South Hills Nursery Corsham

Outdoor learning through changing seasons gives South Hills Nursery Corsham a clear character: curiosity and imaginative play matter here, with time outside continuing whatever the weather. The Kings Avenue setting caters for children from 3 months to 5 years, making it an option from early baby care through to preparation for school.

At its 10 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. That judgement provides a strong starting point, while the detail behind it concerns everyday experiences: adults joining children's play, practical independence and close communication with families. Those observations belong to January 2023.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care, with play giving children opportunities to explore and practise new skills. Corsham's current emphasis on imagination and curiosity fits that everyday approach: children are encouraged to pursue ideas rather than simply complete an adult's activity.

In January 2023, staff used children's interests to decide what they needed to learn next, then brought those skills into their play. Adults responded when children invited them into sensory exploration, joining in and demonstrating ways to extend the activity. The practical value is the connection between a child's enthusiasm and the learning an adult can build around it.

Independence was also visible in January 2023. Toddlers took responsibility for handwashing and pouring drinks, while older children helped themselves to food and managed personal care. Babies chose toys with adults nearby to support their exploration. These were age-appropriate opportunities to attempt things for themselves, with help still close enough to use.

Outdoor and Community Life

Outdoor learning continues through different weather and seasons. For families who value regular experience of the natural world, that is a useful part of Corsham's character: outdoor exploration is part of learning rather than something reserved for fine days.

In January 2023, the garden also connected physical activity with conversations about health. Children discussed how lunch supplied energy for running and playing. Inside, the home corner gave babies and toddlers opportunities to play alongside one another and exchange toys. Different spaces supported different kinds of learning, from movement to social play.

Relationships and Communication

In January 2023, babies received comfort from attentive adults, and older children confidently sought staff out to join their games. Families spoke positively about communication and the ease of talking with leaders. Parents also described children moving comfortably between rooms and onwards to school, making transitions part of the relationship between home and nursery.

Support extended beyond conversations about learning. In January 2023, a nursery food bank was accessible to families within its community. That was a practical response to family needs alongside children's daily care.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked with key persons, parents and outside agencies, making referrals promptly when needed, and that children receiving this support progressed in their learning. The useful detail is the joined-up mechanism: staff knowledge of the child informed contact with families and specialist services.

In January 2023, children also practised respecting one another's decisions, including accepting a friend's preference about whether a coat should be fastened. This made consideration for others concrete rather than simply a rule adults repeated.

The Corsham Menu includes lunches such as chicken tikka masala and beef lasagne, with jacket potatoes as alternatives and fruit or yoghurt alternatives to pudding. It gives families specific dishes to weigh against their child's preferences.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is Kings Avenue, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0EG. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and a week at Christmas. That Christmas break matters for families arranging care around work commitments.

Branch enquiries can be made by telephone on 01249 714786 or by email to corshammanager@southhillsschool.com. These provide direct contact with Corsham rather than another South Hills location.

Funding and Paid Extras

In January 2023, the nursery received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. Families weighing paid childcare should obtain current prices in a written quotation, so the cost can be considered alongside the attendance arrangement they need.

• Weather and outdoor play. Learning outside continues through changing seasons. During a visit, discuss clothing and how outdoor experiences work for your child's age.
• From baby care to school preparation. Corsham accepts children from 3 months to 5 years, and January 2023 observations included both comfort for babies and independence for older children. A visit can explore how settling and room transitions would work for your child.
• Funding and the total bill. The January 2023 nursery received early-education funding. What current funded attendance arrangements and meal or consumable charges would apply to your proposed booking?

South Hills Nursery Corsham suits families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years, with curiosity, imaginative play and outdoor learning forming its current character. Its January 2023 judgement gives substantial weight to the choice. The most persuasive detail is practical: children had opportunities to do things themselves, adults joined their play and support linked nursery staff with families. The year-round opening calendar also makes it relevant to parents arranging care across working weeks, provided the Christmas closure fits their plans.