Ash Explorers Nursery at Ash Church of England Primary School

Play, first-hand experience and time outdoors shape Ash Explorers Nursery. Children can join from age 2, and the nursery sits within Ash Primary School, part of Preston Primary Academy Trust. Its grounds provide space for outdoor learning alongside the play-based curriculum. For families choosing an early start to education, the emphasis is on exploring and developing independence.

The nursery aims to help children become confident, considerate and persistent. Kindness and respect sit alongside enthusiasm and tolerance in its ambitions for children. These are practical priorities for learning to share experiences with others, rather than a focus solely on preparing for classroom work.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum provides the framework for learning. Here, children learn through play and direct experience: exploring, experimenting and finding ways to express themselves. That gives parents a clear picture of the approach: children take part in experiences intended to develop their knowledge and skills through doing.

Outdoor provision uses the school grounds, extending the learning environment beyond indoor activity. Exploration is part of the nursery's approach, so this physical space matters alongside the curriculum. The nursery aims to adapt its curriculum to the needs of all its children; its stated emphasis combines learning with enjoyment.

Independence also has a place in the nursery's ambitions. Alongside developing confidence, children are encouraged towards perseverance and consideration for others. The intended balance is between discovering what they can do themselves and learning how to take part with other children.

A nursery team provides education and care for children from age 2. The nursery describes its intended atmosphere as friendly, welcoming and secure, with children's development extending beyond knowledge to how they relate to other people.

Respect, kindness and tolerance are explicit aims. For parents, that gives the care approach a social dimension: the nursery wants children to develop confidence while also considering others. Its ambition to meet each child's learning needs belongs alongside those aims, rather than treating care and education as separate concerns.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at Ash Church of England Primary School. Nursery admission and Reception admission are separate processes: families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery should therefore be a decision about the child's nursery experience, with the Reception application treated as a separate step.

Term-time opening runs from 7.30am to 4.30pm. Both part-time and full-time places are offered, giving families a choice of attendance patterns within that opening window.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01935 822674 or by emailing office@ash.ppat365.org. A registration pack can also be collected from the office. A visit offers families a chance to view the nursery before applying.