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Nursery at Hindpool Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, woodland garden and five rooms organised by age give Hindpool its character: children have space to explore, with adult-led stories and number games adding structure to their play. This is a purpose-built nursery school, with Daisies, Buttercups, Bluebells, Sunflowers 1 and Sunflowers 2 forming its main rooms.
Provision now spans nine months to four years. Daisies opened for babies in 2026, extending beyond the two-to-four-year-old provision inspected in October 2024. That distinction matters: the inspection findings describe the older age range, rather than the new baby provision.
Play supplies much of the learning. Children can pour water, build with large bricks, experiment with marks and use the home corner for pretend play. The garden remains accessible during sessions, allowing activities to move outdoors. Buttercups, designed for two-year-olds, connects to two outdoor areas; older children also have quieter spaces for books, conversation or a break from busy play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning through play together with children's physical, social and language development. Hindpool's curriculum gives communication a central role: adults introduce vocabulary, use questions that invite fuller answers and build themes around books. Children use name cards to register, hear stories daily and practise early sound work through Letters and Sounds. Phase 2 phonics is introduced when children are ready. Dough Gym supports the physical skills needed for writing, while Talk for Writing connects stories with early writing activities.
Forest school, dance and music groups extend the day beyond classroom activities. In October 2024, children showed lengthy engagement in play, and older children helped with snacks and explained routines to newcomers. There were also two teaching weaknesses: some activities lacked a clear focus on the knowledge children needed, and checks on understanding were inconsistent in a few learning areas. These could leave gaps before children moved on. Families should look beyond the activity itself to what their child is learning from it.
Settling starts with a home visit and several induction visits. Parents join an initial session and can stay longer if their child needs more time. Each child has a Key Worker as the family's main contact. Tapestry lets parents see learning records and contribute experiences from home, giving conversations about progress something concrete to work from.
Buttercups staff work alongside families on toilet training. For children staying through lunch, the kitchen/dining area accommodates packed lunches or hot meals supplied by Dane Ghyll Primary School's kitchen. ParentPay handles menus and meal bookings. Milk and water are provided; staff help with packaging and fruit, and return leftovers so parents can see what was eaten. Families should flag allergies and dietary needs.
In October 2024, additional needs, including difficulties with speech and communication, were identified accurately, with the age-two development check helping staff spot concerns. Safeguarding arrangements were effective. Decisions about extra support involve parents and, where appropriate, professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists or Health Visitors.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Transition support is a different matter. The Key Worker contacts the receiving school and teacher. Hindpool also shares expertise with Brisbane Park Infant School and the community primary school and nursery at Dane Ghyll to help children prepare for Reception. These relationships support continuity in children's learning; they do not secure admission.
Places are term time only. Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons start at 12.15pm and finish at either 2.45pm or 3.15pm. Fifteen-hour places usually follow five mornings or five afternoons. Thirty-hour arrangements depend on eligibility and available space, with additional paid hours also offered. Ask the school for current charges.
Friday collection. The opening-times information gives a 4pm finish, while the childcare information gives 3.15pm. Agree the Friday collection time when booking. Breakfast and after-school care use the Buttercups classroom and snack area; extra-session invoices arrive through Famly, with payment a month ahead.
Contact the office on 01229 833120 or admin@hindpool.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a visit. Uniform is optional, and belongings should carry a name or initials.
Current provision covers nine months to four years, including the Daisies baby room introduced in 2026.
A home visit is followed by induction visits. Parents attend an initial session and can stay longer while their child settles.
Yes. Dane Ghyll Primary School's kitchen supplies hot meals, with menus and bookings handled through ParentPay. Packed lunches are another option.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
No. Uniform is optional, and the school asks families to label children's belongings.
