Castle Park School Nursery Review

Rhymes, pretend play and outdoor movement give Castle Park’s nursery its character. Early education starts from age two within Castle Park School on Sedbergh Drive in Kendal, with Ducklings and the Kingfishers preschool forming its nursery provision. The emphasis is on learning to communicate, exploring materials and gaining confidence with other children.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 22 and 23 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings language, physical development, relationships and creative learning together. Ducklings’ learning includes recognising everyday noises, responding to simple instructions and using speech to express needs and feelings. Comparing a drum with a shaker gives listening a concrete purpose. Pretending to cook dinner gives conversation one too.

Stories and singing feature prominently. In October 2024, children’s early years learning drew extensively on songs, rhymes and shared stories. Nursery sound activities include listening to instruments, exploring rhythm and playing with the voice, alongside practising how to join sounds together or separate them. These are foundations for later reading rather than a demand to read independently.

Kingfishers’ creative learning includes singing complete songs, controlling the volume of instruments and taking part in pretend play. Children are encouraged to talk about their responses to music as well as make it. The focus connects expression with listening to other people.

Physical exploration has its own place. Outdoor provision includes obstacle equipment using blocks and planks, while Friends of Castle Park has funded an early years climbing frame. These give children opportunities to practise larger movements. Indoors, dressing-up coats with zips connect hand skills with everyday independence.

Gentle encouragement matters for the youngest children. In October 2024, adults in the classroom for two-year-olds helped children try activities and build confidence. Ducklings has a nursery manager, alongside nursery support staff.

For additional needs, the school’s SENDCo and assistant SENDCo can be reached through the office. Parents can also use Class Dojo to raise concerns with teachers or the SENDCo. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, giving families a part in decisions about their child’s help. Where additional intimate care is needed, arrangements are agreed with parents and require their consent.

Food routines include a morning portion of fruit or vegetables for early years children through the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. The school encourages regular water drinking and asks for a labelled plastic bottle.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process. The council’s Citizen Portal is the recommended route; families unable to apply online can request an application form by email.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is past. Familiarity with the school should be kept separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Contact the school office on 01539790440 or email admin@castle-park.cumbria.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. A school visit can be arranged at a time agreed with the family, offering an opportunity to see the setting before deciding.

Refer to the school for current nursery charges.