Storth CofE School Nursery Review

A new nursery room, daily outdoor exploration and a separate space for Little Herons give Storth’s youngest children a day with room to move. Little Herons serves two-year-olds, alongside provision for three-year-olds within Storth CofE School. The newer three-year-old space occupies the former conservatory site.

The nursery room began use in March 2026, with furniture funded by the PTA. Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection graded the school’s early years provision Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Mornings combine separate maths and phonics teaching with time to choose activities across two classrooms and outdoors. This gives children both focused teaching and opportunities to pursue their own interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum builds early learning through play, conversation and practical experiences. Storth’s maths progression draws on Birth to Five Matters alongside EYFS: children investigate measures, patterns, shapes and numbers, then practise explaining their ideas.

Outdoor learning has a regular place in the timetable. EYFS children have Forest School each week and outdoor play or guided activities daily. The woodland within the school grounds includes a fire circle and mud kitchen. Sessions begin with games, move on to safety discussions and leave time for exploration, including digging, tree climbing and investigating minibeasts. A leader with level 3 Forest School training runs the sessions, which are adapted to children’s ages and abilities.

Language receives close attention. In June 2026, adults used conversation throughout early years learning, demonstrated vocabulary and supported children hesitant to speak. Guided activities were balanced thoughtfully with independent exploration. For a child still finding their voice, that makes talking part of ordinary play rather than a separate task.

Care is tailored to the youngest children. The June 2026 early years findings describe age-appropriate care and a focus on wellbeing as the two-year-old class became part of the provision. Children facing obstacles to learning made progress across the curriculum. The school’s SEND policy provides for teaching adapted to individual needs and for parents to be involved in discussions about support.

Daily fruit is free, and milk is free until a child’s fifth birthday. An optional paid snack includes breadsticks, toast or a rice cake; contact the school for current charges. Spare clothes, including socks and underwear, stay at school, with extra changes requested for children prone to accidents or muddy play. Each class has a paediatric first aider.

Parents can arrange an appointment to discuss progress. For the March 2026 room move, staff planned a few days for children to settle into the new space.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the relevant deadline. Storth’s admissions page directs families to Westmorland and Furness’s schools and education service.

Familiar surroundings are a different matter from admissions. Nursery children can use both early years classrooms and the outdoor area outside the separate teaching sessions. That shared space offers continuity in daily routines; it should not be treated as an entitlement to a school place.

Little Herons finishes at 15:00; the school timetable gives 15:15 as the finish for other pupils. Little Herons children are handed over and collected at their classroom door, and nursery collection is also from classroom doors.

Nursery PE usually takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays. Children attend in trainers and clothes suitable for movement rather than changing into a kit. For enquiries, telephone 015395 62517 or email Head@storth.cumbria.sch.uk.

Parking. A May 2026 letter warned of congestion around the school and identified Heron Hall’s car park as an alternative. Allow for that when planning collection, and keep neighbouring driveways clear.