Netherton Infant School Nursery Review

A classroom built for two-year-olds, outdoor exploration and stories acted out with puppets give Nethertots its character. This is the youngest part of Netherton Infant School’s nursery provision on Rydal Avenue in Maryport, alongside the main Nursery class. Nethertots has furniture and resources suited to its age group, plus a large outside area, so the physical space matches the children using it.

Care and communication are central strengths. At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the youngest children gained confidence, developed their language and learnt to share through sensitive adult support. Those are useful foundations for joining the main Nursery class.

Play shapes the Nethertots morning. Children choose activities themselves, while adults also guide tasks that develop coordination, imaginative play and creativity. Movement and music sit alongside outdoor activity. A daily group session brings stories and songs together, with puppets and props giving children something concrete to follow as they listen.

Tuesday brings Makaton Story and Rhyme Time: games, storytelling and songs introduce signs and symbols as another way to communicate. Enjoy-a-Ball takes place on Friday mornings. One Bear Hunt activity combined fork painting with a cornflour-and-paint mixture, then challenged children to retrieve toy bears. Messy play has a purpose here: fingers work, children investigate materials and a familiar story becomes something they can do.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects physical development, language and learning about the world through practical experiences. Nursery examples include painting self-portraits after studying faces in mirrors, planting snowdrops and discussing what happens to ingredients while making Gruffalo Crumble. These activities give children reasons to observe closely and describe what they notice.

Early writing starts with movement and marks. The school uses Talk for Writing across its classes, building familiarity with language through oral retelling. Before formal writing, children strengthen their hands through Funky Finger activities and make large marks with crayons, chalk and brushes outdoors. Books extend beyond the classroom too: early-years families receive library books and rhyming bags, with related stories and home activities shared through Tapestry.

Settling begins with a one-hour introductory slot for Nethertots children, followed by arrangements adjusted to the child and family. In July 2024, two-year-olds were comfortable separating from parents because they felt secure. This makes the gradual start a practical part of care rather than simply an introductory appointment.

Toilet training receives support at different stages. Nethertots has changing facilities, potties and toilets for its own children, allowing care routines to fit their development. Snacks are provided, with a donation requested. Children taking the optional extension to noon need a packed lunch.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the July 2024 findings describe early identification in the early years and communication with families and relevant professionals to arrange specialist help. Parents also have access to Cumberland’s SEND Local Offer through the school’s SEND page.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child’s next year.

Within nursery, the youngest children practise sharing and playing alongside others, developing readiness for the main Nursery class. That developmental progression is separate from the allocation of a Reception place.

Nethertots mornings run from 8:30am to 11:30am. Children with a funded Nethertots place receive 15 hours each week; paid sessions are also offered. An optional paid extension runs to noon. The main Nursery has 15-hour and 30-hour patterns, with the longer day running from 8:30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

For enquiries, telephone 01900 812709 or email admin@nethinf.cumbria.sch.uk. The contact page also has an enquiry form. Refer to the school for current charges when arranging paid sessions or the lunchtime extension.