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Nursery at St Mary's Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes and word sounds give this nursery a clear learning focus. Children develop the listening skills that prepare them for phonics, while adults shape their interactions around each child's next step. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 7 and 8 May 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school.
St Mary's has a separate Nursery class offering education from age three, within its Foundation Stage organisation. The setting shares the school's Catholic character: prayer forms part of school life. Its Whitehaven site overlooks the Irish Sea, with views towards Ennerdale, giving the school a distinctive coastal setting.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here, the practical emphasis is on building skills in sequence: children become confident at recognising rhyme and hearing sounds within words before moving towards phonics. This gives early literacy a clear purpose rather than treating activities as isolated tasks.
In May 2025, early years learning was carefully sequenced, and children progressed strongly from the outset. Adults understood what each child needed to learn next and used their conversations with children to develop those skills. For parents, the useful distinction is the attention to individual learning alongside the class curriculum.
The school uses White Rose Maths plans, adapting daily teaching to children's understanding and development. Nursery lunch is scheduled for 11.30am, a concrete midday marker for families considering longer attendance.
The same inspection identified a school-wide action to clarify essential learning in a small number of subjects so that work develops knowledge more consistently. This action should be read with its school-wide scope, alongside the separate early years judgement.
Additional support involves parents. Children join the school's SEND register following discussion with their family; help can take an individual or group form, with advice from other professionals contributing to provision. This makes parental involvement part of the support process.
The school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) is a qualified teacher with the National SENCO award and works on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parents can arrange contact through the office. For independent advice, the school signposts Cumbria SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), including help preparing for meetings.
Safeguarding procedures include annual Level 1 training for staff and governors, plus regular updates. An annual audit brings together the safeguarding governor, designated lead and safeguarding team to identify issues and plan action.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application. For September 2027 entry, the route is Cumberland Council's website or form SA1, with 15 January 2027 as the application deadline. Applications after that date should go directly to the local authority. Keep this application separate from the nursery place.
Full-time and part-time nursery places are offered for children who have turned three. Morning sessions feature in the nursery arrangements; afternoon sessions run from January to July for children reaching their third birthday during the school year. Eligible families can access 30-hour nursery provision.
For a nursery application form, contact the office on 01946 66356, or use the school and nursery application form on the admissions page. Faith-based applications require a supplementary form alongside the main application.
The nursery offers education from age three. The school sets out eligibility from the term following a child's third birthday.
Yes. Both are offered for children who have had their third birthday.
Yes. The nursery offers 30-hour places for families entitled to that provision.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Cumberland Council's website or form SA1. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Contact the school office to arrange to speak to the SENCO, who works on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
