Nursery conjures up Halloween fun to show school isn’t scary

Broomfield Nursery, in Northallerton, held special Halloween ‘stay-and-play’ sessions to show young children that starting nursery doesn’t have to be scary.

Making Halloween masks helped introduce children to the idea of starting nursery (Image: Areté Learning Trust)

Families were invited to visit the nursery, explore its facilities, and enjoy a range of spooky activities – including toffee apple making, Halloween arts and crafts, and a ghost hunt inspired by the classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

Children were challenged to go on a Ghost Hunt and explore the nursery and its grounds (Image: Areté Learning Trust)

Nursery teacher Beth Lycett said: “Our Halloween stay-and-play sessions have been fantastic introduction to our nursery for local families. It’s been a lovely way for the children and their parents to get to know us and see if this is the right fit for them.

“Starting this brand-new nursery has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career. We still have places available, but seeing how fast we’re filling up really shows that we’ve ‘got it right’ for the children.

“We have very consciously designed Broomfield as a small nursery with a high staff-to-child ratio, which means we can give them more individual attention.”

The nursery's usual play areas were open to visitors alongside the Halloween fun (Image: Areté Learning Trust)

Parent Samantha Hurworth, whose son Freddie was one of the first children to sign up for the new nursery, said: "After moving from a larger, busier nursery, we were looking for a quieter, more nurturing environment for Freddie, who is autistic.

“At Broomfield, he has truly thrived. He’s happy, doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day, and his speech has developed so well. The staff are fantastic. I couldn’t recommend the nursery more highly."

The nursery, which opened last month with space for 14 children a day, was established when a nearby private nursery shut down, leaving clear need for childcare for two- and four-year-olds.

Games and stories were also on the cards at the visiting sessions (Image: Areté Learning Trust)

Claire Lamb, Trust Primary Lead for the Areté Learning Trust, said: “Our vision was to build a small, community-minded nursery that offers a child-led, learning-rich environment that prepares young children to join Reception.

“From the very first day, Beth and her team have delivered, and the children have been nothing short of amazing. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy have filled our nursery with warmth and laughter.”

“It’s a privilege to be part of their early learning journey and to help create a nurturing environment where they feel safe, happy, and eager to learn,” added Beth.

“I cannot wait to see how our nursery continues to grow. Were already talking to parents about introducing a breakfast club and other wraparound care. This is just the beginning!”