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Nursery at Shankhill CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building outdoors and construction indoors give Shankhill’s teacher-led nursery a practical, exploratory character. Children can start from their third birthday, with provision for three- and four-year-olds in the school’s Early Years Classroom and outdoor area in Hethersgill.
Nursery belongs to Class 1, a mixed-age class that also includes Reception and Years 1 and 2. Teachers and senior teaching assistants lead the provision, with children taught in groups suited to their age. For parents, this is a nursery within school life, with its own early learning activities rather than a separate childcare setting.
The morning runs from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday. Children combine activities they choose themselves with teaching directed by adults. English and maths have focused teaching time; the early years curriculum page places the start of nursery phonics in the summer term. Circle time and collective worship also feature, bringing social and emotional learning into the routine.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning across seven areas. In parent language, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Shankhill’s Development Matters approach incorporates elements of Birth to 5. Maths includes practical exploration of shape, measurement and number, with opportunities during snacks and lining up as well as planned activities. Learning extends beyond a teaching group.
Inside, children can build with Duplo, wooden blocks and Mobilo, or experiment with junk modelling. Outdoors, crates, tyres and poles provide materials for building dens. Both learning spaces carry equal weight in planning, so outdoor activity forms part of the curriculum rather than simply a break from it.
Beebots, cameras and tablets give early years children opportunities to choose technology for a purpose. Music includes nursery rhymes, movement and instruments accessible during child-led play. Teachers can also redirect a topic around children’s interests: an interest in bees, for example, can shape the activities within a mini-beasts topic. That gives children a part in deciding what they explore.
An early years key-person role sits with a senior teaching assistant whose responsibilities also include emotional literacy support. This gives families an identifiable care role alongside the teaching team. Personal independence is part of early years learning too, with individual support for dressing, eating and toileting.
Lunch can extend the morning until 1pm. A hot meal is prepared in school, and families can choose from menu options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are offered, while dietary requirements can be addressed through an individual meal plan. This makes lunch a practical option for children staying beyond the morning session.
For additional needs, the headteacher also serves as Special Educational Needs Coordinator, providing a direct contact for SEND enquiries. School communication includes Friday Sway newsletters and emailed messages, helping parents keep track of information alongside conversations with staff.
Attending Shankhill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application. The school’s joining page directs parents to complete the relevant application form and return it to school, with 15 January given as the annual deadline for a September Reception start.
Morning nursery can use the 15-hour funded arrangement. From the term after a child’s third birthday, the nursery describes either 15 or 30 funded hours each week. Afternoon nursery runs from 1pm to 3:30pm, and full days are offered. Requests for flexible arrangements need at least a week’s notice, so plan changes ahead.
Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 8:45am and can be included within the 30-hour childcare arrangement for three- and four-year-olds. Bookings use a Google form circulated each half term; one-off breakfast bookings must be made before 3:30pm on the preceding day.
After-school clubs finish at 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm on Friday, with extended childcare offered until 5:30pm. Additional nursery hours, meals and childcare extras carry charges: obtain current charges from the school. To enquire or arrange a visit, contact the office on 01228 577264 or office@shankhill.cumbria.sch.uk.
Children can start after their third birthday. Shankhill’s nursery caters for three- and four-year-olds.
Morning nursery runs from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday. Afternoon nursery runs from 1pm to 3:30pm; full days are also offered.
Yes. The lunch session runs from noon to 1pm and includes a hot meal prepared in school. Lunch carries a charge.
No. A separate Reception application is required. The school’s joining page gives 15 January as the annual deadline for September entry and directs families to return the relevant form to school.
Yes. Contact the school office to book an appointment on 01228 577264 or office@shankhill.cumbria.sch.uk.
