The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Yewdale 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Yewdale aims to centre early years learning on play that makes room for children's own ideas. Maple Class is the school's nursery provision in Carlisle, taking children from the term following their third birthday, with entry points in April, September and January.
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Yewdale aims to combine planned learning with flexibility. Yewdale aims to build learning around play and take children's suggestions into account. For parents, the emphasis is on practical experiences and developing independence, alongside children's social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth.
Children's starting points matter. The school aims to draw on what each child already knows and has experienced, rather than treating everyone as starting from the same place. Yewdale also aims to provide hands-on learning and help children become resourceful and willing to keep trying.
Behaviour also features in the curriculum aims. Yewdale aims to model responsibility, resilience and respect, giving children examples of how to act alongside others. These aims connect personal development with learning.
In September 2023, Ofsted found that early years children benefited from engaging activities and received support that helped them begin their education positively. That finding supports the emphasis on learning through activity.
Settling was a positive feature in September 2023: children in the early years became comfortable quickly and were happy. This matters for families making the first move from home into a school setting.
A nursery class teaching role is held by a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA). Parents can email the class team or speak with them at collection and drop-off, providing a direct opportunity to raise questions. The early years approach also aims for communication in both directions between families and school.
For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents can contact the school's SENCO through the office. Yewdale aims to make each family's longer-term hopes part of planning the child's next steps.
Lunch offers a practical choice: children may bring a packed lunch, or have lunch for an additional charge. Families using paid hours should account for lunch separately.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process.
Cumberland Council's Citizen Portal is the recommended application route; email and postal applications are alternatives. For September 2026 entry, the application window ran from 3 September 2025 to 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Treat the Reception application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
Half-day and full-day attendance options are offered. Children can use 15 to 30 government-funded childcare hours. If a family has used its allocated funded hours, or is not entitled to 30 funded hours, additional attendance can be paid for directly through the school. Contact the school for current charges.
EYFS uniform includes a white polo shirt, with charcoal grey trousers, a skirt or pinafore, and a grey jumper or cardigan edged in royal blue. Shoes must be black; trainers are excluded.
The nursery is on Yewdale Road, Carlisle, CA2 7SD. Contact the office on 01228 830036 or at admin@yewdale.cumbria.sch.uk. School tours can be arranged by telephone or email for a mutually convenient time.
Children can start from the term after their third birthday. Entry points are September, January and April.
Yes. Children can use 15 to 30 government-funded childcare hours. Paid top-ups are offered if allocated hours have been used or a family is not entitled to 30 funded hours.
Children can bring a packed lunch or have lunch for an additional charge.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal school admissions process. Cumberland Council's Citizen Portal is the recommended route.
Phone 01228 830036 or email admin@yewdale.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a school tour at a mutually convenient time.
