Term dates:
2024 – 2025
Nestled down on the glebe field surrounded by nature, our nursery provides a caring, nurturing environment for all our little Pandas and has been running for over 60 years. 5 years ago we built a purpose built premise, designed around the needs of the children and moved down from St Peter’s Hall, to our lovely new home.
We are not a business chain or committee led, we are run by a family who has dedicated over 33 years to providing all our children with the best learning experience and lots and lots of fun!
Our mission is to set children up for success by providing an environment and expert teaching to help children be the best they can be. From providing a safe space for children to manage their emotions, to master toilet training and independence, and confidence – we support every unique child on their learning journey.
Getting messy!
Using shaving foam and paint to strengthen
our gross motor skills
Celebrating British values at snack time,
china cups, yummy fruit, listening to others,
having great conversations with good table
manners!
We balance short, small group adult directed activities with child led play, making sure we have lots of time for children to explore and test out their new ideas on their own or with their peers. Every day we are off on a new adventure led by the children.
We encourage independence and the development of skills which will support children to be great citizens and life long learners.
We take children from 2 years old, it’s fine if they are still in nappies – we work with you when you and your child are ready for toilet training. Our 2 year olds develop their confidence and independence in an environment where they feel safe and settled away from their parents.
We build on basic skills: sharing, turn taking, making friends, using the toilet, developing their independence. We also teach basic letters, numbers, colours and shapes.
We could be off on a nature walk on the field one day, jumping in muddy puddles, bathing babies or building obstacle courses. We love reading stories, puppet shows, singing songs, painting, running around outside and having lots of fun!
Our 3-4 year olds learn through adventurers each day, learning to put on their coat, make and play with friends, make the right choices and have a go at new challenges. We also support them to develop pre-handwriting skills through fine and gross motor activities and pre-reading skills.
We love music and movement, we are always singing and dancing. We use this to support children’s imagination, expression and communication skills.
Children are provided with fruit for morning snack and they bring a packed lunch in for lunchtime.
We cook fresh, home made, healthy and yummy food for our breakfast and afterschool clubs on site. Made by our wonderful nursery chefs. All allergies are catered for and we are a nuts free zone. We have achieved the Eat Well Start Well Award for the meals we provide.
We pride ourselves in supporting all children to be included in the learning opportunities in our setting. Our SEN Team (Special Educational Needs) work hard supporting all children who need that little extra support. Our SENCO is Kelly Thompson supported by Ali Thompson and all Key Workers.
SENCO support is integrated with a child’s key person and we work together with parents and outside agencies (Speech & Language, Paediatric consultants, Health visitors etc.) to provide united support for our children.
We are all working parents juggling work / life balance. We pride ourselves in being there to support our parents, from flexible sessions, that helping hand at drop off or a cuppa and chat when you are having a bad day.
We work with you to support your child through these precious early years. Open communication is really important to us.
Email is our main form of communication; ensuring even those busy working parents who can’t always pick / drop off are kept informed. We email a termly list of activities and dates giving you plenty of notice of those dates you need to book off and come in to join nursery events.
We also use a secure online journal to keep you updated of your child’s progress and have text system for those quick messages and reminders.
This is all in addition to the usual notice boards and we are around for a good old fashion chat whenever you need to.
Ali Thompson is around most days in reception to greet you and answer any queries you have.
It is really important to us that you are involved in your child’s journey with us. We encourage you to add posts to their online journal and come along to parent appointment and events.
We’re here to help, and do our best to support your child and family. Whether you are just having a bad day and need an cuppa and someone to talk too, or need help finding specific help groups or financial support, we will do our best to help.
More than just Early Years Practitioners
“I’m so proud of my team – who together, work hard everyday to make Panda the best nursery around” Ali Thompson (Panda Director)
View our outline of A Panda Practitioner to see what outstanding qualities we expect from our team.
Recruiting the best team
When recruiting our team we look for that special sparkle. That person who excites, inspires and captures the attention of our children.
We also look for those with the skills, warmth and enthusiasm to fit into our hard working team. Most of our staff are parents themselves, and have the life experience parenthood brings. Many are Level 3 qualified and we all follow a comprehensive training programme. As a team we have high expectations for ourselves as well as our children.
We follow a Safer Recruitment process and all the latest safeguarding procedures. Staff complete an induction and probation process and have regular appraisals, 1 to 1 support meetings and training reviews.
Whole nursery learning
The Director, Room Leaders and Early Years Practitioners are Level 3 trained in childcare. We are all first aid, health and safety and Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene trained. We update our Paediatric First Aid qualification as a team every 3 years.
Our culture is one of whole nursery learning – for the children and staff. We all have training and development plans and regularly attend courses. We work hard to ensure we have a clear understanding of how children learn, and how to provide rich, varied, learning experiences.
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A bit about our Director
I’ve been involved with Panda for over 15 years now. I started out supporting my mother in law June Thompson who dedicated over 19 years to Panda and is still on hand now!
I’m crystal clear on my vision to make Panda Nursery the best place for children to learn and develop and uncompromising on continuously reflecting and improving all we do to ensure we follow outstanding practice. I want the best for my children and see all children at Panda as part of our family. I base all we do on – would it be good enough for my child? Would I be happy as a parent?
I started to support June Thompson with finance and accounting, managing HR and working on improving internal and external communications. Once I had my children my outlook on life changed. My love of Panda grew along with my wish to be around more for my children and help support them and many other children with the best start they can have in their early years. I slowly became more involved with supporting the business and took over from my mother-in-law, June Thompson in September 2014.
I have 2 amazing children; both my son and daughter came to Panda and are still involved.
With a 1st Class (HONS) Management Studies degree (Bsc) from Brunel University, I worked in Marketing for over 10 years. Being part of and then managing Marketing teams in Insurance and IT. While working in Marketing I completed a Postgraduate CIM Diploma in Marketing and went on to become a Chartered Marketer with CIM Membership (MCIM). As my focus on Panda grew I studied and completed the Level 3 Children’s & Young Person Diploma. I now aim to complete a short course each term to keep my knowledge fresh and drive our brilliant nursery to continuously improve.
I love hearing your views and am happy to chat about any concerns. You can find me in reception, email me on ali@panda-nursery.co.uk or call me on 07812 522492. Come and have a chat.
Ali Thompson
Panda Nursery Director
Level 3 Children’s & Young Person Diploma
Management Studies Bsc (HONS) 1st Class
Postgraduate CIM Diploma in Marketing – MCIM Chartered Marketer
Every day we aim to be one step better than we were yesterday.
We regularly review our sessions, routines and environment at a management and team level to ensure we are providing best practice and meeting the needs of our children.
At least one of us a term is on a training course and bring back a wealth of knowledge to share with our team. We welcome parent feedback at any time, we’ll always acknowledge your comments and feedback what action we’ve taken.
We also work closely with other nurseries, childminders and nannies in the area, learning from each other and sharing ideas. We work together when we share a child between settings to support a joined up, complete learning journey.
“Katie has loved her time at Panda and with all your hard work has developed into quite an independent young lady! She talks incessantly about her teachers and has huge respect for all of you! Keep up the good work!”Mrs Bodle
“We love Panda, both Theo and Constance have been extremely happy. The staff are great and we appreciate such a good ratio of staff to children and the fact that staff have experience and generally have their own children. Also love the music and singing.”Mrs Turner
“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Panda Nursery, and meeting all the fantastic staff who provide such a valuable service for local families. It was great to spend time talking with the children, and I was very impressed by their art work. We need more nurseries like Panda in Tandridge.”Sam Gyimah – Surrey MP and Under-Secretary of State for Childcare and Education
“Panda Nursery is an excellent pre-school setting. Our child has been very happy at Panda and we have found the staff excellent, professional and caring towards the children.” Mrs Haynes
“Thank you so very much for all the wonderful work you have done with Emily. If ever there was an advert for how amazing you all are, Emily’s progress is it.”
Mrs Adams
All 3 of mine have gone to Panda with the third currently, and it has always been great. Everyone there works really hard at making sure your child has a great experience, which is exactly what I want as a parent. – Mr Edwards
“You run an excellent nursery. Staff are excellent. Children love it.”Mrs Richards
“What can I say, it’s been an amazing two years you and your team are fantastic. My daughter has had the best time and me too!
You have made my first experience of her starting education the best. Thank you so much. I will keep in touch and see you when my son starts!”
Mrs K Thompson
Panda is a fantastic place. You totally deserve the outstanding as you all work so hard to make it a wonderful place for the children. – Mrs Bennett
“Both of my children went to Panda Nursery and loved it. The staff are really friendly and focused on development, which is great for the children. But as a parent, what I like most is that they are more organised than other nurseries, and I particularly enjoy receiving the regular online observations with photos.”
Mrs Choy
We accept 15, 30 hour and 2 year old funding. Outside of this funding all hours are chargeable. Please note all places are for 43 weeks of the year. We are not open the full 52 weeks of the year.
FEET Funding
You can use FEET funding at Panda stretched across 43 weeks of the year – which equals a maximum of 13 hours a week. Surrey Council also restrict the total amount of hours you can claim per term, so please refer to our funding guide before confirming your hours.
Universal Funding (15 Hours for 3 – 4 year olds)
All children in the term after they are 3 years old are entitled to the universal 15 hours. We arrange this for you, we’ll pass you a form to complete at the end of the term before you can start claiming.
Working Entitlement Funding (30 hours for 3-4 year olds / 15 hours for 2 year olds)
You may also be eligible for this 15 hours funding if you meet the criteria. You can find out more about this criteria on the Surrey Early Years website
To claim the funding you need to apply for an eligibility code through the gov.uk website: https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk the https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator might help.
Funding limits
Please note that Surrey Council only allow us to claim 3 year old funding during surrey term time (38 weeks of the year). Panda runs for 43 weeks of the year, so for 5 weeks a year our sessions are fully chargeable. This usually works out that 1 week in Autumn term is chargeable and 2 weeks in our Spring and Summer terms.
At Panda you can use your funding to cover morning or afternoon sessions but if your child comes all day you pay for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Government tax accounts and Childcare Vouchers
We accept payment from both the government child tax accounts and childcare voucher scheme. Please let us know the name of your childcare provider and we can send you our account reference
You can find out more about all the options open to you at: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ or the Surrey Early Years website: FEET funding for 2 year olds / Free Education Funding for 3 and 4 year olds
You can also download the Surrey Privacy Notice. View our blog for more information about the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).
We appreciate there is a lot of information to digest – so if feel free to come in and talk to us if you have any questions regarding the funding.
Places are limited and we operate a waiting list system.
To register your place on our waiting list please email ali@panda-nursery.co.uk for an application form.
We ask for a £25 application fee which covers the cost of processing new applicants and confirms your place on our waiting list. It is not a deposit. The fee does not guarantee the full 15 / 30 hours or any specific sessions as sessions are offered on availability. We do our best to offer a place around your preferred start date, but places are limited and the start date on your application form is not guaranteed by the application fee. Once you are on our waiting list we will contact you as soon as we know a place is available and in which sessions.
Our main intake is in September. We do take children throughout the year but places are more limited.
If your child is 3 years old at the time of application or eligible for FEET funding then you are not required to pay this application fee. Unless you wish to register a place on the waiting list over 10 weeks in advance of your preferred start date.
We are open 8am – 6pm every week day for 43 weeks of the year. Children can attend for the standard pre-school day or tag our breakfast and/ or afterschool club onto the day.
Please note the age below is usually the age the children start in the groups. Children typically stay in the same group for the academic year.
Children 3.5 – 5 Years | Adventurers |
8:00 – 8:30 | Breakfast Club (includes breakfast) |
8:30 – 12:30 | Pre-school |
12:30 – 15:45 | Pre-school |
15:45 – 16:30 / 18:00 | After School Club (includes a light tea) |
Children 2 -3.5 Years | Explorers |
8:00 – 9:15 | Breakfast Club (includes breakfast) |
9:15 – 12:15 | Pre-school |
12:15 – 15:30 | Pre-school |
15:30 – 16:30 / 18:00 | After School Club (includes a light tea) |
We are closed on Bank holidays and Surrey School Half Term breaks
Term dates:
2024 – 2025
Autumn Term: Monday 2 September – Friday 20 December 2024
(Half Term break 28 October – 1 November)
Spring Term: Monday 6 January – Friday 11 April 2025
(Half Term break 17 February – 21 February)
Summer Term: Monday 22 April – Friday 8 August 2025
(Half Term break 26 May – 30 May)
Research shows that messy play is one of the best ways to learn. By being given the freedom to play with things that make a ‘mess’ children are given no expectations on what they should produce. If they have no expectations of what it is that is to be produced they cannot go wrong. There are no restricting end goals… the possibilities are endless. If they cannot go wrong, they will develop the courage and confidence to be curious, make their own discoveries, problem solve, have a go and keep trying. All characteristics of effective learning that we all want all children to have in order to be a successful life long learner.’ (The Curiosity Approach)
We enjoyed a brilliant Earth Day workshop with Nature Makers – we all loved planting sunflower seeds, creating fantastic art and talking about our planet
Our Panda parents have helped us to celebrate the languages, culture and diversity of our children at Panda by providing resources and coming in to talk to the children. Our little Pandas have really enjoyed sharing some of languages they use at home.
And enjoying a special story at Limpsfield Church
We are delighted to share that we have worked with Public Health at Surrey County Council to achieve the Eat Well Start Well Healthy Award for Early Years Settings.
We work hard to ensure that we provide a nutritionally balanced diet throughout the week, with breakfasts and hot dinners all created from scratch and freshly cooked each day at nursery. Our menus meet all the nutritional requirements set out in the assessment criteria for the Eat Well Start Well Award
This award is open to early years care providers based in Surrey. It recognises settings that ensure that the food they offer provides appropriate amounts of energy and nutrients and encourages children to make healthy choices.
If you would like to find out more about our breakfast and afterschool club, email ali@panda-nursery.co.uk
The children especially like helping to make the playdough, carefully following the instructions
Developing fine motor skills and working on number recognition
We’re loving caring for our strawberry plants and watching them grow
We’ve all enjoyed watching our caterpillars turn into butterflies, and we loved being able to release them
An invitation to play and explore different textures and materials
A great way to support fine motor skills development, needed for a strong pen grip
Making playdough pancakes then eating yummy pancakes for pudding!
Sensory play with rice – giving our little Pandas opportunities for mark making and exploring shapes
Blowing through straws to move the table tennis balls
We’re making the most of the wet weather, enjoying one of our favourite garden activities!
To celebrate World Nursery Rhyme week we are learning some rhymes we don’t usually sing at Panda. Singing Nursery Rhymes helps to lay the foundations of good literacy, encourages movement, communication, joining in, socials skills, imagination and most importantly the children love them!
Our green dinosaur island gave us lots of opportunities for sensory, imaginative play
Lots of opportunities for sensory play and fine motor skills development.
Great post from @bookoolaink. Reinforcing all of the activities our little Pandas enjoy with us, supporting their learning journey to become readers.
We’re very excited that our new Panda book borrowing library is now in place outside the nursery! Enjoy!
Using natural resources to spark our little Panda’s imaginations
We are looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner (qualified level 3 minimum) to join our fun and friendly team.
A varied role which includes lots of singing, dancing, getting messy, reading, playing, going on adventures in our wonderful woodland setting ethereum tumbling and exploring the world with our curious 2-5 year olds.
Must be available:- 43 weeks of the year- 5 days with varying hours between 8am-6pm. Competitive rates of pay and generous breaks throughout the day.
If you are interested please email ali@panda-nursery.co.uk
Lots of lovely healthy packed lunches at nursery with lots of chatter about healthy yummy food.
We’ve been reading lots of stories about going to big school to support our leavers this term.
As part of teaching our children to be healthy we’ve been talking about oral hygiene: cleaning and looking after our teeth. We used the bottom of bottles painted white and cleaned off the playdoh from the pretend teeth!
Mrs Tilling makes the best Baked Oats for the children in breakfast club – she also makes really yummy dinners for our afterschool club.
We hope you enjoyed World Book Day – we had lots of fun at Panda!
Fine motor development, using the tweezers to carefully place the fruit slices in a bowl. Enjoying the refreshing smells of the oranges and lemons as we played and talked about the fruit. (These weren’t for eating this time – we had lots more yummy fruit for snack!)
Lots of winter fun!
Great way to learn about mixing colours
Panda Nursery is looking for an Early Years Practitioner to join our fun team.
Someone who likes to sing, dance, get messy, read lots, play with dinosaurs, paint, go on adventurers in the wonderful woodland we are based in, sail the seas on a pirate ship, explore the world with our curious 2-5 year olds and give them lots of cuddles and support … A little paperwork involved as well.
We are open 43 weeks of the year. Competitive rates of pay and generous breaks throughout the day. Role is initially based over 3/4 days 8:30 – 16:00.
If you are interested email ali@panda-nursery.co.uk or give us a call on 07812 522492
A few pallets and old saucepans = lots of fun on our new music walls. If anyone has any spare pallets please email ali@panda-nursery.co.uk – we love making new things for nursery!
To inspire our little artists and creative minds
Fantasy play, or pretend play, is an integral part of childhood. While too often limited by the narrow confines of a role play area, pretend play can flourish outdoors if children are given the space and materials.
Great article by Marisa Lark Wallin at Community Playthings:
https://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/learning-library/articles/lets-play-outside?source=pal219
Recently, local photographer, Kate York came to Panda Nursery to take photos of the children for their annual school photos. We moved away from the the standard ‘staged’ school photo format and we absolutely love the results.
We were very excited to receive and unwrap all our new uniform today, all ready for the new starters joining us in September. Really looking forward to meeting all our new little Pandas after the summer holidays.
Can’t wait!
The NSPCC, Aardman and OMD UK have teamed up to create a short animated film as part of a campaign that encourages parents to talk to their children about sexual abuse.
The two-minute film uses dinosaurs to explain how children can stay safe from abuse. Talking PANTS teaches children important messages, like their body belongs to them and they should tell an adult if they’re upset or worried. View the video
At Panda we have high aspirations for all our little Pandas, supporting our Adventurers to be ‘school ready’. But what does that really mean? At Panda we prefer to talk about life readiness – helping our children to be independent, resilient, confident and ready to face their journey ahead.
The word ‘Panda’ sums up the qualities we are supporting our children to develop:
Passionate about learning and prepared for school
A confident, communicator who can make friends and respect others
Not afraid to take risks and find new challenges
Determined and resilient
An independent little being and creative thinker
Working with local schools we understand these are the skills our children need for the next stage of their learning journey and we support them all to achieve them:
Social and Communication
Literacy, Maths and Pre-School skills
Independence
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Panda Nursery, Glebe Meadow, Limpsfield, Surrey RH8 0DG
Driven by our dream for Panda Nursery to have its own home, we have designed a purpose built, amazing building which provides the absolute best learning environment for our children. Nestled in the woodland and beautiful green space of the Glebe Meadow we take advantage of all the nature, and countryside around us.
We are located at the bottom of St Peter’s Hall car park – on the Glebe Meadow. We have plenty of parking which enables you to quickly drop off and pick up as we know your time is precious. We are under 10 minutes from Oxted or Hurst Green train station so can support working, commuting families.
You can request an application form by emailing ali@panda-nursery.co.uk or giving us a call on 07812 522492
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Copyright 2019 Panda Nursery (Panda Pre-school Ltd)
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2016 Hurst Green & Holland
Children’s Centre. All Rights Reserved.