As Storal celebrates 10 years of creating extraordinary childhoods, we’re celebrating the connections that make our nurseries more than places to learn and grow.
From fundraising and local partnerships to community events and acts of kindness, our nurseries are proud to bring people together. These relationships create valuable experiences for children, strengthen connections between families and help every nursery become part of the community it calls home.
As part of our 10 Years, 10 Stories anniversary series, Story 4 celebrates what it means to be at the heart of the community. At Ashby Nursery School and Preschool Academy, community has always been central to who the team is.
Growing together in Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Over the years, Ashby Nursery School has become a familiar face at events and initiatives across Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
The nursery works with Ashby Round Table on the annual Santa Run and takes part in the local Tractor Run and Christmas Light Switch On. The team has also built connections with St Helen’s Church, Hood Park Leisure Centre, Hill Top Primary School and Woodcote Primary School.
These partnerships give children opportunities to experience life beyond the nursery, meet people in their local area and feel part of something bigger.
They also complement the Early Years Foundation Stage by supporting children’s communication, relationships and understanding of the world through meaningful, real-life experiences.
Community starts with relationships
Many of Ashby’s strongest community partnerships have grown through nursery families.
The family connections behind the Santa Run, Hood Park and the Christmas Light Switch On have helped create memorable experiences for children. Some partnerships began through current parents, while others have continued through former families who remain connected to the nursery.
These relationships show how a nursery community can continue long after a child has left. Former parents recommend Ashby Nursery School to other local families, share their memories and help new families feel part of the community.
This welcoming atmosphere is one of the reasons families across Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the surrounding area choose the nursery for their children’s early years education.
New experiences beyond the nursery
Working with local organisations has opened the door to new experiences for children.
Through the nursery’s connection with Hood Park, children have enjoyed free football sessions that support physical development, confidence and teamwork. At Ashby, learning does not stop at the nursery door. Community experiences give children opportunities to try something different, meet new people and build confidence in the world around them.
Small acts of kindness, lasting impact
One of the team’s favourite community initiatives is Random Acts of Kindness.
Children help to deliver flowers to people around Ashby, creating moments of connection and spreading smiles throughout the town. The reactions from recipients make each visit particularly special.
Sometimes, the people receiving the flowers share stories about their day. On some occasions, members of the nursery team and children may be among the only people they speak to that day.
For children, these simple gestures offer an early and meaningful lesson in empathy. They see for themselves how a thoughtful act can brighten someone’s day and make another person feel noticed and valued.
These experiences naturally support children’s personal, social and emotional development, helping kindness and respect become part of their everyday learning.
Celebrating Christmas together
The Ashby Christmas Light Switch On is another event that holds a special place in the team’s hearts.
Being part of the excitement as the town comes together creates magical memories for children, families and educators. The lights, music and festive atmosphere give children an opportunity to experience the joy of a shared community celebration. The annual Santa Run is another much-loved tradition, with nursery family connections helping Ashby Nursery School play an active role in the event each year.
These celebrations allow the children to take part in the life of their town and experience the sense of belonging that comes from celebrating alongside their families, neighbours and wider community.
Supporting the local food bank
Giving back is an important part of nursery life at Ashby.
The local food bank was previously chosen as the nursery’s charity of the year, and the team continues to collect Easter eggs for it each year.
The collection creates an opportunity to talk to children in an age-appropriate way about helping others and recognising that not every family has the same experiences or opportunities.
By taking part, children begin to understand generosity, fairness and compassion. They learn that even a small contribution can make a positive difference to another family.
A nursery family that lasts
For the Ashby team, being at the heart of the community means being known not only for what the nursery does, but for who the team is.
Families often remain connected long after their children have moved on to school. Past parents continue to share their memories, recommend the nursery and tell new families about the care their children received.
One former child, who is now 16, still sends a Christmas card to the nursery every year. It is a touching reminder that the relationships formed during the early years can continue long after a child’s nursery journey has ended.
The team affectionately describes Ashby as one big family, and this is the feeling they want every parent to experience when visiting the nursery. It is a place where children are known, families are welcomed and relationships are built to last.
At the heart of Ashby
Over the years, Ashby Nursery School has continued to grow alongside the town while maintaining its strong sense of family and community. The nursery has welcomed generations of local children and built relationships with families that continue long after children have moved on. The setting has also developed to include a dedicated Preschool Academy and an extended outdoor garden.
From the Santa Run and Christmas Light Switch On to Easter collections and Random Acts of Kindness, community life gives children rich opportunities to develop confidence, compassion and a sense of belonging.
These moments help children understand that they are part of a wider community and that their words and actions can make a meaningful difference.
Because being at the heart of the community is not simply about attending local events. It is about building relationships, creating memories and helping every child and family feel that they belong.
Discover more about Ashby Nursery School and Preschool Academy, explore Storal’s whole-child approach, or find your nearest Storal nursery.
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