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Nursery at Castle Carrock 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Acorns brings nursery children into a unit shared with Reception and Years 1 and 2, giving Castle Carrock’s youngest learners a place within the school’s everyday life. Teaching is shared between two teachers, with a higher level teaching assistant and another teaching assistant supporting the unit.
The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 20 and 21 June 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. In June 2023, staff differentiated nursery learning from Reception learning within the mixed-age organisation. The distinction matters: sharing a unit does not mean sharing identical teaching.
Play indoors and outdoors is central to the nursery’s approach. The school aims to build learning around children’s existing experiences and ideas, with adults supporting them as they explore. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects language, movement and emotional development with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, this means learning extends beyond letters and numbers.
There are concrete activities behind that approach. Kapow EYFS art involves experimenting with texture, shape and colour; construction kits and different materials introduce children to making things. Imaginative role play lets children act out experiences and explore how the world works. These activities give children practical ways to express ideas and investigate possibilities.
Number learning includes Mastering Number, alongside White Rose Maths work on measure, space and shape. Music involves dancing, singing and investigating sounds with instruments and everyday objects. Exploring plants, animals and changing seasons introduces early scientific thinking, while simple tools give children something practical to investigate with.
Language receives deliberate attention. In June 2023, adults used questions to help early years children put unfamiliar vocabulary into sentences, and children’s achievement was exceptional across all areas of learning. Early years children also learned classroom expectations and routines quickly. This combination gives purpose to the play: adults extend what children can say and understand as well as what they can do.
Aspens provides catering, with the EYFS lunch period running from 11:55am to 12:55pm. Meals need advance booking through ParentMail. Milk and fruit are provided during the Acorns day, and families are asked to bring a water bottle and a healthy snack for break time. Food therefore comes with a practical task for parents: book school dinners ahead.
Staff observe children during activities and record their learning in Tapestry, an online learning journal. Assessment therefore draws on what children do as they take part in everyday learning.
For additional needs, the school’s approach starts with identifying concerns early and involving parents in decisions. An Academic Adventure Plan can set learning targets with family input, while the special educational needs coordinator can seek advice from outside agencies. Parents can contact the coordinator through the school office. Discussing concerns with the class teacher is the first step, giving families a direct route into support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year.
Cumberland Council’s Citizen Portal is the recommended application route; email and postal applications are also accepted. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Sharing the Acorns unit with Reception is an organisational link, not a promise of admission.
Nursery children wear school uniform: grey or black bottoms, a white polo shirt and a royal blue logo sweatshirt or cardigan. Shoes must be black and flat, with no trainers or logos. Bring labelled wellies and Velcro trainers to remain at school, so footwear is ready for changes of activity.
Enquiries go to the school office on 01228 670393 or admin@castlecarrock.cumbria.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery belongs to Acorns, alongside Reception and Years 1 and 2.
Children learn through outdoor play and exploration. EYFS activities include investigating seasonal changes and observing the natural world.
Aspens provides catering. EYFS lunchtime is 11:55am to 12:55pm, and school dinners must be booked ahead through ParentMail.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Yes. Nursery children are included in the school uniform arrangements and need labelled wellies and Velcro trainers kept at school.
