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Nursery at Grasslot Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An Outdoor Reading Shed and story props give Grasslot’s youngest children a practical starting point for enjoying books. Little Sunbeams accepts children from their second birthday, alongside the school’s Nursery provision for children aged three to four. Both belong to Grasslot Infant School in Maryport.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024. This covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children, including those in the two-year-old provision, showed sustained attention and persistence: useful foundations for joining activities and keeping going when something proves difficult.
Play shapes the morning. Children choose activities and also work with adults, using learning spaces inside and outdoors. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides both Little Sunbeams and Nursery. In practice, this brings together learning to communicate, getting along with others, movement, early reading and number work.
Books travel between nursery and home. Each child receives a Reading Together record, and the Outdoor Reading Shed allows daily book swaps. Nursery children also take home a Story Sack containing a familiar tale and objects for retelling it; Little Sunbeams families practise the nursery rhyme being learned that week. These give parents something specific to share, repeat and talk about.
Creative work includes painting, craft and salt dough. Early years children have used local shells and pebbles to make pictures and patterns. Mathematical activities include sorting, matching and comparing quantities up to five, while a classroom shop gives children a way to explore money through pretend play. Mark-making extends into the outdoor area, with larger movements developed before finer hand control and letter formation.
Curriculum sequencing. In June 2024, some early years learning lacked sufficiently precise decisions about the knowledge children should gain and its order. That limited how effectively activities could build on earlier learning. This is a relevant consideration alongside the concrete play and reading opportunities.
A daily snack comes with water or milk in both groups. Baking and snacks related to learning themes add variety, supported by a requested termly donation. Children can stay for lunch, with morning-only attendees collected at 12.30. Lunches can be booked in advance through School Money, giving families an online option when arranging a longer morning.
For developmental concerns, the class teacher is the first contact. The school’s SEND coordinator works with families, staff and external agencies, providing a route for discussing additional needs. Across the school, parents can communicate with teaching staff through email or Tapestry; communication books are used where more frequent updates are needed. These channels allow concerns to be raised between face-to-face conversations.
Attending Grasslot’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; school admissions are arranged through the Cumberland Council School Admissions Team. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.
Class changes have their own support. The school uses move-up days and offers additional transition and teacher-meeting sessions when a child finds a move difficult. That is support with adjustment, separate from the allocation of a Reception place.
Both Little Sunbeams and Nursery run from 8.30 to 11.30. Children with a qualifying 30-hour code can remain until 3.00 on four days each week. An additional afternoon including lunch is offered for a charge. Ask the school for current charges when choosing a pattern.
The school describes up to 15 funded hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds from the term following their third birthday, with another 15 hours for eligible children. Funding options for two-year-olds can be discussed with the office.
To enquire or arrange a personalised tour, contact the school office on 01900 812268 or admin@grasslot.cumbria.sch.uk. Applications for Little Sunbeams are also handled through the office.
Children can join from their second birthday. Grasslot also has Nursery provision for children aged three to four.
Both groups run from 8.30 to 11.30. Children with a qualifying 30-hour code can stay until 3.00 on four days a week. Morning children staying for lunch can be collected at 12.30.
Children have a Reading Together record and can swap books daily at the Outdoor Reading Shed. Nursery children take home Story Sacks, while Little Sunbeams families practise a rhyme from that week’s learning.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal school admissions process, arranged through the Cumberland Council School Admissions Team.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01900 812268 or admin@grasslot.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a personalised tour.
