Little Chicks Nursery at Our Lady of the Rosary

Play, conversation and Catholic life shape Little Chicks, the nursery at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Dalton-in-Furness. Children aged 2 to 4 are taught by a qualified teacher with teaching assistants. Full-time and part-time placements give families a choice of attendance pattern, while nursery children also join whole-school events. This is an introduction to school life through play.

The Ofsted report dated 14 April 2026 judged the early years provision Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The findings give particular weight to language development from age two, relationships with staff and respectful personal care.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for young children’s development. Talking and listening, movement, and learning to manage feelings and friendships come first. These support later learning about words, numbers, the world and creative expression. Activities respond to children’s interests and individual needs, with exploration and active play taking place outside as well as indoors.

Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the nursery’s Foundations for Phonics approach. Daily oral blending, stories and rhymes develop language and help children hear how sounds combine into words. Early years children can also choose a sharing book to take home, giving families a practical way to continue enjoying books together. White Rose Maths supports mathematics in EYFS.

Adult conversation matters here. The report dated 14 April 2026 found that staff used everyday exchanges to develop children’s communication rapidly, and adjusted teaching to suit the children they knew well. Early reading, writing and number understanding received close attention. Learning therefore has direction alongside the play.

Faith is part of the nursery’s experience too. Children have explored creation and their own families, linking learning about the world with the school’s Catholic character. Classrooms have spaces for prayer and liturgy, giving reflection a physical place within the learning environment.

Settling was a strength identified in the report dated 14 April 2026: early years children became comfortable with routines quickly and formed positive connections with adults. Personal care protected children’s dignity, and the EYFS welfare requirements were met. For families with younger children, that attention to care is as relevant as the learning activities.

Tapestry Online Journal gives parents photographs and notes about their child’s learning. There is also an open-door approach to discussing concerns with the school. For additional needs, support begins with the class teacher and involves the SENDCO, headteacher, parents and outside agencies. Ramps and a children’s disabled toilet support access to the school building.

Hot meals can be ordered through Lunchshop. The nursery’s September 2024 arrangements also included a separate lunchtime session, so lunch forms a distinct part of the attendance options.

A Little Chicks place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Local Authority; the school manages nursery admission itself. Treat these as two decisions, even when the preferred school stays the same.

The nursery works with families to support the move into primary school. That relationship supports continuity of care and communication, but it does not secure a Reception place.

The session arrangements dated September 2024 offered mornings from 9am to noon and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm for both age groups. Lunch ran from noon to 12.30pm. Breakfast and after-school provision were not usually available to two-year-olds under those arrangements.

Government-funded childcare depends on entitlement, and additional nursery sessions can be purchased. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery uniform is optional: a royal blue sweatshirt and polo shirt are available from Identity.

For nursery enquiries, contact the office on 01229 467987 or email admin@ourlady.cumbria.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged by calling or contacting the office, allowing families to meet the setting before choosing a place.