Inglewood Infant School Nursery Review

Climbing equipment, sunflower seeds and stories give Inglewood’s nursery its character: this is a day built around play, movement and conversation. Little Fawns serves children aged two to three, while Little Owls is for three- to four-year-olds. Both belong to Inglewood Infant School on School Road in Harraby, Carlisle, with their own named rooms within the school.

At the inspection on 17 and 18 January 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Children’s interests help shape what happens next. In Little Fawns and Little Owls, staff adjust activities daily in response to children’s reactions, using an approach called in the moment planning. Children choose some activities; adults guide others. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, with learning taking place through play as well as adult guidance.

Physical exploration has concrete tools here. Little Fawns has climbing equipment for practising balance and movement, sand to investigate with tools, and large chalks for making marks and experimenting with early writing shapes. Children have also used the school hall for dance and singing. These activities give younger children ways to develop movement and communication.

Little Owls’ summer 2026 topic, Every Living Thing, brought learning into the garden. Children planted sunflowers, named plant parts and made sunflower paintings, linking observation with language and creative work. Earlier that spring, People Who Help Us included visits from a paramedic, police and a vet, with equipment and vehicles to explore. An autumn 2025 update describes daily outdoor time whatever the weather, alongside PE with Little Hero Sports and a Library Bus visit.

In January 2023, early years children developed language through clear, sensitive conversations with staff, and two-year-olds listened intently to familiar stories. There was a curriculum concern too: some subjects needed more detailed learning steps beginning in early years, so teachers could build children’s knowledge in the right sequence.

Settling involves learning routines and building relationships. Little Fawns’ autumn update describes children getting to know staff and one another as they became familiar with the day. Food, snacks and cows’ milk are provided in both nursery rooms. Families supply nappies, spare clothing and wellies, making changes and outdoor play part of the practical preparation.

An Early Years SENCO sits alongside the school’s SENCO. In January 2023, early years staff worked with colleagues to recognise SEND and adapt learning so children could take part alongside their peers; professional links included speech therapists and psychologists. For parents, this connects classroom adjustments with specialist help when needed. Weekly school newsletters provide another way to follow what is happening around the setting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Inglewood follows the local authority’s arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools, with applications routed through Cumberland Council.

Transition work is separate from that application. Towards the end of the Little Owls year, children begin preparing for Reception. Families should treat the Reception application as a distinct task.

Both age groups have morning sessions from 8:45 to 11:45 and afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. Full days can finish at 14:45 or 15:15. Booking forms are provided for Little Fawns and Little Owls, allowing families to select their pattern.

For Little Owls, the universal 15-hour entitlement can cover five mornings or afternoons, or two and a half days, during term time. Eligible Little Fawns families receiving government support can use 15 funded hours from the term after their child turns two. Eligible working parents can use 30 hours for five days ending at 14:45; staying until 15:15 involves paid lunch cover. Ask the school for current charges.

Breakfast and after-school care include both nursery groups. Additional support costs. Where club attendance requires dedicated one-to-one staffing, an additional charge applies, which families need to include in their childcare planning. School-branded uniform is optional, and a uniform and wellie swap-shop offers a practical way to reuse clothing. Contact the office on 01228 558774 for enquiries or to arrange a school visit.