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Nursery at Hensingham 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly library visits and stories woven into half-term themes give Hensingham’s nursery a clear literary thread. This is the school’s own nursery provision in Whitehaven, with early years teaching organised around play, shared experiences and activities guided by adults. Children have room to explore, alongside purposeful teaching.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its April 2024 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The early years team includes an EYFS teacher and a higher level teaching assistant.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early number work and literacy with movement, communication, relationships, creativity and discovering the world. Here, learning combines play with adult direction. Half-term themes sit within a rolling programme lasting two years, and parents contribute information about their children’s interests. That gives families a part in shaping the experiences offered.
Books connect these themes to language. Children visit the library each week, while classroom reading corners give them somewhere to choose a book. The Hensingham Mirrors and Windows collection aims to help children recognise themselves in stories and encounter lives different from their own. Books become a starting point for conversations about identity and other people.
Early writing includes making marks and developing strength in the fingers, arms and core before writing takes shape. The 2025/2026 nursery maths programme uses White Rose Maths, with work on comparing quantities, shapes, position and repeating patterns. These are concrete foundations: noticing differences, handling objects and recognising what comes next.
In April 2024, children in early years listened attentively during stories and were beginning to learn how to cooperate and negotiate. Learning to share ideas and reach agreement forms part of the day alongside early literacy and maths.
Children settled quickly in early years in April 2024. For parents, that offers reassurance about the start of school life, while remaining a finding from that period. Class Dojo provides communication with families and shares children’s learning experiences, giving parents a connection to what happens during the day.
The school’s SEND approach starts with the class teacher monitoring progress. Where difficulties persist, parents help complete an Early Help Assessment and an Academic Adventure Plan with learning targets. The SENCO monitors support and can seek advice from outside specialists. Specialist equipment and seating are provided when needed for access, so support can involve practical adjustments as well as teaching.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Cumberland Council’s Citizen Portal is the recommended route; email and postal applications are also accepted.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
The school office handles enquiries on 01946 690021 or office@hensingham.cumbria.sch.uk. School visits can be arranged for a mutually suitable time, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before deciding.
Children need a water bottle containing water rather than juice. Weather clothing, including coats, wellies and sun hats, should be labelled. PE kits remain at school for the half term. These small preparations help children take part comfortably and keep their belongings identifiable.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal school admissions process.
Cumberland Council’s Citizen Portal is the recommended route. Applications can also be submitted by email or post.
Children learn through play, shared experiences and adult-guided activities within the EYFS. Themes, books, early mark making and maths form part of the learning.
Class Dojo is used for communication and sharing children’s learning experiences. Parents also contribute information about their child’s interests.
Yes. Contact the school to arrange a visit at a mutually suitable time.
