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Nursery at Culgaith 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, early phonics and learning beside older children shape Culgaith’s nursery. The established provision sits in Class 1 alongside Reception and Year 1, with nursery children also taking part in worship and shared playtimes. This is a nursery woven into school life, giving children contact with older pupils while retaining an approach led by play.
Children currently join from age three. An expansion for children aged two and above has been announced, but the associated consultation describes the age change and a separate nursery room as proposals dependent on capital funding for alterations. Families should treat those plans separately from the established Class 1 arrangement. Ofsted graded early years provision Good at the inspection of 7 to 8 November 2023; this was a judgement within the school inspection.
The Early Years Framework connects play with the beginnings of literacy and number work. In parent terms, children practise early reading, writing and maths through activities that include role-play, art and learning outdoors. Sharing Class 1 brings these experiences into contact with older children’s learning rather than placing nursery in a separate setting.
Rocket Phonics gives the literacy work a named structure. Children in Class 1 practise forming sounds using materials such as foam, sand and paint, alongside short workbook activities and interactive games. They can also borrow a library book to enjoy with a parent. That combines practice with shared reading for pleasure.
Outdoor activity has practical support: the Early Years Classroom supplies waterproof jackets and trousers, and families provide wellies to keep at school. Swimming adds another physical experience, with nursery children included in two weeks of lessons at Askham Outdoor Pool, delivered by Woggle Goggle.
In November 2023, early years children began phonics immediately and built their sound knowledge daily. They also shared play resources and handled them carefully. A curriculum concern extended across the school: some subjects needed more precise detail about the small steps of knowledge to be taught.
Settling starts before the first nursery term. Children are invited to two induction sessions during the preceding term, while staff speak individually with parents. Nursery has three entry points across the year. Come and Play sessions offer another introduction, with children and their grown-ups joining stories, songs and creative activities.
Tapestry lets parents follow updates about their child’s learning. The Early Years team discusses developmental concerns with parents and the SEND coordinator, creating a route from an initial concern to additional support. A school sensory room is accessible to all children, with scheduled use for some children with SEND. The school building is only partly wheelchair accessible, an important consideration for families with mobility needs.
Food includes fruit or vegetables at morning break, milk for early years children and access to drinking water. Nursery children can have a school lunch or bring a healthy packed lunch. Meals follow a fortnightly rotation, and the office handles dietary requirements and allergies. Nursery lunches carry a charge unless the child qualifies for free school meals; ask the school for current charges.
Reception requires a separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families apply again through the normal admissions process, using the Common Application Form (SA1) or Westmorland and Furness Council’s online route. Allocation follows the school’s admissions policy and the council’s coordinated scheme.
Preparation is a separate matter. Children approaching Reception age have visit days, while the established nursery already shares Class 1 with Reception children. Those familiar experiences support the change of routine; they do not secure admission.
Contact the school office to enquire or arrange a visit. Come and Play runs twice monthly, from 2pm to 3pm, and welcomes babies and toddlers with their grown-ups.
Comfortable clothing suited to messy activity is the practical priority. Label belongings, provide supportive shoes and leave wellies at school. At collection, adults wait in the front playground; staff release children once they have identified the designated collector. Parents must notify the school when collection arrangements change.
The established entry age is three. Provision for children aged two and above has been announced, alongside a consultation describing a proposed age change and building alterations dependent on capital funding.
No. Families make a separate Reception application through the Common Application Form (SA1) or Westmorland and Furness Council’s online admissions route.
Two induction sessions take place in the term before entry, with individual conversations between staff and parents. Come and Play sessions provide another chance to become familiar with the setting.
Yes, or they can bring a healthy packed lunch. Nursery school meals are charged unless the child is eligible for free school meals. Discuss allergies and dietary requirements with the office.
The Early Years team uses Tapestry to share learning updates with parents. Developmental concerns are discussed with families and the SEND coordinator.
