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Nursery at Ambleside CofE Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Private outdoor areas for every class give Ambleside's nursery a practical connection to the outdoors. The Nursery class forms part of the school's early years provision. Outdoor play resources supplied for the Early Years Unit include a mud kitchen and outside blocks. This is a school setting where learning extends beyond the classroom.
At the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 February 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Development Matters guides early years learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For parents, the emphasis is on children's development and how learning builds over time. In February 2024, the early years curriculum was largely clear about what children should learn and the sequence for teaching it. Staff matched activities to children's interests and developmental needs, and taught the curriculum effectively.
Read Write Inc provides the early years approach to reading, phonics and writing. Daily story time gives books a regular place in the day. Early writing also includes a short handwriting session each day, with chunky pens, chalks and triangular pencils among the tools children use. Different tools and surfaces give children ways to practise controlling their movements.
White Rose Maths supports early years mathematics, with concepts introduced through small steps. Mini Mash and Purple Mash provide opportunities to include technology within everyday early years activities.
Outdoor learning has named spaces: the School Garden includes raised beds and a campfire circle, while Young Woodland occupies part of the school field. Regular Forest School sessions involve all year groups. Together with the private class outdoor areas, these spaces make outdoor experiences part of the learning programme.
Hot lunches are available to nursery children through a partnership with Windermere School. Nursery meals carry a charge; contact the school for current charges. Orders go through the online meal portal by 9:30am on the preceding Friday, and the office helps families set up their account. That advance booking needs a place in the family's weekly routine.
Class Dojo connects parents with classroom photographs, updates and messages to teachers. Conversations with staff can also take place at collection and drop-off, giving families another way to share concerns.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), class teachers discuss individual targets with parents, supported by the headteacher in the SEND coordinator role. Referrals can involve speech and language therapists, educational psychologists or the Early Help team. When a child with SEND joins the school, transition visits and photo books can be arranged if needed, and families can request a home visit. These offer concrete ways to prepare for an unfamiliar setting.
For children receiving SEND support, review meetings with parents and pupils take place at least termly. The review then informs further assessment and planning, keeping support linked to the child's progress.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Westmorland and Furness Council. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026-2027 admission arrangements, so familiarity with the school does not change how places are allocated.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past.
Support for a child with SEND moving between classes is a separate matter: information passes to the new teacher, and a personalised transition plan can be used if it would help. This supports continuity of care, rather than an admissions advantage.
The school office handles enquiries by telephone on 015394 32181 or email at admin@ambleside.cumbria.sch.uk. Prospective parents can arrange a school tour through the office, providing an opportunity to meet the team and see the setting.
Early reading. In February 2024, a few staff across the school needed to strengthen their phonics teaching. Some pupils' reading fluency developed more slowly as a result. Parents should discuss how early reading is taught and supported.
No. Reception requires a separate application, and nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026-2027 admission arrangements.
Development Matters guides the EYFS learning, alongside Read Write Inc for early reading and writing and White Rose Maths for mathematics.
Yes. Charged hot meals are available through the partnership with Windermere School. Orders must be placed online by 9:30am on the preceding Friday.
Class Dojo provides classroom updates, photographs and direct messaging. Parents can also speak with staff at drop-off and collection.
Yes. Contact the school office to arrange a school tour.
