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Nursery at Rockcliffe CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 wet area, covered outdoor space and long stretches of play give Rockcliffe’s nursery its character. Children can pursue their own interests, while adults introduce activities and adjust provision around what they observe. The emphasis is on learning by doing.
For children from age three, this is nursery provision within Rockcliffe CofE School in Rockcliffe, Carlisle. It forms part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The curriculum has a Christian basis, with forgiveness, respect, tolerance, trust and love among its values. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 February 2023; that judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play has time to develop here. The daily structure includes sustained periods when children can continue an activity, alongside input from adults. Learning areas are arranged so children can choose resources independently. That gives them practice in making decisions rather than waiting for an adult to direct every move.
Development Matters guides the EYFS curriculum. In parent terms, this combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, number work, creativity and discovering how the world works. White Rose supports maths, while Literacy Shed and Talk through Stories support English across the early years. These named resources sit alongside activities shaped by children’s interests.
The EYFS classroom has a wet area, and its outdoor space is covered, allowing activities outside in different weather. Play equipment stands directly outside the entrance. Children also use the grounds and local surroundings for exploration, giving outdoor learning a place beyond the classroom’s immediate space.
In February 2023, early years learning was organised into a clear sequence, with practical activities involving counting and comparisons of size and number. Nursery children’s first steps towards reading involved songs, rhymes and stories. For a young child, this puts spoken language and listening alongside hands-on mathematical discovery.
Tapestry gives parents an online journal of their child’s learning. Daily conversations with staff and school events provide other ways to stay involved. Adults observe children carefully and use those observations to adapt activities, so the connection between home and nursery extends beyond a progress update.
A daily fruit or vegetable snack is provided for EYFS children, and families may send additional fruit or vegetables. Biscuits, chocolate bars and crisps are excluded. Children should bring a bottle containing plain water. Across the school, meals follow a three-week nutritional cycle with three choices each day, and lunches must be ordered ahead.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school works with parents and the local authority on targeted support and adapted learning. A school SENCO provides a contact for families discussing support. This gives parents a route to raise their child’s needs alongside everyday conversations with early years staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Cumberland Council controls the school’s admissions, and the admissions page links directly to its Reception application route. Treat that application as a separate decision from joining the nursery.
Two nursery sessions divide the day: the morning runs from 8:45am to 11:45am, with collection at 11:50am from the School Office; the afternoon runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Each counts as three hours for entitlement purposes. The distinction between the morning finish and collection time matters when planning the journey home.
Enquiries go to the office on 01228 674631 or admin@rockcliffe.cumbria.sch.uk. Families can also contact the office to arrange a school visit. The school’s virtual tour includes the EYFS classroom, providing a useful view of its indoor and outdoor spaces.
The school provides nursery education from age three.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, with collection at 11:50am from the School Office. Afternoon sessions run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Each session counts as three hours for entitlement purposes.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. The school’s admissions page links to Cumberland Council’s Reception application route.
Early years families use the online Tapestry journal, speak with staff daily and participate in school events.
The EYFS classroom has covered outdoor space and play equipment immediately outside its entrance. Early years children also use the school grounds and local area.
