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Nursery at Dearham 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Songs, stories and rhymes give Dearham’s nursery a clear starting point: learning to listen. This is the nursery provision within Dearham Primary School in Dearham, Maryport, where the school’s age range begins at three.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 23 and 24 April 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately graded nursery.
Listening has a practical purpose here. In April 2025, nursery children practised recognising sounds through rhymes, songs and stories, building foundations for later phonics learning. The emphasis is on hearing and paying attention before formal reading instruction. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of early literacy: spoken language and sound awareness come first.
Exploration also matters. Children in early years enjoyed investigating activities prepared by adults in April 2025, alongside learning to pay attention. These are tangible examples of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) in action: developing learning through activities and interaction.
Creative work adds another dimension. In March 2023, nursery children painted daffodils, a specific example of making pictures around a seasonal subject. It offers a glimpse of expressive activity alongside the nursery’s work on listening.
Settling begins with contact at home. Children joining Nursery receive a visit from their class teacher and another early years team member. Staff can see the child in familiar surroundings, while parents have an opportunity to explain needs, routines and other information they want the team to understand.
For additional needs, the school’s support structure brings together the class teacher, SENDCo and parents. Concerns go first to the teacher; the SENDCo can then seek advice from outside services where appropriate. Parents are involved in decisions about referrals. Support plans identify needs and set targets that are reviewed with families and professionals, giving parents a role in shaping the support.
Small group work, individual help and specialist programmes are possible, depending on the child’s needs. The school also works with health visitors and professionals at Footsteps Child Development Centre. Physical care facilities include two accessible toilets, with a changing bed in one.
An April 2025 improvement action concerned subject leaders’ understanding of curriculum impact, including for children with SEND. For families considering additional support, how staff review learning and adjust provision is a useful focus for discussion.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Cumberland Council, with requests due by mid January. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions: familiarity with the school does not itself secure admission.
Nursery enquiries go directly to the school. Contact the office on 01900 812518 or email admin.dearham@changinglives.education. Visits can also be arranged through the office, allowing families to meet the team and discuss their child’s needs before applying.
They practise listening for sounds through stories, rhymes and songs, developing foundations for later phonics learning.
Yes. The class teacher and another early years staff member visit children joining Nursery, giving parents an opportunity to share information.
Start with the child’s class teacher. The SENDCo can provide further advice and seek specialist input where appropriate.
No. A separate application through Cumberland Council is required, with requests due by mid January.
Contact the school office on 01900 812518 or email admin.dearham@changinglives.education.
