Carnforth Community Primary School Nursery

Wellies and outdoor exploration give Carnforth's nursery its character. Children learn outdoors each week whatever the weather, alongside practical experiences indoors. This is provision for children who learn by trying things, talking about them and following their curiosity.

Nursery children belong to Squirrel Class alongside Reception children within Carnforth Community Primary School. The class has a full-time teacher and a full-time teaching assistant, with other teaching assistants working across early years and Key Stage 1. That places the nursery within the school's early years team rather than apart from it.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 6 and 7 February 2024. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and practical exploration shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines development in movement, relationships and communication with early mathematics, literacy, creativity and understanding the world. For parents, the emphasis is on children developing language and ideas through things they do themselves.

Adult-led activities sit alongside time when children choose their own learning, using both outdoor and indoor classrooms. Exploring and experimenting give children something concrete to discuss. The balance allows room for their interests as well as teaching directed by adults.

The woodland area adds another setting for discovery. In February 2024, early years children took part in activities including watching birds, making dens and planting bulbs. These experiences helped children understand nature and build resilience. Outdoor learning has a clear purpose here.

Stories also feature in the early years approach, with daily chances to read and tell stories together with adults and other children. Red Rose Letters and Sounds is the phonics programme used across EYFS, with daily teaching in groups organised by learning phase. Groups are reconsidered after half-termly assessments, so teaching can follow children's developing knowledge.

Zones of Regulation gives children a shared vocabulary for emotions. Lessons proceed at a pace suited to the class, and regulation stations are present throughout the school. Consistent language from adults is intended to help children recognise feelings and manage their responses.

Support with routines. In February 2024, some staff lacked confidence in helping children follow classroom expectations. Low-level disruption, especially in early years, was sometimes handled inconsistently and interrupted learning. Families should weigh this finding alongside the early years judgement.

For additional needs, the school's SENDCo also holds the Inclusion Lead role and can be contacted through the office. This gives parents a clear point of contact for discussing support.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Nursery booking and Reception admission are distinct decisions.

Learning alongside Reception children in Squirrel Class provides familiarity with the early years class. That shared class arrangement should be considered separately from securing a school place.

Nursery booking starts with an Initial Booking Request Form returned to the school. Families then receive a Confirmation of Booking and a Parental Agreement to complete, giving the booking process a clear sequence.

To arrange a visit, telephone 01524 732435. General enquiries can also go through the school office or its email contact form. The school is on North Road in Carnforth, LA5 9LQ.