Lazonby C of E Primary School Nursery

Daily outdoor play and a shared nursery and Reception classroom define the early years experience at Lazonby. Children can join in the term following their third birthday, becoming part of the Church of England primary school in Lazonby, near Penrith. The combined class means nursery children share their learning setting with the next age group.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 25 and 26 January 2023. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and planned activities work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covers children's communication, physical development and relationships, alongside early reading and writing, maths, creative expression and understanding their surroundings. Staff use children's interests and needs to shape activities, giving their emerging enthusiasms a place in the learning day.

Indoors and outdoors both have resources chosen to support developing skills. Children use the outdoor area daily, so outdoor learning is part of the routine rather than an occasional extra. The nursery's approach combines exploration, active participation and opportunities to think through ideas: children learn through doing as well as through more structured tasks.

In January 2023, early years children followed established routines successfully and behaved well. This matters in a shared class, where learning to participate and consider other children is part of everyday life. There was also a teaching concern: subject leaders needed further training in some recently introduced curriculums, including their leadership of learning in the early years. Across the school, staff also needed more support to teach a small number of subjects consistently well.

Settling starts before entry. Children are invited to transition sessions tailored to them, recognising that different children need different ways into school life. The nursery works with parents through this process, and uses Tapestry as one way to connect its understanding of children with their learning at home.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support involves parents, class teachers and the SENCO, with outside specialists involved where needed. In January 2023, additional needs were identified promptly, including in the early years, and staff received information to help them support children. School facilities include access ramps, changing facilities and an accessible toilet; some classrooms have wheelchair access.

School meals are prepared in the school's kitchen and served in the hall. Packed lunches are another option. Parents order meals online or at school and should give advance notice of special diets, including vegetarian requirements. Breakfast club normally serves cereal and toast, with milk or water. Breakfast service ends at 08:30, which matters when planning an early start.

Attending Lazonby's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery entry and Reception admission are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception application route by the applicable deadline.

Sharing a classroom with Reception offers familiarity with that learning setting. It should be understood as part of the nursery experience, rather than an admissions advantage. Children with SEND can have personalised transition programmes where needed, shared with parents and the staff involved.

From Monday to Friday, nursery sessions run from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 15:30, with lunch between 12:00 and 13:00. Flexible childcare extends from 07:45 to 17:30: breakfast club runs until 08:45, and after school club starts at 15:30. Both clubs operate during term time.

The nursery offers 15 or up to 30 funded childcare hours. Breakfast and after school clubs are charged separately; contact the school for current charges. Club bookings use a form specifying days and times. Regular bookings continue without a weekly reminder, while extra days depend on capacity. Booking ahead is preferable because a same-day place is conditional on staffing ratios.

Breakfast club drop-off is through the main door. After school club collection requires signing children out. To enquire or arrange a look round, call 01768 898458 or email office@lazonby.cumbria.sch.uk.