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Nursery at Lindale 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Tree stump seats for snack time, a reading nook and an outdoor stage give Lindale’s nursery a character built around movement, stories and imaginative play. This is afternoon nursery provision within the school’s Early Years classroom, with children learning alongside Reception. Entry begins in the term after a child’s third birthday; the provision has space for 12 nursery children.
The school’s own nursery and Lindale Muddy Boots Nursery have different roles. Muddy Boots operates from the School House, providing morning sessions from age two and lunchtime care. That partnership gives families a way to combine provision across the day. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024, rather than awarding a separate nursery grade.
Play has distinct spaces here. Children can invent scenarios in the role play area, create stories together using small world resources, or choose a book in the nook. A carpet area provides another place for reading and learning. Outdoors, the stage makes room for performance, while climbing equipment gives children opportunities to tackle physical challenges and solve problems.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings these activities together. Its starting points are learning to communicate, developing movement and coordination, and building relationships and confidence with feelings. Literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world extend that foundation. Staff watch children’s play, interests and progress, then use those observations to adapt learning for individuals.
Outdoor learning extends to the school grounds, local park and woodland within the Foundation Stage programme. An Early Years garden activity describes children digging, raking and gathering stones, then investigating water in a flooded hole. These are concrete ways to explore materials and change. Songs and rhymes also matter: in February 2024, nursery children enjoyed taking part, helping prepare them for later phonics learning.
Curriculum precision. In February 2024, some early years learning lacked a sufficiently clear sequence of essential knowledge. This left gaps that made subsequent learning harder for some children. Families should weigh that concern alongside the opportunities for exploration and play.
Relationships provide the starting point for settling. In February 2024, staff established warm connections quickly with children joining nursery. Lindale’s parent communication includes informal discussions about learning and an autumn meeting that gives families time to discuss settling with the teacher. This creates a specific opportunity to talk through the move into a new class.
For children with additional needs, the school invites families to discuss individual support and access. Its SEN and Disability information page also links to the Westmorland and Furness SEND advice service and local offer.
Afternoon snacks include fruit provided free for Early Years children, and milk is free for children younger than five. Children should also bring water bottles. The school’s meal service uses Old School Kitchen, with a roast on Wednesdays and the option to alternate school meals with lunches brought from home.
Attending Lindale’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
Sharing the Early Years classroom means nursery children already learn alongside Reception children. That continuity concerns familiar surroundings and classmates; it does not secure admission.
Afternoon provision is the school nursery’s session pattern. Before and after school care is also offered, while morning nursery and lunchtime care are provided through Lindale Muddy Boots Nursery.
For nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the school office on 015395 33480 or admin@lindale.cumbria.sch.uk. Toddler Taster sessions give children aged two to four a chance to try stories and themed activities in the Early Years classroom with a parent or carer. They run from 10.30 to 11.30am; contact the school office to book a place.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. The school nursery operates in the afternoons.
They share the Early Years classroom with Reception children. Learning spaces include a reading nook, role play and small world areas, plus an outdoor stage and climbing area.
No. Families need to make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process.
Lindale Muddy Boots Nursery, based in the School House, offers morning nursery sessions from age two and lunchtime care. The school provides afternoon nursery and offers before and after school care.
Toddler Taster sessions are for children aged two to four accompanied by a parent or carer. Sessions run from 10.30 to 11.30am; contact the school office to book.
