Our Approach

At Luston Nursery, we take great pride in creating a rich and stimulating learning environment where every child feels valued, curious, and inspired to learn. Our planning is carefully designed to balance structured, purposeful activities with opportunities for free-flow, child-initiated play. This approach allows children to follow their own interests, make independent choices, and develop confidence in their abilities.

Our dedicated staff observe and listen closely to the children, using their interests and developmental needs to shape meaningful experiences that promote exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Through this responsive approach, children are encouraged to take the lead in their learning, while being gently guided and supported by skilled practitioners.

We follow a topic-based approach to learning, providing a broad and engaging framework that introduces new ideas and concepts in a way that is relevant and exciting for young minds. However, we remain flexible and adaptable, allowing children’s curiosity to steer the direction of learning. This ensures that every child’s unique strengths, needs, and interests are nurtured, supporting their holistic development—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Our ultimate goal is to create a warm, inclusive environment where children develop a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to explore the world around them.

The nursery is one room with an joining outdoor under shelter area and have access to the school's forest school, playing field and large playground.

Working alongside Parents and Carers

At Luston Nursery, we believe that parental involvement is a cornerstone of a child’s early education and development. When parents actively participate in their child’s learning journey, it strengthens the connection between home and nursery, creating a consistent and supportive environment where children can flourish.

We recognise that parents are a child’s first and most influential educators. By working in partnership, we can share insights, celebrate achievements, and ensure that each child’s individual needs and interests are fully understood and supported. This collaboration allows us to extend learning beyond the nursery setting, reinforcing key skills and concepts through everyday experiences at home.

Parental involvement also contributes to children’s emotional well-being. When children see their parents engaged and interested in their nursery life, they feel valued, confident, and motivated to explore and learn. This sense of security and encouragement helps to build self-esteem, resilience, and positive behaviour.

Furthermore, strong relationships between parents and staff create a nurturing community built on trust, respect, and open communication. Together, we can provide the best possible start for every child, ensuring they develop a strong foundation for future success.

Through careful observation and assessment , we can establish each child's next steps. We use a platform called seesaw to communicate with parents and share activities. We encourage parents to share their adventures via seesaw, this helps support those positive relationships with parents and supports strong connections between each child's home and school life.

A day at Luston Nursery

Opening Times

We are open Monday to Friday during term time only. Each day is divided into two sessions, the morning session running from 8:45am – 11:45am and the afternoon session running from 11:45am – 2:45pm.Chi ldren are able to attend either or both sessions each day. Before starting Nursery, we will discuss with
you which sessions you would like your child to attend.

We are also able to provide a Breakfast Club for those who need to make an earlier drop off. This runs from 8:00am to 8:45am. After Nursery Club is also available and runs from 2:45pm - 4:15pm

Fees and Funding

The term after your child’s second birthday you may be entitled to up to 15 hours free funding. After your child’s third birthday you will be entitled to 15 hours free childcare and you may also be entitled to anadditional  number of free funded hours. Whilst parents are responsible for claiming additional funding, we are always happy to signpost you to sources of information that you may find helpful.
(From April 2026, the Department for Education and our Local Authority have changed funding eligibility rules. Children starting nursery after the first week of a term (Autumn, Spring, or Summer) will not receive
funding until the following term begins. In these instants, parents will be charged for their child’s place at our standard hourly rate for any attendance between their birthday and the start of the next term).

Any additional or unfunded hours will be charged at the following rates, alongside consumable fees, on a termly basis:

Sessions (that are not funded): £15.00 per session / £5.00 per hour
Consumables fee: £1.00 per day charged for all children.
Additional option fees:
Hot lunches: £2.53 per meal
Breakfast Club: £5.00 per session
After Nursery Club: £10.00 per session

We understand that funding can sometimes appear to be a complicated process, so please do ask if you have any questions.