Here at LEO Academy Trust, we believe in giving every child the brightest start.  

Research shows that high-quality early education makes a real difference in children's wellbeing, cognitive and social development, and readiness for school. 

Many LEO primary schools now have their own nurseries, offering local families exceptional, free early education places (both 15 and 30 hours) without any extra costs. 

We believe that all families should have access to high-quality early learning, and we are committed to providing enriching learning experiences right from the beginning to give every child the opportunity to thrive. 

Here’s all you need to know about LEO nurseries and what makes our approach to early education different. 

What makes LEO nurseries so special? 

LEO Academy Trust prides itself on developing the whole child and preparing them for the next stage of their learning, starting from the very beginning of their journey in education. 

Our Trust offer for nurseries is comprehensive and led by research and pedagogical principles first, allowing us to put best practice into action and live out our vision of Learning, Excellence and Opportunity. 

Built on the extraordinary success of the new Shawley Community Primary Academy Nursery, the LEO nursery approach provides exceptional experiences to every child so they can blossom, develop a lifelong love of learning, and make a genuine difference in their communities. 

OPAL and Forest School 

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) provides children with rich opportunities to be creative, collaborative and active in outdoor play environments that are safe yet challenging enough for their ongoing development. 

LEO Academy Trust is proud to provide access to the OPAL programme in all Surrey and Sutton nurseries, alongside on-site Forest School that boosts children’s confidence, independence and social skills. 

The biggest benefits of outdoor learning include: 

• Cognitive and mental wellbeing: Spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety. Children are free to move and explore, unrestricted from the confines of their classroom, and they are encouraged to observe their surroundings with curiosity. 

 

• Teamwork and cooperation: Outdoor education encourages teamwork and cooperation and offers opportunities to engage with others in new ways. Learning to work as a team, negotiate and resolve problems together helps children develop their social and emotional skills. 

 

• Confidence building: Overcoming challenges increases a child’s confidence in their own abilities. Gaining confidence from outdoor learning experiences and exploration helps children develop a positive attitude when facing challenges. 

Holistic Development and Inclusion 

LEO nurseries believe in developing the whole child and employ qualified teachers with specialist knowledge of child development. 

Our sports specialists help develop children’s confidence and love for active play, while teachers ensure that key learning is interwoven throughout the school day, allowing children to practise phonics, early literacy skills and master numbers. 

LEO is also committed to promoting inclusion across the Trust by creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Our nursery staff is trained to empower individuals to reach their full potential by identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion. 

Our goal is simple: we want to meet the unique needs of children, families and the communities we serve. 

EYFS Digital Learning 

Educational technology plays a large role in the overall development of young children, allowing them to express themselves and cultivate lifelong skills in a safe, accessible and engaging way.  

We are committed to developing children’s digital skills in the Early Years by incorporating practical, age-appropriate activities that empower children to use technology creatively and responsibly. For instance, educators might guide children in taking photographs using tablets or digital cameras, developing their technical skills and encouraging active observation and artistic expression.  

Similarly, voice recording tools can be used as valuable accessibility aids, allowing children with speech or language difficulties to participate more fully in activities. 

Get to know our nurseries 

While our EYFS approach is pedagogy-led and consistent across the Trust, we ensure all LEO nurseries retain their own unique character, providing a home away from home for all children. 

Shawley Community Primary Academy Nursery 

Since its opening in April, Shawley Nursery has been a hive of adventure and learning. 

Parents and carers consistently highlight the quality of Shawley's environment, praising the rich learning experiences, the dual nursery and forest school approach, and the deep care provided by its staff. 

The “Little Lion Cubs” initiative thoughtfully manages the transition to school life, which helps children become school-ready from an early age in a nurturing, playful environment. 

The nursery boasts a bright, airy space filled with high-quality resources that support both play and learning. From September 2025, Shawley will introduce a dedicated room for two-year-olds, further improving the tailored care and development opportunities available for younger children. 

Brookfield Primary Academy Nursery 

Brookfield combines the nurturing care of a nursery with the structured, educational approach of a school. 

Staff are both caring and professionally trained, delivering a tailored experience particularly for two-year-olds, where the focus blends compassionate support with early educational development. 

The outdoor area is a standout feature, with engaging spaces such as a water play zone, mud kitchen, teepee, and a cosy reading pit. Children at Brookfield are polite and well-mannered, and the nursery’s layout is intuitive; parents won't get lost trying to find their way around! Indoors, the setting is designed with a natural, wooden aesthetic that evokes a “home away from home” atmosphere. 

Brookfield offers a truly nurturing environment, with places available from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, 47 weeks of the year, providing essential flexibility for busy families. 

We'll be further expanding the nursery over the Autumn term, with the aim of providing 9-month provision soon, ensuring that even the youngest children can begin their learning journey with LEO! 

West Ashtead Primary Academy Nursery 

West Ashtead Primary School will open its brand-new nursery in September 2025, following highly successful open days. 

West Ashtead is set to welcome 2-4 year olds into a wonderfully designed environment, complete with dedicated areas and its own lovely outdoor space and facilities. Just like all LEO nurseries, children at West Ashtead will benefit from weekly Forest School sessions and visits from specialist sports coaches, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience from day one. 

Apply for your place at one of our Surrey and Sutton nurseries 

Children who come to a LEO Academy Trust nursery feel right at home in their school environment. Our nursery and Reception teachers work closely together to make moving up to "big school" smooth and exciting, giving every child the brightest start! 

Learn more about LEO nurseries and our EYFS approach on our Nursery page, or apply for a place today at a LEO nursery near you.