Teaching preschoolers is NOT about a perfect-looking classroom. Truly great teaching often means messy classrooms and children with muddy clothes and happy faces. At Little Rays our main focus is on outdoor learning and Forest School, delivered by a small, highly-qualified family team working above statutory ratios.
Outdoor Learning Pre-School • Forest School • Out of School Clubs
You, as a parent, are passionate about your children and naturally want the best for them. We know children thrive in nurturing environments and flourish when building strong relationships with other children, with grown-ups, and with the world around them. Little Rays is dedicated to providing just that.
Our unique curriculum enables children to become resilient, creative eco-warriors. There is always a rich selection of activities and open-ended resources on offer, indoors and out, and a strong culture of reading for pleasure.
We are fully inclusive and welcome children with SEND; our team includes Level 3 SENCO-qualified staff, autism-specific training and intensive-interaction practice.
Plus: plenty of time to play, wonder and get muddy! 🥾
Our pre-school accommodates up to 24 children aged 1–5. Every day is a new adventure with a balance of child-led exploration and adult-led provocations. Each child’s learning is planned individually by their key person.
Forest School days invite deep connection with nature: mud pies, leaf art, stick men, dens, bug and plant hunts and gentle tool use. Learning spans maths, literacy, expressive arts, physical development and understanding the world.
Across the year we welcome visiting providers (e.g., gymnastics and theatre), enjoy family events (Mother’s Day tea, Father’s Day fire-cooked sausage, sports day, Christmas play) and create keepsakes. Stay & Play for Forest School runs on Wednesdays.
Every other Thursday we visit a local care home to see animals on their small farm and build inter-generational friendships.
We provide home-cooked food prepared on-site using fresh local ingredients, plus produce from our allotment. See the menu below.
Owner • Level 3 • First Aid
Opened Little Rays in 2015 to honour her husband Ray, a survival expert who inspired our love of the outdoors.
Manager • DSL • Level 3 • First Aid • Food Hygiene • Forest School Level 3
18 years in early years; mum to an elite gymnast and coach of a local girls’ football team.
Deputy Manager • Deputy DSL • Fire Marshall • Level 3 • First Aid • Food Hygiene • Forest School Level 3
Mum of three, at Little Rays since 2015; loves reading, kickboxing, woodland walks, music, theatre and travel.
Deputy Manager • SENCO • Level 3 • First Aid
16 years in childcare; mum of three (all Little Rays alumni); enjoys the outdoors, dog walks, music and family time.
Early Years Teacher Level 6 • Forest School Level 3 • Outdoor First Aid
French-speaking, outdoor-loving mum of two; ex-chartered civil engineer; brings maths & science sparkle to learning. Brownie leader and church toddler group team member.
Level 3 • First Aid
Portuguese twin-boy mum; loves art, theatre, dance, music and nature; children’s-books enthusiast.
Level 3 • First Aid
With Little Rays on and off for 10 years; Aussie, dad of three and grandad of three. Former soft-play lead.
Level 3 • First Aid
Nursery room-leader experience across age groups, school TA, antenatal & baby-class teacher, and small-business owner. Parent at Little Rays turned team member.
Handyman • Gardener • First Aid • DBS checked
Keeps our spaces safe, thriving and beautiful.
The outdoors helps children explore, play and respond to an ever-changing environment while developing physical and emotional well-being. It also builds respect and care for nature.
Open Wednesdays. A great way to experience our approach alongside your child.
We accept all government funding with no top-up fees: FEET (2-year), 15 hours (38 weeks), 30 hours for working parents, Early Years Pupil Premium. We offer 1:1 SEND support and accept Tax-Free Childcare and families on Universal Credit.
Funded hours are flexible with no minimum sessions and no limitation on the hours you select.
All pre-school children can use funded hours Monday–Friday, 8:00–18:00. We’re flexible and can add ad-hoc extra hours from £8.00 if you don’t need the full after-school session.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pre-school day (09:30–14:30) | £40.00 per day |
| Breakfast club (pre-school) | £8.00 |
| After school club (pre-school) | £18.00 (15:00–18:00) |
| Hot meal (Lunch/Tea) (optional) | £3.75 |
For eligibility guidance visit Childcare Choices.
For Reception to Year 6.
From 8:00 • £8.00
£15.00
(Separate to pre-school after-school pricing)
£3.75 • Freshly cooked on site
We work closely with families and encourage daily dialogue. Expect termly meetings and reports; you can request policies at any time and you’ll be informed of updates.
Outdoor play happens in all weather. Please dress children appropriately and provide a spare set of labelled clothes. If potty-training, please include ample underwear/trousers.
If not toilet trained, pack at least three nappies and wipes. We’ll change children as needed.
We provide nutritious, homemade meals and healthy a.m./p.m. snacks. Please avoid high-risk/choking foods (e.g., whole grapes) and allergens like peanuts and shellfish in any lunch items you send.
At home, talk through the day with your child and let them show you their favourite places and creations.
Maria Ribeiro
Little Rays was the best choice for my twin boys! They loved every second of it. All the staff were supportive, very patient and professional. The children learned so much about animals and plants. They grew in an amazing environment and became very independe…
Alice Pavlovets
I have had all 3 of my children go to Little Rays and the relationships they formed with both children and staff are nothing I've experienced before. The level of care is as if they are their own. My daughter started at Little Rays in the after-school club an…
Nikki Brennan
If you’re looking for a nursery, I’d highly recommend Little Rays. My little one absolutely loved every minute and has learnt so much over the 2 or so years. All the staff are great with the children, very welcoming and caring all round. He’s very sad to be l…
Sarah Arnold
Both of my children have attended Little Rays — the Nursery, After School Club, and the lovely Forest School Holiday Club. I can honestly say there's nothing else like it in Godalming.
Alex Simpson
Little Rays is an absolute gem of a setting — brimming with nature, kindness, and a genuine love for the children who attend. After visiting most options in the area, we knew the moment we stepped through the door that this was the place for our son. The long…
Adam Hamadache
Very happy with Little Rays. The staff are brilliant and our daughter loves attending.
Lindsay Goodman
Little Rays is a gem of a childcare provider; I would thoroughly recommend them. My two boys were loved and cared for, the team (family owners as well as long-term staff who are genuinely invested) always had their best interests at heart. As an outdoor schoo…
Join our waiting list and we’ll be in touch.
No. We offer flexibility with funded hours – no minimums and no restrictions on how you allocate them.
We embrace all weathers with appropriate clothing and adapt activities to keep everyone safe, warm and engaged.
We’re small by design so children feel known and safe. We’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available that matches your preferences.
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