Little Downsend School Ashtead

22 Oakfield Road, Ashtead KT21 2RE
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9.6 35 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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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.

Contact Little Downsend School Ashtead to get a personalised quote.

Contact Little Downsend School Ashtead to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Laura Fisher (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

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 (35)

9.6

Little Downsend School Ashtead has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.601) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Downsend School Ashtead has 35 reviews.

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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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Review from Julia F (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The wonderful team at Little Downsend School Ashtead have given my children an amazing adventure each day. Through fun games, they don’t even realise they are learning and the quality of care given by all the staff is clear to see. My children bounce in through the gates each morning and leave with
enormous smiles.
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Review from Susie E (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Downsend Ashtead is an amazing nursery and school. The staff are brilliant and really care about each of the children in their care and are warm and nurturing. They are great at inspiring the children and providing lots of opportunities for learning through having fun. Our daughter and son have
been so happy here and have grown in confidence throughout their time here.
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Review from Radia A (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An outstanding and fabulous environment for learning and growing up. It is safe, nurturing and caring and clean. Children's well-being and development truly matter. I have seen my son turn into a young, motivated, polite and well mannered young boy who can read, write and count already at four. The
way he was initiated to learning letters and numbers was so gradual and practical. His desire to learn and thirst to be challenged is constantly encouraged and nurtured. I couldn’t wish for a better school to meet the needs of my son and to shape his future. What is also amazing and worth mentioning is the way a healthy diet, sports and music are encouraged in a fun way that makes children embrace those little things that are important in life. For all of the above: Thank you to everyone at Downsend and thank you to the cook. I could not wish for a better school.
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Review from Alice G (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You will find no better school that provides the attention and care that Little Downsend Ashtead give. It is a kind and nurturing environment and our son has enjoyed his time there immensely, we could not have picked a better place for him to start his education. I would have no hesitation in recommending
this school, so much so that our daughter starts at the school soon.
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Review from Linda R (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at Downsend Ashtead in 2018 in First Steps and has moved on through Rising Reception, Reception and she is now in Year 1. Every step of her journey so far has allowed her to grow and develop and she has been incredibly supported by her teachers and the staff at Downsend Ashtead.
Class sizes are perfect to allow children to both interact with their friends and to have one-on-one teaching. This has allowed her to thrive in her learning. Lunches are fantastic (I’m sometimes told my food is not as good as the nursery food). Additional classes and clubs such as French, Music, Yoga, and Forest School give additional opportunities to the children. The early bird and extended day provisions are fantastic for parents needing to drop earlier or collect a little later in the day. We have been very happy at Downsend Ashtead and would definitely recommend it.
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Review from Erin S (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I compared Ashtead Pre-Prep with a few other nurseries, and from the moment my young son and I walked in the door, I had such a good feeling about the place. The head teacher was so passionate about the school and what they achieve there for the children and spoke in a very charming and respectful way
to my little man, who was still just two at the time. He started in September and absolutely loves it. There is a very positive atmosphere and it feels like each and every child is such an important part of the school, they are treasured and known by name by all the staff, not just their class teachers - that said, I've been blown away by the enthusiasm and emotional support the nursery teachers and teaching assistants provide and the lovely bond they have forged. Organisation is another strong point, the schedule is varied with many activities and opportunities to learn whilst having fun, and the facilities are perfect. We couldn't be happier with our choice and highly recommend it!
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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have been through Downsend School Pre-Prep Ashtead from First Steps and I would highly recommend it.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have been to Downsend Ashtead. It is a fun and nurturing environment. The high teacher:child ratio means each child is given a great degree of individual and tailored teaching and support.
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Review from NP (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter couldn't be happier at Downsend, the staff care is exemplary. She has come on leaps and bounds in such a safe and nurtured environment. 10/10.
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had two children go through Ashtead Pre-Prep. One has now left to go to the main Downsend site and one is just finishing reception. The school is wonderfully nurturing but academically strong. They do a great job of preparing the children to go from a small house setting to a large school site,
making this important transition exciting.
The manager is very involved and genuinely cares about each child.
My daughter is currently in reception and she has thrived under the staffs care. The staff have invested considerable time focusing on my daughters unique strengths and weaknesses and has tailored her teaching accordingly. I couldn’t ask for more!
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Review from Lynsay H (Mother of Child) published on 7 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started at Downsend Pre-Prep, Ashtead when he was 2 1/2, and he has loved it there from day one. It's a very nurturing and caring environment, and the way learning is introduced to the children is amazing. My little boy has come on so much while having nothing but fun. We couldn't be happier
with our decision.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.601)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.601) 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 10 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 4.925 for Little Downsend School Ashtead is calculated as follows: ( (112 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.925
  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 4.676 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Downsend School Ashtead is based on 10 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 = 3.75
    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. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 10.8 = 0.926
  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

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Laura

Laura Fisher

Job Title: Head of Little Downsend Joined: 2026

Appointed as Head of Little Downsend in 2026, Laura has a strong background in Early Years, SEN and school leadership. She brings with her a deep-rooted belief in nurturing creativity, curiosity and confidence in every child. Her experience spans leadership roles across independent prep schools, and she is passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of learning through creativity, exploration, play and personalised teaching.


Laura is committed to helping every child thrive and to supporting families in these most important early years of education. She believes in leading by example, continually deepening her knowledge and understanding of education in today’s fast-evolving landscape, where adaptability and innovation are essential.


Laura looks forward to working in partnership with staff, families, and the wider school community to nurture creativity, champion high standards, and continue building a dynamic and inclusive learning culture where every child is supported to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

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