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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ulverston
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, conversation and Catholic family life shape the nursery at St Mary's. Children aged two to four learn with a qualified teacher and teaching assistants, using a classroom, a spacious outdoor area and the wider school grounds. Nursery children also join whole-school events, giving them a place in school life from the start.
In March 2026, Ofsted judged early years to be at the Strong standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision. Communication is a clear strength: support for two- and three-year-olds develops their vocabulary effectively, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with activities guided by adults. Its starting points are learning to communicate, developing movement and building personal and social skills. Literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world extend those foundations. Activities respond to children's interests and individual needs, so the curriculum leaves room for different starting points.
Books are within children's reach in the class reading area, where nursery children choose what to explore. Stories, songs and rhymes develop listening and the language needed to talk about a story. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the phonics approach; nursery learning includes rhyme, syllables and blending sounds aloud. In March 2026, nursery children were beginning to connect letters with their sounds. This gives early reading a concrete starting point.
White Rose supports EYFS maths. Number stories, nursery rhymes and circle times sit alongside adult-guided activities and play, with practical maths also taken outside. Science uses CUSP and Developing Experts: children investigate materials, explore how things work and learn about growing plants. Classroom activities and work in the school grounds give them things to observe and discuss. Art adds paint, mark-making, colour mixing and simple models, allowing children to communicate ideas through materials as well as words.
Catholic learning is part of nursery life too. Themes include creation and families, with children reflecting on the natural world and the people close to them. Faith therefore has a place in their everyday learning.
Tapestry Online Journal connects home with nursery learning. Parents can see photographs and notes about their child's activities and add contributions themselves. That creates a practical way to share interests and experiences between home and the classroom.
By March 2026, early years children were able to settle into the day independently. Staff conversations helped children develop their thinking and work through problems, while vocabulary support for the youngest children with SEND was effective. The school's approach to additional needs starts with the class teacher, supported by the SENCO and headteacher, and involves parents and outside agencies.
Lunch can be ordered through School Gateway. Breakfast is provided at Breakfast Club, while the after-school club supplies snacks, making food part of the care offered around nursery sessions.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to St Mary's Reception class. Nursery admissions are handled by the school; Reception admissions are handled by the local authority. Families must make a separate Reception application through that route and meet the normal application deadline. Being familiar with the school through nursery activities should be kept separate from the decision about allocating a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.20pm. Full-day attendance and a morning-with-lunch option are also offered. Lunch sessions, school meals, the EYFS tuck shop and wraparound clubs carry charges; contact the school for current charges.
Funded nursery places are offered to eligible two- and three-year-olds. The school office handles enquiries about eligibility, applications and nursery vacancies. Nursery uniform is optional.
Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am to 8.30am and is available Monday to Friday. After-school care runs from 3.20pm to 5.30pm, with no Friday after-school club. Advance booking through the office is essential so staffing can be arranged. Club staff take children to class in the morning and collect them from classrooms afterwards.
Visits can be arranged through the office on 01229 583449 or by emailing admin@st-marys.cumbria.sch.uk. The nursery is at St Mary's on Springfield Road, Ulverston, LA12 0EA.
The nursery provides for children aged two to four, with a qualified teacher and teaching assistants.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.45am and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 3.20pm. Full-day attendance and morning-with-lunch attendance are also offered.
Yes, funded places are offered to eligible two- and three-year-olds. Contact the school office about eligibility and applying.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the local authority, which manages Reception admissions.
Parents can view photographs and learning notes through Tapestry Online Journal and contribute their own observations.
