Kendal Nursery School

About Kendal Nursery School

Kendal Nursery School is one of only two state-funded nurseries in Westmorland and Furness, and it holds the sole Outstanding rating in the local authority. That alone sets it apart, but the real story is in the consistency. In its most recent ungraded inspection in January 2025, Ofsted confirmed that standards were maintained, and the school has held an Outstanding rating across every graded inspection on record, including the most recent graded inspection in 2014. The early years provision, leadership and management, and overall effectiveness all received the top grade of 1. With 112 children aged 2 to 4, this is a small, focused setting that has clearly built a strong reputation. For parents comparing nurseries in the area, the contrast is stark: the other nursery in the LA is not rated Outstanding, so Kendal Nursery School is effectively the standout option for early years education in Westmorland and Furness.

Because this is a nursery, there are no Key Stage 2 SATs or Progress 8 scores to compare against the LA average. Instead, the school's academic quality is measured entirely through Ofsted's lens. The early years provision was judged Outstanding, which covers how well children develop across the prime and specific areas of learning. The report noted that children make excellent progress from their starting points, and staff are highly skilled at identifying next steps in learning. The school also offers a Forest School programme, which supports outdoor learning and physical development, and has music rooms and art studios that enrich the curriculum. While there are no formal exam results to benchmark, the Ofsted judgement is the strongest available signal that this nursery delivers well above the typical standard for its type in the local authority.

The school is well equipped for a nursery setting, with facilities including a chapel, music rooms, art studios, and a Forest School. Sports on offer are gymnastics and swimming, and there are clubs such as Book Club, Eco Club, and Art Club. For children with additional needs, the school lists a SEND provision for Other Difficulty/Disability, though the exact nature of support is not detailed in the data. As a state nursery, it is free at the point of use for eligible families, and it is oversubscribed — the Outstanding rating and small size mean places are competitive. This school will suit families who want a proven, high-quality early years setting with strong outdoor and creative provision, and who are prepared to plan ahead for admission. It is particularly well matched to parents who value a setting with a clear track record of excellence rather than one that is still developing.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Kendal Nursery School

Helpful Guides for Parents