Little Downsend Ashtead

Welcome to Little Downsend Ashtead.

Little Downsend Ashtead is the perfect place for little learners to begin their exciting adventures. Based on a lovely quiet leafy street, in a large Victorian house, Little Downsend Ashtead has a warm and cosy feeling about it that children and parents both love. Children here are happy and settled, gently introduced to playful learning and socialising by a team of dedicated qualified teachers. Class sizes are deliberately small, so even from the very beginning, we can provide children with the very best start, encouraging them to explore the world around them.

At each of our Little Downsend schools we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.

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Age Range

Welcoming babies to the Downsend family.

From September 2023, Little Downsend Ashtead began welcoming babies from the age of 6 months up to the age of 4. Our year groups are:

Bright Beginners: 0-1yrs

Early Learners: 1-2yrs

First steps: 2-3 yrs

Rising Reception: 3-4yrs

Our approach for 6 months to 2 years

Our approach for 2 to 4 years

Facilities & Location

Located on Oakfield Road, Little Downsend Ashtead benefits from the best of both worlds. Just a short walk to Ashtead High Street, the Station and the Tennis and Cricket Clubs, whilst also in a quiet residential area with plenty of green space nearby.

Little Downsend Ashtead is a charming building, but its chocolate box exterior belies the energy and activity within! Each classroom is equipped with the latest resources and interactive teaching walls.

The outdoor space is perfect for little people with lots of energy, with covered areas for educational play under canopy, with water and 'loose parts play' a favourite activity. Our large Astroturf also has a canopy for during the warmer weather, and a wide range of play equipment for climbing and sliding! At the far end of the garden, children enjoy Forest School and the chance to grow vegetables, get muddy and explore the great outdoors.

Find out more about facilities & location

Our approach.

Although our most important priority in our Nursery is to ensure children are settled, comfortable, happy and relaxed, we go out of our way to make sure every single day is imaginative and exciting. We gently stimulate your child’s curiosity to build their confidence, to shape their social skills and help them toddle through their next steps with ease.

Our team form strong bonds with children and provide a caring and safe environment which feels like a home from home. Our relationship with you as parents is also a strong one – you’ll know all about your child’s day, what they are learning, their friendships, favourite meals and how they are progressing.

A day at Little Downsend Ashtead is set up for children to enjoy both indoor and outdoor time, moving from indoor play and games to outdoor exploration in the garden, providing the flexibility and freedom for children to experiment, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors.

Meet Head of Little Downsend, Lisa Burns

Appointed as Head of Little Downsend in 2023, Lisa Burns brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Early Years education. With a strong belief that big ideas begin early, Lisa is dedicated to creating inspiring, nurturing e
environments where curiosity, creativity, and confidence can flourish.

Throughout her time at Downsend, Lisa has brought her energy and creativity into the classroom, leading English across the Junior School at Downsend before taking on the reins at Little Downsend, and gaining recognition from the ISA in 2024 for an award-winning programme aimed at developing early writing skills.

Lisa is passionate about helping every child develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. She works closely with families and staff to ensure each child is supported to reach their potential - academically, socially, and emotionally - in a joyful and enriching learning environment.

Introducing Laura Fisher, Head of Little Downsend from January 2026

We look forward to welcoming Laura Fisher into the position of Head of Little Downsend in January 2026.

With a strong background in Early Years, SEN and school leadership, Laura brings with her a deep-rooted belief in nurturing creativity, curiosity and confidence in every child. Her experience spans leadership roles across independent prep schools, and she is passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of learning through creativity, exploration, play and personalised teaching.

Laura is committed to helping every child thrive, and to supporting families in these most important early years of education. She believes in leading by example, continually deepening her knowledge and understanding of education in today’s fast-evolving landscape, where adaptability and innovation are essential.

Laura looks forward to working in partnership with staff, families, and the wider school community to nurture creativity, champion high standards, and continue building a dynamic and inclusive learning culture where every child is supported to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.