Thornhill Primary School Nursery

Child-chosen play, an outdoor area reserved for early years and a room that can divide into two classrooms give Thornhill’s nursery its character. Children can pursue an interest while adults join their play and help develop it. Choice shapes much of the day.

The nursery takes children from 2 years of age at Thornhill Primary School on Ehen Road in Thornhill, Egremont. It belongs to the school’s early years provision. Nursery children also explore the wider school and take part in assemblies, giving them experiences beyond their own learning space.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with taught skills. Here, children move between activities, with provision adjusted around their interests. Indoors, the flexible room can work as separate classrooms or a single larger space. Outside, early years children have their own large area and use it in different weather conditions, so outdoor activity is part of the nursery’s approach.

Seasonal changes and celebrations shape topics each half-term. Daily group time introduces skills and additions to the play provision; a related activity led by an adult may follow, with children choosing whether to join. Visitors linked to the learning bring another dimension to those topics. This gives the day shared moments alongside substantial time for individual interests.

Listening comes before reading. Once children have settled, daily sessions use Read Write Inc. Phonics, with an emphasis on Phase One: noticing sounds and telling them apart through practical games. In November 2023, Ofsted found that early years staff understood the children well and that their exchanges supported development; nursery songs, stories and rhymes helped children build vocabulary.

Settling precedes the introduction of daily phonics, allowing that taught routine to follow children’s adjustment to nursery. Class Dojo carries observations and progress updates to parents, giving families a way to follow their child’s learning beyond the session.

Snack is a social part of the day. Children receive fruit and milk free of charge, and group conversation accompanies eating together. Occasional topic-related snacks include hot chocolate or pancakes. Counting, recognising numbers and comparing quantities are woven into this routine, making an everyday activity another opportunity to learn. Children attending for a full day can choose a school dinner.

For children with identified speech, language and communication needs, The Nest is designed to support pupils on the school roll, whether or not they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It has a maximum of 12 children from 2 years old. Access depends on individual needs and may be part-time alongside the mainstream class or full-time. Its planned work includes sensory learning, daily interventions and life skills. Staff collaborate with families, teachers and Speech and Language Therapists, connecting the support around each child.

Attending Thornhill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.

Exploring the wider school and joining assemblies gives nursery children familiarity with school life. That experience is separate from the allocation of Reception places.

Thornhill offers 15 and 30 hours of nursery care and accepts the Government funded 30 hours scheme and Childcare Choices. Full-day attendance is also supported. Free fruit and milk form part of the snack routine; refer to the school for current charges.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01946 820402 or email admin.thornhill@changinglives.education. The school is on Ehen Road, Thornhill, Egremont, CA22 2SJ.