Little Downsend School Ashtead

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Both my children have been through Downsend School Pre-Prep Ashtead from First Steps and I would highly recommend it.

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.

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.

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!

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.