


Throughout her time at Downsend, Lisa has brought her energy and creativity into the classroom, leading English across the Junior School at Downsend before taking on the reins at Little Downsend, and gaining recognition from the ISA in 2024 for an award-winning programme aimed at developing early writing skills.


Lisa is passionate about helping every child develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. She works closely with families and staff to ensure each child is supported to reach their potential - academically, socially, and emotionally - in a joyful and enriching learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Downsend School Ashtead

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Downsend School Ashtead accepts?

Little Downsend School Ashtead accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 4 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Downsend School Ashtead Open?

Little Downsend School Ashtead is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Little Downsend School Ashtead have capacity for?

Little Downsend School Ashtead has capacity for a total of 54 Children.

How far is Little Downsend School Ashtead to the centre of Ashtead?

0.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Little Downsend School Ashtead to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Downsend School Ashtead has an Enhanced Service - more info.