Little Downsend Epsom

6 Norman Avenue, Epsom KT17 3AB
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9.5 32 Reviews
  • Little Downsend Epsom, Epsom
Little Downsend Epsom is one of three Little Downsends, and part of the Downsend School group, caring for children aged two to seven, in a warm and welcoming environment. Little Downsend Epsom was rated 'Excellent' by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in June 2022.

The welcoming and caring atmosphere at the setting ensures children feel safe and settled. Focusing on a nurturing approach, the team encourage every child to expand their natural curiosity, explore the world around them and challenge their thinking. Little Downsend has been shortlisted in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022 as 'Independent Pre-Prep of the Year'.

In First Steps and Rising Reception, children are encouraged to participate in play-based learning, promoting their skills in reading, writing and numeracy. Children are taught in small classes with a focus on personalised learning.

A Downsend education goes far beyond the basics - specialist teaching in dance, French, music, sport and Forest School takes place weekly with special activity weeks and themed days planned across the year to inspire new ideas for learning.

Little Downsend Epsom has a large outdoor play space, including sandpits, large fields for running, a garden for growing vegetables as well as scooters, cars and diggers. They encourage their children to explore their environment, to get fresh air and to learn in the outdoors.

All children in Nursery are supported to use technology appropriately, working with iPads and the very best ed-tech apps to support their learning. Little Downsend has joined the Microsoft Showcase Schools Programme and is currently following the Incubator Pathway.

Little Downsend offers flexible options, monthly payments and a pay-as-you-go holiday club.

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Care Provided by Little Downsend Epsom

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lisa Burns (Head of Little Downsend)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 40
  • Total Places for Children
  • 60
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Downsend Epsom

  • First Steps (Age 2) and Rising Reception (Age 3):
    From September 2023, the extended full-time daily rate, from: 07:45 to 18:00 is £103.01.
    A full day runs from: 07:45 – 16:00 at a cost of £88.01.
    Extended Day runs from: 16:00 – 18:00 at a daily cost of: £15.
    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.
  • Parking

  • It is advised to park in Windmill Lane where there are 2 pedestrian paths that lead into Denham Road or Norman Avenue.


Little Downsend Epsom Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
9.5

Little Downsend Epsom has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.456) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Downsend Epsom has 32 reviews.

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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All four of our children have attended Little Downsend Epsom. I highly recommend the school to future parents.
The teachers are incredible and feel like extended family.
They care for the children in a loving way and the education they provide is outstanding.
Our older two have passed 7+ exams
to a high level and we believe this is down to the brilliant start to education that Little Downsend Epsom has provided.
By age 5 my children were able to read and write to a high standard.
The community feel to the school is lovely and many of the parents have also become life long friends.
Children also make really strong friendships which last even when they attend different schools in the future.
The children gain so much confidence and are happy to perform in front of parents for various school productions.
A wonderful school with the most lovely teachers which will provide your child with the very best start to life.

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Review from V N (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are thrilled with the level of care our son receives at Little Downsend Epsom. He runs in each morning and is beaming when we collect him. He has great affection for his teachers and has formed some special friendships. His teachers are invested in his well being as well as his education. The fondness
the teachers have for the children is clear to see and it is very reassuring to know that our son is in such caring hands when he is there. We can see positive changes in his behaviour and how much he is advancing. The school is building his confidence, good manners and social skills. His language and concentration have greatly improved too. We feel like he is getting the greatest possible start to his education at Little Downsend.

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Review from Jennifer D (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding education, engaging teachers who have a genuine care for our children. It's such an honour sending our children to this amazing school.
Great mix of play, creativity, outdoor and artwork.

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Review from C O (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased with the warm welcome, continued support and encouragement given to our 2 year old daughter. She asks every morning if she's going to see her 'friends' and walks into Little Downsend without hesitation. The timetable and activities are incredibly varied, including Dance, French and
Music and the First Steps Team are always on hand with a smile, whether it be for the child or even the parents.

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Review from Alice M (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot recommend Little Downsend Epsom highly enough. Our daughter has loved it from day one and has come on leaps and bounds physically, emotionally, socially and educationally. We are extremely impressed and have already signed up her younger sister. The teachers really care and everything they
do is in the best interests of the children which is invaluable to us and ultimately our daughter is thriving and learning by having fun which at her age is so important.

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Review from Jenny L (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son went to Little Downsend Epsom for 6 months starting January 2024. He began as a little boy who didn't speak much and ended up a chatterbox who could speak full sentences. He looks forward to school every day and on the one day that he is not going he will be disappointed. He has grown so much
intellectually and emotionally under the care of the First Steps team.
All the staff and teachers care for the children and are passionate about what they do. The school's systems and programmes are well-structured and have the children's interest in the core of everything. I can feel that the school is enthusiastic about building and growing children into remarkable individuals.

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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my boys started at Little Downsend after the Autumn half-term. I cannot commend the level of care and attention that we have received throughout the whole process. The teachers are fantastic, the teacher and her assistants in First Steps and the staff in Rising Reception have made my children
feel so safe and welcomed making the settling process very easy. My children look forward to every day that they have school and I know they are in completely safe hands. Thank you so much for providing such a great environment for my children to learn and flourish!

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Review from Evelyn W (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn’t be happier to have chosen Little Downsend Pre Prep School for our children. We moved to Epsom in August 2022 and were delighted that they had space for our then 2-year-old son to start at the nursery (and my daughter attends the school). The school and the teachers are outstanding and they
have fantastic Music, French, P.E. and even Forest School classes.
My son has absolutely thrived here and loves going every day.
If you are unsure about where to send your child, I would highly recommend a visit. I’m sure you will be impressed at what an amazing place this is.

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Review from Ken C (Father of Child) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined Little Downsend in Epsom, back in February, when she turned 2 years old and it was the best decision we made. She loves all the specialist lessons, from cooking classes to afternoon forest school. What makes Little Downsend, Epsom rather special though, is the staff - from the much-loved
headmistress, to the support staff you might meet. This isn't just about a smile though, but genuine care for your children's learning and well-being. Most importantly, you will not find individuals that are more passionate, more caring, warm and fun than the very special, first steps teacher and the rest of her team. They have helped our daughter grow into an independent and confident little person. We are now moving onto a different school to be closer to where we live, but we will always treasure the time that our daughter had at Little Downsend, Epsom. I am sure she will continue to talk about her teachers for years to come. It goes without saying - highly recommended.

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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with how quickly our daughter has settled into First Steps. She actually looks forward to going in which is such a relief. They have varied activities, we get updates via the app and you can see all the different things they get up to. We like that it's very structured. A mix of school
and nursery. Her teacher is clearly very experienced. They also have a great outdoor space. The ratio is also great, with a very calm environment.

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Review from Petra S (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, great teachers, my son loves it. Love the curriculum and I can see a big improvement in my sons ability to communicate, share things and his general behaviour.


He always has a smile on his face when he comes out of the school which as a parent is very reassuring.


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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband and I could not be happier with Little Downsend Epsom. Our son started in Reception last year and we are very happy with how he has settled into the new environment, how much he has learnt and the wonderful nurturing care and education he is receiving. The school has a great family feel and
gives the right amount of support and independence the children need at this point in the school journey. Highly recommend

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Review from Alex R (Father of Child) published on 20 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined Little Downsend Epsom when she was two years old and is now in her final year (Year 1). We could not have chosen a better place for her to start her education. It is a small, extremely friendly school with devoted teachers who get the best out of the children. Our daughter loves
it and her weeks are so varied, with music, swimming, forest club and cookery all part of her timetable. There really is something for everyone at Little Downsend.

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Review from Jonathan A (Father of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our youngest daughter here to coincide with her older sister starting school at the same site and I was apprehensive as she had been doing so well at her previous nursery. However, I needn't have worried, she settled in brilliantly, her primary care worker was a joy and my daughter bonded with
all of the team there. The food is first class, the education formidable and the care they pay each and every child is second to none.

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Review from Mark K (Father of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Downsend Epsom is such a welcoming environment that our son has flourished there since joining. We’ve never had an issue with him wanting to go and he runs in through the door at drop off. Worth adding that the remote learning put in place during lockdown was refined in the first few weeks and
was of a very high quality. When you get to see what teachers have to do, you build an even greater appreciation for them. Thanks to all.

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Review from Sean R (Father of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Downsend Epsom has been great in helping both our children with growing their minds and sporting abilities. Our daughter has moved on through this school to the main site in Leatherhead, however, our son is still attending the Epsom site. We have been so impressed with his learning and ability
to both read and write at a young age, which is with great thanks to the teachers at this nursery. It is very evident that the school curriculum adopted is age-appropriate and stretches our children's minds to be confident in themselves and to express their thoughts. The nursery offers great sporting activities for the kids and greatly assists working parents in after school care with a variety of clubs on offer. Really great nursery and very welcoming teachers.

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Review from Caitlin S (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We needed to make a very quick decision about changing our children's schooling right before the new term started. The headteacher and the admissions team were extremely accommodating in giving us a tour of the school, meeting potential teachers, filling out all the required forms and getting our children
prepared in record fast time. The school secretary was a godsend, making sure we got hold of secondhand uniforms when the supplier was out of stock. The First Steps teachers made it an absolute doddle to get our 2-year old accustomed to the setting, and when we needed help with his speech and language, we were assisted every step of the way. As a working parent, the after school clubs, early morning and late afternoon provision, as well as the holiday club, is invaluable. My daughter has flourished in the short time she has attended, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. Every member of staff is special and the best part is, our children love going to school.

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Review from Mary K (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3-year-old daughter joined the school in September and could not be happier. The staff are fantastic and very attentive. The school also offers a wide range of activities that keep our little one so excited about learning, that she is extremely excited to go each day. I highly recommend this school.

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Review from Andrew S (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2020
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little one loves going to nursery, regularly running in without saying goodbye to us. Both student and teachers clearly adore each other and the staff have gone beyond, helping us with developing our little one's speech.

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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Downsend Epsom is an excellent all-round prep school. The staff are nurturing and our son adores going to school every morning. Facilities are fantastic. Communication between staff and parents is fluid and open. I can’t rate it highly enough.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.456)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.456) out of 10 for Little Downsend Epsom is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 8 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.989 for Little Downsend Epsom is calculated as follows: ( (94 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 95 Ratings = 4.989

  • b) 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 4.467 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Downsend Epsom is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.8

    • ii) 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 60 number of registered child places is 12. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.667

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Vanessa

Vanessa Conlan

Job Title: Headteacher - Little Downsend

Joined: 2018

An experienced teacher of 20 years, the last 8 in headship, Vanessa is a graduate of the University of Southampton where she obtained a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education with music specialism.


Vanessa has taught in a range of schools through her career, Her strengths lie in teaching, learning and assessment and her passion lies with the Early Years and getting the very best start in education for every child. Vanessa is a mother of 2 energetic young boys, is a Harlequins Rugby club season ticket holder and loves to travel, camp and listen to live music with her family.


Frequently Asked Questions about Little Downsend Epsom

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Downsend Epsom accepts?

Little Downsend Epsom accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Downsend Epsom Open?

Little Downsend Epsom is open: 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.

How many Children does Little Downsend Epsom have capacity for?

Little Downsend Epsom has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Little Downsend Epsom to the centre of Epsom?

0.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Little Downsend Epsom to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Downsend Epsom has a Platinum Service – more info.