About us · Admissions · Fees & Funding · Our Team · Key Dates · Fundraising
Our Nursery has been rated outstanding by OFSTED, and operates from a purpose built early-years centre complete with outdoor learning area. Please browse around our website for more information and contact us if you have any questions.
We can offer up to 30 hours of funded care for children aged 2.5 to 4 years.
Please come and have a look at our beautiful setting or to find out more, please contact us to arrange a visit on 07913 467703 or email us - nursery@stpaulsdorking.org.uk
About Us — Our Story in the Heart of Dorking
St. Paul’s Church Nursery operates from purpose built rooms on the ground floor of the Church Centre.
We aim to deliver excellence in both education and care within a loving, safe and welcoming environment. Your child’s individuality will be celebrated and respected in order that he or she is helped to develop.
The Nursery was set up in 2003 to be an integral part of the St. Paul’s Church vision and a practical way to demonstrate Christian love and service in the Community.
We believe that through play, children learn about their world and themselves and achieve the most in these early years. We plan and provide a broad, stimulating and balanced curriculum both indoors and out, following the guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It is vital for children to enjoy their learning in order for them to fulfill their own individual potential. This is at the heart of what we offer.
We recognise that parents/carers are the first educators of their children and we build on the foundations already laid by them, working in partnership.
Admissions
Choosing the right nursery is an important decision, and we'd love the opportunity to welcome you to St Paul's Church Nursery.
We welcome applications from families with children aged 2½ years and above from Dorking and the surrounding areas.
Visit Our Nursery
We encourage all prospective families to come and see our nursery in action. Our regular Open Visits provide the perfect opportunity to explore our setting, meet our Head Teacher and staff, learn about our approach to early years education, and ask any questions you may have.
Our Nursery Brochure is available to download below and provides more information about our ethos, daily routine and everything you can expect from life at St Paul's.
To arrange an Open Visit, please contact us on 07913 467703. We'd be delighted to meet you.
Ready to Apply?
If you would like to apply for a place at St Paul's Church Nursery, simply complete our Application Form using the button below.
For full details of our admissions process, admissions criteria and how places are allocated, please refer to our Admissions Policy below.
We look forward to welcoming your family to St Paul's Church Nursery.
Fees & Funding
We believe in being open and transparent about our fees and funding. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.
Funding
We currently offer:
15 hours FEET Funding for eligible 2-year-olds.
15 hours Universal Funding for all children from the term after their 3rd birthday.
Up to 30 hours Working Parent Funding for eligible families.
Parents accessing funded childcare will be asked to complete a funding declaration each term.
Not sure what funding you're entitled to? We'd be happy to help guide you through the process
Fees
For sessions not covered by funded childcare:
Session Fee:
Morning Session £29.00
Full Day Session £58.00
A £150 refundable deposit is required to secure your child's place.
Questions?
If you'd like to discuss funding, fees or your child's place, we'd love to hear from you.
Email: nursery@stpaulsdorking.org.uk
For full details, including funding eligibility and our complete fee structure, please download our Fees & Funding Policy below.
Meet the Team
We recognise that our staff are the key resources in our School, providing the quality teaching and learning that underpins our provision. It is important to us that our staff are kind, caring and mature people who have a love for children and a commitment to the development of the Nursery. As well as practitioners, we employ a Treasurer/Bookkeeper, an Administrator and also have regular volunteers from the Church Community who are a valuable asset to our team. So who are we…?
Kate Ward
Head Teacher
I’m Kate Ward, and I’m excited to join the St. Paul’s team after 20 years in early years education. I have a strong appreciation for outdoor play and hands-on learning.
At St. Paul’s, we create a fun and nurturing environment that brings out the best in children. Our child-led approach helps each child flourish, encouraging curiosity and creativity as they explore and learn. We have a wonderful, experienced team at the nursery, and we look forward to welcoming your children into our community!
Katie Bailey
Deputy Head Teacher
Since qualifying as a primary school teacher in 2010, I have been privileged enough to teach from the Early Years right the way up to Year 6. I qualified with Music as my specialism and I have always had an interest in the role music can play in child development. My daughter attended St Paul's Nursery and it was during this time that I realised what a special place St Paul's Church Nursery truly was and is. When a child feels safe and happy, they can thrive emotionally and academically and I feel very lucky to be a part of this nurturing and talented team.
Juliette Lister
Senior Nursery Teacher
I have always had a love for teaching children, and after qualifying as a primary school teacher I taught locally for many years. All 3 of my children began their journey of learning at St Paul’s Church Nursery School, so it is a real privilege to now be part of the team. I love seeing the younger children join our close-knit nursery family, and then blossom into older children ready for big school when they leave. I enjoy nurturing their individual needs and in particular broadening their world through Forest School and outdoor learning.
Zara Patel
Nursery Teacher
I am a new member of the St Paul’s Nursery School team. After qualifying in 2009, I began my teaching career as a primary school teacher, predominantly working in reception classes. I then progressed to become the Early Years Foundation Stage leader. I took a career break over the last few years to be at home with my three children. Now, I have returned to early years education and am thrilled to be doing what I love best! My favourite aspect of early years education is the freedom and ability to have fun, get messy, and be creative. I feel very privileged to be part of such a nurturing and friendly team.
Amanda Wilson-Hughes
Nursery Teacher
St Paul’s Church Nursery is a special place to work, with a wonderful community, and I am thrilled to have joined the team. I qualified as a teacher in 2007 and spent 11 years working at a school in West London, before taking a career break to raise my two children. I have now returned to education and love working in the early years sector. Every day is full of new learning and wonder, and the children are so curious and engaged. I feel fortunate to be part of such a qualified and dedicated team.
Tasha Lindsay
Nursery Assistant
My daughter attended St Paul’s Nursery and it truly is a very special place. Having been a stay at home mum for the past few years, during that time I have loved playing, creating, and getting muddy with my two children. I feel hugely excited and privileged to be part of an experienced and dedicated team here at St Paul's. I firmly believe in the calming power of nature and the outdoors, and am particularly looking forward to helping the children explore and learn through forest school activities.
Jo Parfett
Nursery Assistant
Hello, my name is Jo and I am a new member of the team at St. Paul's Nursery. I qualified in 2014 bringing over 9 years of experience working in local schools, supporting children from Early Years to Year 6. My last role was working in pre-reception/reception with children aged 2 ½ to 5 years. I absolutely loved watching and being a part of their journeys, from often shy and very quiet toddlers into confident pre-schoolers. It is such a privilege to support young children's learning and development in a safe, nurturing and fun environment where every child can learn and grow with confidence. I feel very privileged to be working alongside such an enthusiastic and committed team, dedicated to helping each child reach their potential and supporting families every step of the way.
Key Dates
Academic Year 26-27
Autumn Term 26/27
Term starts: Monday 7th September
Half term: Monday 19th – Friday 30th October
Last day of term: Thursday 17th December
Advent Journey Event: Thursday 17th December
Winter Term 26/27
Term starts: Monday 4th January
Half term: Monday 16th – Thursday 19th February
Last day of term: Thursday 25th March
Summer Term 26/27
Term starts: Tuesday 13th April
Half term: Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June
Last day of term: Thursday 22nd July
Summer Party & Leavers Service: Thursday 22nd July
Where to find us
St Paul's Church Nursery, St Paul's Road West
Dorking RH4 2HT
Phone: 07913 467703
Opening Times
9.00am–3.00pm, Monday–Friday
Morning sessions run from 9.00am-12.00pm
Full day sessions run from 9.00am-3.00pm
