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Nursery at Tebay 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies, waterproof suits and the freedom to move between classroom and outdoors give Tebay’s nursery a practical, exploratory character. Nursery children belong to Little Acorns, alongside Reception children, within the Acorns Unit. This is school-based early education from age three, with play and growing independence shaping the experience.
A teacher, higher level teaching assistants and a teaching assistant support the unit. The mixed Nursery/Reception arrangement puts the next stage of school life close by, but choosing the nursery and obtaining a Reception place remain separate decisions.
Children can choose between indoor and outdoor play, including going outside in different weather. Messy exploration is part of the provision, so spare clothes have a purpose here. Waterproof suits and wellies are supplied for outdoor use, helping children take part while keeping their own clothing protected.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with adults, practical experiences and play. Its seven connected areas cover movement, relationships and communication alongside early reading and writing, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Themes follow a two-year cycle, and parents contribute knowledge of their children’s interests. Nursery topics include Wonderful Winter and People who help us, giving exploration a recognisable focus.
Curious Quest supports early language and imaginative writing. Before writing becomes the focus, children work on the larger movements and hand control it requires; mark-making gives them opportunities to practise. Weekly library visits bring books into the routine, with an enchanted forest theme giving the school library a distinctive setting.
Creative work includes exploring texture, colour and shape through the Kapow EYFS framework. Construction kits and other materials introduce making and building, while early science includes investigating materials, watching plants and animals, and noticing seasonal changes. These are concrete ways for children to test ideas through play.
Parents can accompany children when they first start, with staff then encouraging them to manage coat pegs and morning routines independently. Independence also extends to asking for the toilet, getting dressed and fastening coats. The nursery’s expectation is that children should ideally be using a potty or toilet trained.
Fresh fruit and milk are provided during the morning. School lunches use a rotating menu; meal payments go through ParentMail. For children staying over lunch, eating is part of the shared school routine.
Tapestry records learning through observations of children’s activities, giving families a record of their development. Teachers can speak with parents at the day’s end, and longer conversations can be arranged through the office. That makes everyday exchanges and more detailed discussions distinct options.
For SEND concerns, the first contact is the class teacher, with the SEND coordinator involved as needed. Parents help develop an Academic Adventure Plan with learning targets; persistent concerns can lead to a SEND Early Help Assessment, shared with parental consent. This gives families an active part in planning support. Safeguarding queries can go to the school’s safeguarding team, and Tebay participates in Operation Encompass to support children exposed to domestic abuse.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Westmorland and Furness Council’s Citizen Portal is the online route, with an application form available by email for families unable to apply online.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. Sharing Little Acorns with Reception children makes the next stage part of the nursery’s everyday surroundings, but this classroom arrangement does not secure admission.
Nursery children are met by staff at the playground gate and collected there too. The school’s doors open at 8:45am, teaching starts at 9:00am and the school finishes at 3:30pm. These are school-day timings rather than a nursery booking pattern.
Bring a labelled change of clothes and weather-appropriate outerwear for messy and outdoor play. School uniform includes a sweatshirt, a white or green polo shirt and black footwear. The unit supplies PE clothing, with parents providing black trainers.
To enquire or arrange a school visit, contact the office on 015396 24239 or email admin@tebay.cumbria.sch.uk. Visits are arranged for a mutually suitable time.
Nursery children are part of Little Acorns, together with Reception children, within the Acorns Unit.
Yes. Children can move freely between indoors and outdoors, and the unit provides wellies and waterproof suits. Bring suitable outerwear and a labelled change of clothes.
Children receive fresh fruit and milk in the morning.
Tapestry records observations of children’s learning. Teachers are available for conversations after school, with longer meetings arranged through the office.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Families can apply through Westmorland and Furness Council’s Citizen Portal, or request an application form by email if they cannot apply online.
