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Nursery at Richmond Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud kitchens, story props and experiments with melting ice give Richmond Hill’s nursery its character: children learn by handling, noticing and talking. Nursery provision begins at age two and forms part of Richmond Hill School’s own registration in Aspatria, rather than a separate setting.
The Ofsted inspection document dated 10 February 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. Its nursery-specific findings describe provision for two- and three-year-olds that matches their developmental stage, with adults who understand the children and their families.
Stories become things to do. Nursery activity examples include retelling The Gruffalo with miniature characters and props in a tuff tray, while a sensory activity based on A Squash and a Squeeze encourages children to describe textures. These are practical examples of early years foundation stage (EYFS) learning: language develops through play and conversation, alongside opportunities to explore materials and practise physical skills.
Early writing takes several forms. Children in Nursery 3s have made marks in shaving foam with straws, fingers and lollipop sticks. Read, Write, Inc. sessions have included making potions from objects whose names begin with the sound being taught. Counting is equally hands-on: a dice game asks children to gather the corresponding quantity of objects, while Superworm inspires playdough models measured with rulers, cubes and tape measures. Stories connect language with mathematical ideas.
Outside, the mud kitchens give younger children opportunities to mix, pour and pretend to cook. Muddy Mondays activity examples include making wildflower seed bombs and studying frost. Indoors, the curiosity corner has hosted an experiment using flowers and coloured water, giving children something to watch and discuss over several days.
In February 2026, adults used rhymes, songs and stories to extend vocabulary, then checked whether children retained the words. Children used that language in their play. The learning has a clear purpose beyond completing an activity.
Relationships help children settle into nursery life. In February 2026, staff understood families well and established trust with parents from the beginning, allowing home and nursery to work together on development. Children across early years were happy and settled. Speech and language needs were recognised when children joined, with support that addressed those needs.
Food also appears as a learning experience. A nursery activity linked to Oliver’s Vegetables involved cutting fruit and vegetables, tasting some during preparation and eating them at snack time. This connects a familiar story with handling and trying food.
For SEND enquiries, the school SENDCO can be reached at SENDCO@richill.cumbria.sch.uk. Cumberland SENDIAS provides a further route for parental support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions, even though the nursery belongs to the school.
The school office handles direct enquiries by email at admin@richill.cumbria.sch.uk or telephone on 016973 20650. Richmond Hill is on Queen Street, Aspatria, CA7 3BQ. These contact routes give families a direct way to begin a nursery enquiry.
Children can begin from age two. Richmond Hill runs nursery provision within the school’s own registration.
Activity examples include mixing in mud kitchens, making wildflower seed bombs during Muddy Mondays and exploring ice and frost.
Children have retold The Gruffalo using props and miniature characters, explored textures through A Squash and a Squeeze and measured playdough models inspired by Superworm.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline.
Email admin@richill.cumbria.sch.uk or call 016973 20650. SEND enquiries can go to SENDCO@richill.cumbria.sch.uk.
