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Nursery at Bewcastle 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 covered swimming pool and space for outdoor play give Bewcastle’s nursery a distinctive setting within the school at Roadhead. Nursery children can eat a cooked lunch on site and use care before and after the school day, making it possible to combine early learning with a longer childcare day.
Monthly Stay & Play brings families with children aged 0–5 into the nursery setting. Themes change, with visiting providers including Glow Bears, Zoobidoo and Pyjama Drama. These family sessions offer a way to get familiar with the setting and meet other parents.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum includes language and communication, physical development, literacy, creative work and personal, social and emotional development. In parent terms, learning includes expressing ideas, developing movement, exploring early reading and managing feelings and relationships. These strands give the nursery day a broader purpose than preparation for formal lessons alone.
Outdoor space supplies concrete possibilities for that learning. The school grounds contain scooters and bikes, a large sandpit, a wildlife area and a polytunnel used for vegetable growing. There is also room for den building. An outdoor area developed for EYFS and younger school children is intended to support large and small movements, strength and confidence.
Swimming adds another physical activity. Ofsted’s inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023 confirmed that early years children had lessons in the school pool, including learning about water safety. The pool has a cover, allowing swimming in different weather conditions, and the school schedules swimming twice a week during the summer term for all children. That gives water skills a place in the learning programme.
Taster visits form part of the school’s arrangements for children joining nursery. New children are assessed so that teachers can plan around their individual needs. This links the first experience of the setting with planning for the child, rather than treating settling as a purely administrative step.
Parents can raise concerns with the class teacher, then the SEND coordinator. The school’s support arrangements include teaching assistant help, individual work and small groups; referrals to outside specialists require parental consent. Informal conversations supplement normal progress reporting.
Physical access includes a ramp into the hall within a single-level school building. The large outdoor play area is accessible to all, giving families with mobility needs concrete features to discuss when arranging a visit. For medical needs, care plans are developed with parents and health professionals, and all staff have paediatric first aid training.
A home-cooked lunch is available to nursery children on site as a charged extra. In September 2024, the school announced free milk through Cool Milk for under-fives for that term.
Attending Bewcastle’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the council’s school admissions route and meet the deadline for their entry year. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions.
The school offers taster visits for both nursery and Reception children as part of its transition arrangements. Familiarisation helps children prepare for joining a class; it does not secure an admission place.
Nursery provision supports both the 15-hour and 30-hour funded arrangements, subject to eligibility. Families can purchase extra sessions. Eligibility applications are directed through Childcare Choices, and families entitled to 30 hours must also complete the Cumberland Council Parent Declaration Form.
Breakfast Club runs on weekdays from 8:00am to 8:45am. After‑School Club starts at 3:30pm, with collection at either 4:30pm or 5:00pm; nursery children can use both clubs. Snacks and indoor and outdoor activities are included. Submit the advance weekly booking form by Thursday. Contact the school for current charges.
To arrange a nursery visit, email admin@bewcastle.cumbria.sch.uk. The school’s uniform policy permits plain, unbranded royal blue cardigans or sweatshirts, and asks parents to label clothing clearly.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the council’s school admissions route, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs Monday to Friday, 8:00am–8:45am. After‑School Club begins at 3:30pm, with collection at 4:30pm or 5:00pm. Book in advance using the weekly form, returned by Thursday.
The nursery offers provision under the 15-hour and 30-hour funding arrangements, subject to eligibility. Additional sessions can be purchased, and eligible 30-hour families must complete the Cumberland Council Parent Declaration Form.
Yes. Nursery children can have a home-cooked meal on site as a charged extra. Contact the school for current charges. In September 2024, the school announced free milk through Cool Milk for under-fives for that term.
Email the school office at admin@bewcastle.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a look around the nursery.
