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Nursery at Kendal Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, woodland and an old house give Kendal Nursery School its distinctive shape. At Brantfield on Queens Road, this local authority maintained nursery combines indoor play with a garden where children can choose to learn outside. There is also a fully outdoor preschool option, giving families a different way to organise their child's nursery experience.
The nursery advertises full-time and part-time provision for ages 2 to 5, with a room for 2–3-year-olds and a preschool class for ages 3–4. This is a nursery school in its own right: the younger room and preschool provision are its educational focus.
Play has direction here. Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering language, physical and social development alongside early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In-the-Moment Planning and ideas from the Curiosity Approach shape activities around children's emerging interests. A fascination with insects can lead to garden investigations; an interest in construction can become den building.
Natural materials, everyday objects and vintage items give children resources with several possible uses. Preschool children grow vegetables, explore mud and care for living things. Trips include the library, parks, shops and the post office, connecting classroom play with familiar places and real tasks.
For younger children, a qualified Early Years Teacher leads the room with practitioner support. Counting, shape exploration, songs, stories and sensory activities sit alongside group play that introduces sharing and taking turns. Children can move between indoor activities and outdoor play throughout the day, including water areas and the mud kitchen.
The January 2025 inspection described children moving rocks and sticks in wheelbarrows, inventing maps and tackling steep banks. These are substantial physical and thinking challenges. Language work also had practical depth: songs accompanied by piano playing, explanations of unfamiliar words and conversations helped children use new vocabulary in their play.
Settling starts with staff learning about children's interests and home routines. In preschool, observation and interaction help staff get to know children as they adjust. Families receive photographs and progress updates, while the younger room offers stay-and-play opportunities. These give parents ways to share information and remain involved.
A Key Worker completes the Progress Check at Age Two between 24 and 36 months, discussing strengths, support needs and home routines with parents. Where appropriate, this work can connect with health professionals. In January 2025, support for children with SEND included prompt identification, outside-agency involvement and changes to provision after staff reviewed their impact; safeguarding arrangements were effective.
Lunch is also social learning. Familiar, qualified nursery staff sit at tables with children, making room for conversation and practice with cutlery. Families can supply a packed lunch or order a hot meal, cooked daily by a local school. The rotating menu changes each term. Hot meals are ordered through School Hub before 9.30am; otherwise, children need a packed lunch.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Choosing this nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience itself.
Stories, collaborative play and practice with everyday routines provide preparation for the next educational stage. They remain separate from the allocation of a Reception place.
Funded places run during term time. Preschool offers 15 funded hours from the term after a child's third birthday, with 30 hours for qualifying families. Younger children can access funded provision subject to eligibility. Additional paid hours can extend attendance; the outdoor preschool option carries a supplement. Contact the nursery for current charges.
Preschool patterns include classroom days from 9am to 3pm, extended days from 8am to 5.30pm and bespoke arrangements. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, and After School Club from 3pm to 5.30pm, both during term time. Holiday Club operates from 9am to 4pm during the Easter and Summer holidays.
School T-shirts and sweatshirts are optional choices for messy play. Enquiries can go through the contact form or by telephone on 01539 730800.
The nursery advertises places for children aged 2 to 5. Its younger room serves ages 2–3, and its preschool class serves ages 3–4.
Yes. Children have access to a garden, woodland and outdoor play spaces. There is also a fully outdoor preschool option with an additional charge.
Children can bring a packed lunch or have a hot meal ordered through School Hub. Orders must be made before 9.30am; otherwise, provide a packed lunch.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by its normal deadline.
Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, and After School Club from 3pm to 5.30pm, both during term time. Holiday Club runs from 9am to 4pm during the Easter and Summer holidays.
