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Nursery at Cleator Moor Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories give Cleator Moor Nursery School its daily thread, while gardens and an indoor gym make room for movement. This is a nursery school in its own right, with two purpose-built classrooms: Rainbow Classroom for ages 2-3 and Nursery Classroom for ages 3-4. The wider age offer extends from 2 to 5. At the April 2026 inspection, 72 children were on roll; that is an enrolment figure, not a capacity limit.
Ofsted's April 2026 report awarded Strong standard for personal development and wellbeing, with Expected standard for curriculum and teaching, achievement and inclusion. The distinction matters: emotional development is a particular strength, while teaching and individual support still have specific points to address.
Attendance. The April 2026 report found that some children missed nursery when they could have attended. Leaders were asked to improve attendance so children benefit fully from teaching and wider experiences.
A weekly story shapes learning in Nursery Classroom, linking vocabulary with activities across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, learning brings together talking, movement, relationships, early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Children pursue their own play alongside activities led by adults, giving them opportunities both to explore interests and practise new skills.
Early reading has a clear sequence. Daily Letters & Sounds or phonics sessions depend on children's developmental stage; Supersonic Phonic Friends follows once the seven Letters and Sounds aspects are embedded. Books also feed into play, rather than being confined to a reading session. Tiny Tracker Learning Journeys help staff follow children's progress and plan their next steps.
The gardens provide space to explore, and the indoor gym supports physical activity. Learning also reaches beyond the classrooms: Nursery Classroom's trips have included Rosehill Theatre, Seascale Beach and Stocks Wood Outdoor Centre. These experiences give children places and events to talk about alongside their stories.
Language support. In April 2026, adult conversation did not consistently extend learning effectively, especially for children who were hesitant to talk. Families should weigh the language-focused curriculum alongside that teaching priority.
Each child has a named Key Person, providing a familiar adult to help them settle and feel secure. Questions about progress go first to the keyworker or nursery teacher. The staffing structure includes a nursery teacher, a lead for the younger classroom, teaching assistants and a curriculum and assessment manager.
Care includes practical help with feelings. In April 2026, staff responded warmly to upset children and worked with other agencies when additional emotional support was needed. Safeguarding standards were met. For children with SEND, staff worked with families and professionals on individual plans, although agreed targets needed to shape classroom teaching more consistently.
Food has named provision: Lingla Café prepares hot lunches for delivery each day. Children qualifying for Early Years Pupil Premium receive a hot meal free of charge. Breakfast Club serves fruit, yoghurt, cereals and bakery choices; After School Club provides a snack for children staying later than 3:30pm.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for Reception at their chosen primary school through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Preparation here centres on skills: daily early phonics and mathematics activities sit alongside language and physical development. These support the next stage of learning; they do not determine which primary school offers a place.
The funded-place offers list mornings from 9am to noon, afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm. Start times. Attendance guidance gives earlier starts of 8:30am for ages 2-3 and 8:45am for older children's mornings. Confirm the agreed arrival time when arranging attendance.
Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, with an 8:30am joining option. After School Club runs on weekdays from 3pm to 4pm. Contact hours are term-time weekdays.
Funding offers include 15-hour arrangements and, for working parents of children aged 3-4, a 30-hour arrangement. Paid sessions can supplement funding, and the 30-hour offer can include the clubs. Ask the school for current charges. Uniform jumpers and cardigans come through the office; families entitled to Early Years Pupil Premium receive one free each term. Visits are welcome, and nursery place enquiries go to the office on 01946 811189 or admin@cleatormoor.cumbria.sch.uk.
Rainbow Classroom serves ages 2-3, while Nursery Classroom serves ages 3-4. The school's wider offer is for children aged 2 to 5.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9am, and After School Club runs from 3pm to 4pm on weekdays.
Every child is allocated a named Key Person, a familiar adult who supports their sense of security and settling into nursery.
Hot lunches are prepared by Lingla Café and delivered daily. Children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium receive a hot meal free of charge.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process for the chosen primary school.
