Nursery at St James' CofE Infant and Nursery School

A reading shed beside the nursery doors gives families a practical way to carry story time home. Books can be borrowed from this outdoor spot, while Great Gable, the nursery class, encourages parents to share stories often. The emphasis is on conversation and vocabulary, rather than simply getting through a book.

This is the school's own nursery on High Street in Whitehaven, serving children aged three to four. Children can begin the day after turning three. Its Church of England character shapes the curriculum through values such as friendship, courage and kindness, giving families a clear sense of the school's religious context.

Play and adult guidance share the day. Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, using Development Matters 2021: children investigate, try ideas and learn through practical experiences. In parent terms, learning includes movement, relationships and communication alongside early number work, literacy, creativity and discovering how the world works.

Both an outdoor classroom and indoor learning space are used for activities chosen by children and those led by teachers. Outdoor learning also takes place each week, whatever the weather. This makes exploring outside part of the learning routine, rather than an occasional extra.

Small physical skills receive attention too. Nursery children practise pencil movements such as curves, zigzags and straight strokes during play provision and adult-led tasks. These patterns prepare the movements needed for later letter formation. Early-years art brings experiments with colour, texture and making marks; adults use observations to decide what a child should try next.

Books give another route into shared learning. Ofsted's ungraded inspection on 27 March 2024 described early-years children enjoying picture books with adults and other children. The nursery's lending shed extends that activity beyond the classroom, with families encouraged to use shared reading to develop language at home.

Great Gable has teaching assistants, and its class team is available for questions at the classroom door before and after the day. Parents can also use the school email address. That gives everyday queries a direct route to staff.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), individual assessment identifies needs and obstacles to learning. Activities are adjusted accordingly, with support from school staff or external specialists where appropriate. Families can contact the SEND coordinator through the office to discuss their child's needs.

Full-day nursery children can have a school lunch, with a charge attached. Parents must pre-order meals and can do so through the School Money App; the menu rotates over three weeks and changes each term. The office provides help with ordering. For settling into school, St James' also provides a Rough guide to Nursery for families.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, following the applicable deadline. The route is the Cumberland Council School Admissions Team; the school office can give advice. Cumberland Council determines the admission policies for this voluntary controlled school.

Keep this distinction clear when choosing nursery hours: time spent in Great Gable and an application for Reception are separate decisions.

Nursery offers full-day attendance and access to wraparound care. The school timetable places early-years lunch at 11.45am and afternoon registration at 1pm. After School Club runs from 3.15pm to 5.15pm, extending care beyond the school day.

Universal funded provision covers 15 hours from the term after a child's third birthday; eligible working parents can access 30 hours. Additional hours can be purchased. Discuss the applicable funding arrangements and current charges with the office when applying.

Nursery applications go directly to the school using its Child Details Form and parent declaration form. Proof of address and date of birth are required. A personalised tour can be arranged through the office, contacted on 01946 691970 or admin@st-james-inf.cumbria.sch.uk.

Uniform is encouraged rather than compulsory: a burgundy cardigan or sweatshirt and gold polo shirt are paired with grey bottoms. Branded items can be ordered through the School Money App.