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Nursery at Fir Ends 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies belong in the nursery uniform here. Fir Ends pairs a play-led approach with grounds used whatever the weather, giving outdoor exploration a place alongside the first steps in reading, writing and number work.
Children can join from age three. The nursery sits within the school’s mixed early years class, where nursery children learn alongside Reception children. That shared classroom is a defining feature: children encounter school routines while retaining a nursery approach centred on play.
Two core sessions shape the day: mornings run from 9:00 to 12:00, with afternoons from 12:00 to 15:00. Families can combine nursery attendance with breakfast and after-school care, subject to capacity for younger children. This gives parents options beyond a single morning or afternoon.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. Here, its practical emphasis is on developing early literacy and number skills through a play-led day. Monster Phonics supplies resources for early reading, while JIGSAW supports personal, social and health learning through activities suited to children’s ages. Nursery learning is part of the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate preparatory course.
Expansive grounds give children space to explore outdoors in different weather. Inside, each classroom has a library area with books appropriate to its children, putting stories within reach of everyday learning. Early years history includes changes children have experienced themselves and changes within their families, connecting learning to familiar people and events.
At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted described clear early years routines and expectations that helped children begin school positively. Nursery children also explored letter sounds using rhymes and songs. These are accessible starting points for sound awareness before reading becomes more formal.
Breakfast care includes cereals, fruit and toast, and nursery children usually move to their classroom at 8:30, supervised by classroom staff. After-school care combines a drink and snack with craft or sporting activities. Familiar club staff supervise these sessions, providing continuity across the extended day.
Dolce prepares lunches on site. Choices include vegetarian or other cooked meals, sandwiches and jacket potatoes; parents order through SchoolGrid. Nursery meals carry a separate charge, so families using funded hours should budget for food as well as any additional attendance. Children under five receive funded daily milk. Fresh drinking water is supplied in classrooms, and children should bring a bottle that goes home for washing each day.
For additional needs, the SENDco team is a contact for parents. The school works with families, external agencies and local authority educational psychologists to identify needs and arrange support. Raising those needs through the team gives families a direct route into that process.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Cumberland Council’s admissions system. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Learning alongside Reception children already gives nursery pupils experience of the shared classroom and school expectations. That familiarity concerns the child’s experience, not entitlement to a place. Keep the application deadline separate from nursery enrolment.
Term-time provision can extend from 8:00 to 17:30. The nursery accepts both 15-hour and 30-hour funded entitlements, with funded hours usable across nursery and wraparound attendance. Hours beyond a family’s entitlement are charged; contact the office for current charges.
Club capacity. Breakfast and after-school care have limits for nursery-age children, and full after-school provision depends on staffing ratios. Confirm a place before relying on the extended day. Club bookings use Arbor, and nursery breakfast attendance also requires advance notice to staff.
The nursery uniform combines a bright green sweater with a golden yellow polo shirt, plus wellies for outdoor use. The PTA redistributes pre-worn uniform, giving families another way to obtain clothing.
Visits can be arranged through the school office or the nursery page’s enquiry form. Nursery application forms can be emailed to SBM@fir-ends.cumbria.sch.uk or completed on paper through the office.
Children can join from age three and learn in a mixed nursery and Reception class.
The morning session is 9:00 to 12:00 and the afternoon session is 12:00 to 15:00. Term-time wraparound provision can extend attendance from 8:00 to 17:30, subject to nursery capacity and staffing.
Yes. The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour funded entitlements, which can include wraparound attendance. Club places for nursery children are limited, and additional hours and nursery lunches are charged.
No. A separate application is required through Cumberland Council’s admissions system. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
Contact the school office or use the nursery enquiry form to arrange a visit. Nursery applications can be emailed to SBM@fir-ends.cumbria.sch.uk or completed on paper through the office.
