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Nursery at Maryport 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A bike road track, climbing frame and outdoor paint panels give Maryport’s early years provision a distinctly practical character. There is room to move, make and experiment. Little Acorns welcomes children once they turn two, while entry to Nursery starts from the half term in which a child turns three. Both belong to Maryport CofE Primary School on Camp Road.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. That is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating. The provision combines the school’s Christian values with learning through practical exploration.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum for both the two-year-old provision and Nursery. Practical investigation is part of that learning: children explore problems, make decisions together and develop their understanding of the world, with adults observing and helping them extend these skills.
Dough Disco, pegging and threading develop the finger control needed for later writing. Larger movements work on strength in the arms, shoulders and body. Maths follows White Rose Maths Hub planning in small steps, beginning with objects children can handle before moving towards pictures and abstract ideas. These are concrete ways to build skills before expecting children to work on paper.
For World Poetry Day 2021, Nursery children explored Rumble in the Jungle through animal masks and a dance. Making the masks involved scissors, glue and tape: a specific example of how a story can become practice in handling tools and materials.
Outside, Pentagon Play installed the climbing frame and bike road track. A mud kitchen, woodwork bench and paint panels add places for making and imaginative play; planters and a wooden gardening shed bring gardening into the space. The variety matters: outdoor learning has provision for physical activity, creativity and investigation.
Reading also involves parents. The March 2023 inspection described story sack sessions for Nursery parents, giving them a way to share in their children’s early reading. Children in early years followed familiar routines and showed kindness and consideration towards others.
Additional needs are identified from early years, and children with SEND received effective support in March 2023. The school’s SEND arrangements include targeted help, updates for parents during the year and collaboration with health professionals, community organisations and the local authority. Families can discuss concerns with the class teacher and SENDCo.
Emotional support extends across the school’s classes through a Learning Mentor trained in ELSA, or Emotional Literacy Support Assistant work. The Rainbow room provides somewhere to relax and discuss worries. Parents can arrange a conversation through the office, creating a direct route to support when difficulties affect a child’s time at school.
All staff have Level 1 safeguarding training, with further training for the senior safeguarding team. This gives responsibility a defined team structure.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority admissions process. Maryport’s Reception applications go through the Local Authority; the School Admissions and Appeals Team provides application help. Choosing Nursery therefore needs to be considered separately from securing a school place.
Little Acorns runs each afternoon in term time, from 12:15 to 15:15. An application form can be obtained at the school office. For non-funded two-year-olds, payment in full is required when booking, and sessions must be booked by lunchtime on the preceding Friday. Eligible two-year-olds can access the provision’s advertised 15 funded hours.
Nursery enquiries go through the business manager. Contact the school on 01900 812299 or email admin@maryport.cumbria.sch.uk.
The school's uniform is a navy jumper, grey bottoms and a white polo, with black footwear. A logo is optional. Clothing should be labelled, and children are asked to keep wellies at school for outdoor play.
Little Acorns accepts children once they turn two. Nursery entry starts from the half term in which a child turns three.
Sessions run from 12:15 to 15:15 each afternoon during term time.
The early years playground includes a bike road track, climbing frame, paint panels, mud kitchen, woodwork bench, gardening shed and planters.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority admissions process.
Contact the school’s business manager through the office on 01900 812299 or at admin@maryport.cumbria.sch.uk.
