Early Years at Claremont Fan Court School

Emma Field, Head of Early Years at Claremont, shows how the school sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and lays strong foundations for lifelong learning. 

Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning

At Claremont we believe the first steps in a child’s education should be full of curiosity, play, and discovery. From Pre-nursery to Reception, our early years provision is designed to give children the very best start, laying strong foundations for school life while preserving the wonder of childhood. 

Creating a nurturing, play-based environment

Through a play-based approach, we nurture confidence, spark curiosity, and help our youngest learners engage with the world around them. Within our 100-acre campus in Esher, 37 acres are dedicated to our Junior School, giving children plenty of safe, open space to explore, climb, run and discover. Our woodland classrooms, gardens, and outdoor learning areas provide a magical environment where children can thrive. 

“The amazing outdoor space has boosted my daughter’s confidence and curiosity, adding so much joy to her love of learning.” 

– Current parent

Building blocks for learning

Our early years approach focuses on: 

• Developing an understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. 

• Learning through high-quality play that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and skill development. 

• Receiving expert support from highly skilled and caring staff, who guide each child patiently and thoughtfully. 

Room to grow, space to breathe

Children at Claremont enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace. Our outdoor learning spaces allow pupils to run, climb, play, and connect with nature, while indoor areas provide a safe, creative environment for imaginative play, arts, and music. 

Specialist teaching from the start

Even our youngest pupils benefit from subject specialist teachers, with weekly lessons in woodland forest school, music, PE, and swimming. From Nursery onwards, French and computing are introduced, providing a rich and varied early years curriculum that builds confidence and helps children discover their interests. 

A nurturing community

Small class sizes and personalised support ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported. We actively encourage parents to engage with teachers at the start and end of each day, helping to foster a sense of community. Our wraparound care and co-curricular programme run by familiar staff provide consistency and comfort for families, giving children a strong sense of belonging from day one. 

Exciting early years activities

From Pre-Nursery through Reception, our activities are thoughtfully designed to support key learning outcomes while being fun and engaging: 

• Pre-nursery: Making gingerbread people, autumn walks & Christmas shows, visiting pets & animal handling, going on a bus ride, teddy bear picnic. 

• Nursery: Story Storks’ theatre workshop, visiting the Pumpkin Patch, green screen trip to the moon, living caterpillars & growing beanstalks, trip to RHS Garden Wisley. 

• Reception: Godstone Farm & ducklings hatching, Little City role-play workshop, visit from Surrey Fire Brigade, dinosaur workshop, seeing our garden grow. 

Join the Claremont early years community

From the very first steps into education, Claremont nurtures children’s curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. Our immersive, play-based environment helps every child reach their potential while enjoying the joy and magic of childhood.