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Nursery at Waberthwaite CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, rhymes and learning through play give Waberthwaite’s nursery its character. This is nursery provision within Waberthwaite CofE School in Waberthwaite, Millom, with a Church of England identity. Children can join from the start of the term containing their third birthday, so their first experience of school can begin before they turn three.
In November 2024, Ofsted described an early-years environment where children were settled and calm, with understandable expectations and routines helping them get started. That gives families a concrete picture of the atmosphere around the youngest learners, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Early reading begins with listening and joining in. The November 2024 inspection identified songs and rhymes as the nursery’s introduction to letter sounds. These are accessible ways for young children to become familiar with the sounds they will later use in reading.
Little Wandle provides the named approach to early reading. Nursery books are selected by the class teacher to suit children’s learning within that scheme. Reading together at home is encouraged, giving parents a practical part in their child’s growing interest in books.
Play also carries mathematical ideas. In its 2024 early-years examples, the school described children exploring triangles, circles and language about position. An ice cream parlour and block construction featured in the activities. These examples show how shape and spatial language can become part of something children make or pretend, rather than an isolated exercise.
Support has a physical home in the school’s quiet room, which doubles as a sensory space and a place for group work. It also provides somewhere children can pause and reflect. For a child with sensory needs, that creates an alternative space within the school environment.
The staff team includes teachers and teaching assistants with a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism. Families can discuss additional needs with the SEND co-ordinator; the school also directs parents towards SENDIASS for impartial advice and help preparing for meetings. External agencies may be involved with family permission, including Family Action. These are school support arrangements, rather than a promise that each nursery child receives a particular intervention.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Session availability. Demand is high and some sessions have a waiting list. Contacting the school early is therefore a practical step when planning childcare.
Families can use some or all of their 15 or 30 hours of childcare entitlement here, subject to eligibility. Funding begins in the term following the third birthday; attendance before funding starts carries a charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 01229717664 or admin@waberthwaite.cumbria.sch.uk. The school address is Waberthwaite, Millom, LA19 5YJ.
Children can start at the beginning of the term in which they turn three.
Yes. Families can use some or all of their 15 or 30 hours of entitlement, subject to eligibility. Funding starts in the term after the child turns three.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process by its deadline.
Little Wandle is the named scheme. The class teacher selects suitable nursery books, and songs and rhymes introduce letter sounds.
Contact the school office on 01229717664 or admin@waberthwaite.cumbria.sch.uk. Some sessions have a waiting list.
