A Cumbrian primary school has today announced it is extending its nursery provision from September 2026. Hunter Hall, on the edge of Penrith, will be offering a limited number of nursery places for children aged two years plus. Given the high demand for this age group in the county, the team, led by Head of Early Years, Ella Tarrant, are hopeful that this will be welcome news to young families looking for high quality childcare throughout the year.
With over 40 years’ experience caring for children aged three and over from across Cumbria, the team see the opening of the nursery as a natural next step, enabling them to extend their trusted and nurturing approach to younger children. The nursery will offer both term time only and year round sessions, providing families with flexible, funded childcare options to suit their individual needs. Provision will be thoughtfully planned and delivered by a small, highly experienced and caring team, led by Sarah Parker, Head of Pre School, ensuring that every child benefits from attentive, personalised care. As interest and demand grow, the nursery has the opportunity to expand its provision while continuing to prioritise high standards, wellbeing, and positive early learning experiences.
Set within Hunter Hall’s beautiful natural surroundings, the nursery offers children a calm, nurturing beginning where woodland exploration, open spaces and outdoor adventure are part of everyday life. Rooted in the warmth of the family-centred community and guided by nurturing, experienced staff, children will be known and supported as individuals from the very start.
Ella commented:
“Children joining us will have opportunities to play, rest and learn at their own pace in an environment that values wellbeing, curiosity and a thoughtful approach to learning. Because our nursery is part of a wider primary school, our nursery children are very much part of the whole school where all children are given time to explore deeply, create freely and grow with confidence.”
This extended nursery provision is just the latest in a series of innovations at the school under the leadership of Head, Paul Borrows. In Summer 2025, he launched his vision for the school going forward. ‘Tomorrow Starts Here’ has already seen an extended curriculum including Engineering, textiles, debating, programming and horticulture incorporated into learning time, an extended school day and the reintroduction of mixed-age learning.
Paul said:
“Our priority at Hunter Hall is to recognise and value each child as a unique individual. We are committed to nurturing every child’s personal journey, celebrating their strengths and talents while supporting them to grow into confident, well-rounded and self-aware individuals.
With this ethos at the heart of what we do, extending our provision to include two-year-olds felt like a natural and meaningful progression. By welcoming children at an earlier stage, we are able to build strong foundations from the very beginning, supporting their development through a caring and holistic approach.”
To find out more and express interest in a nursery place, click here. To see the school in action, arrange a visit during the next Open Week (Mon 18 – Fri 22 May) or at a time to suit, visit www.hunterhall.co.uk.