Blackford CofE Primary School Nursery

Story-based role play and rockets launched outdoors give Blackford’s early years a practical, playful character. Nursery provision starts from age three within this rural Church of England primary school in Blackford, near Carlisle. The school welcomes families with any faith background, including none, so its church identity does not mean families must share a particular belief.

A classroom and outdoor learning area serve the early years and younger primary children. This places nursery provision within the school’s learning spaces. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024; that judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Blackford’s approach gives children opportunities to learn independently, with a partner and in groups, with time devoted to conversation. For parents, the practical emphasis is on children explaining ideas and learning together as well as trying things for themselves.

Familiar stories become material for imaginative play. In October 2024, early years children knew stories well enough to use them in role play, connecting what they heard with what they acted out. Another example involved children working together to construct rockets before taking them outside to launch. Those activities bring language, cooperation and problem solving into the same experience.

The classroom and outdoor learning area give these activities both indoor and outdoor settings. Read Write Inc is the named phonics programme used across early years and Key Stage 1, although the rocket building and story play provide the clearest examples of younger children’s learning here.

Curriculum development. The October 2024 inspection also identified a school-wide task: recently adopted subject curriculums needed more consistent implementation because some pupils’ understanding lacked depth. That concern applies across the school and should not be read as a finding specifically about nursery activities.

Early years children showed confidence in approaching adults to share what they had accomplished in October 2024. That gives a concrete picture of children using staff as an audience for their achievements, alongside the collaborative play described above.

The staffing structure includes EYFS and Key Stage 1 teaching roles, an EYFS leader and senior teaching assistants with paediatric first-aid responsibilities. Families seeking support for special educational needs and/or disabilities can contact the SENCO through the main office. Early Help support also involves work with families and outside agencies, giving parents a route into support when difficulties emerge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions; being familiar with the school does not secure admission.

Up to 30 hours of nursery provision are offered. The school also offers flexible care beyond school hours until 5:30pm on school days, a potentially useful option for families arranging a longer day.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office at admin@blackford.cumbria.sch.uk or telephone 01228 674614. The school’s address is Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4ES.