Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School Nursery, Kendal

Play and conversation give Little Deanies its character. This nursery at Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School provides education and childcare for children aged 3 to 4, with Nursery and Reception grouped under Robins Class. It operates in term time, with wraparound care extending the hours families can book.

The nursery says it values each child’s individuality and each family, aiming to build confidence and respect for differences. That gives its approach a clear emphasis on belonging alongside learning.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play provides opportunities to practise sharing, solve problems together and develop language. The school aims to develop emotional, social and creative skills through these experiences. Planning in early years follows children’s interests, and the timetable can adapt to what they need to learn.

Stories, rhymes and songs are concrete features of Nursery learning. At the June 2024 inspection, children developed spoken language through these activities, while adults supported their learning through conversations during play. This connects everyday interaction with preparation for later phonics learning: talking and listening have a purpose beyond the activity itself.

Art planning uses the CUSP Curriculum from Nursery onwards. Alongside the emphasis on play, this gives creative learning a named curriculum structure rather than leaving it solely to spontaneous activities.

Leadership of the EYFS room sits with the headteacher, who also holds the designated safeguarding lead role. A deputy safeguarding lead provides cover and support, and the school has a SENCo. These roles give families distinct routes for raising concerns about protection or additional needs.

Safeguarding responsibilities include staff training and recruitment checks. Nursery registration includes an All About Me form and consent for Tapestry. The former gives families a way to introduce their child as an individual before attendance begins.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions route and meet the deadline for their child’s intake.

For September 2026 entry, applications went online through Westmorland and Furness Council, with a closing date of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Families choosing Dean Gibson as their first preference were also asked to complete school admission forms alongside the council application. Nursery registration therefore needs to be kept separate from the application for a school place.

Term-time opening, including wraparound care, runs from 7.45am to 6pm Monday to Thursday; Friday hours are 8am to 5pm. The earlier finish on Fridays matters when arranging a working week.

Families indicate their required hours on the nursery registration form. Additional hours beyond funded hours are charged separately; contact the school for current charges. This makes the requested booking pattern an important part of registration.

Nursery tours can be booked through the school office on 01539 723363 or by emailing admin@deangibson.cumbria.sch.uk. Completed registration forms can be returned to the office or sent by email. A tour offers a practical first step before choosing hours and submitting the forms.