Caldbeck Nursery at Fellview Primary School

A purpose-built nursery with woodland access gives Caldbeck Nursery at Fellview Primary School a clear outdoor identity. Children can join from age two, and the provision has indoor facilities and a secure outdoor area, alongside access to the school's grounds. Forest School sessions take learning into the woodland.

In Caldbeck, the nursery shares Fellview Primary School's management and governance. It is part of the school rather than a separate organisation. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 7 and 8 May 2025; that judgement covers early years within the school.

Growing plants gives children something concrete to investigate. In May 2025, early years children, including those in the provision for two-year-olds, planted seeds and explored growth and seasonal change. Learning also connected their local surroundings with other countries and climates. These activities give young children tangible examples through which to understand a bigger world.

Language is another clear focus. Children gained speaking and language skills rapidly, while early years learning also developed their grasp of number and new sounds. For parents, this means early learning combines communication, mathematical understanding and exploration rather than concentrating on a single skill. Children developed positive attitudes towards learning, helping prepare them for their next stage of education.

Forest School adds a named outdoor approach to this picture. The nursery's secure outdoor space and access to woodland provide different places for exploration. A July 2024 calendar also included nursery Forest School sessions, giving a dated example of that woodland access being used in the nursery programme.

The nursery leader also holds the deputy safeguarding lead role, connecting nursery leadership with the school's child protection structure.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Fellview's school policy calls for provision matched to the child's needs and prompt identification and support. It also gives parents a role in decisions and takes children's views into account. This provides a useful starting point for conversations about individual support.

Family communication has included nursery parent meetings and written pupil reports in July 2024. For meals, the school's lunch arrangements include Parent Pay: families can select meals together beforehand and make payments online. This lets parents involve their child in choosing food.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Cumberland Council's admissions process and meet the normal deadline. Nursery applications go directly through the school office, so the two routes need separate attention.

Transition activity is a different matter. In July 2024, nursery children were included in an afternoon with the teaching and classroom groups for the following academic year. That offered familiarity with the next stage; it did not secure admission.

The nursery operates Monday to Friday, from 9am until 3pm. Those hours give families a clear daily window around which to plan.

For a nursery application, contact the school office to discuss availability and arrange the application. Nursery enquiries can be made on 016974 78437 or by emailing preschool@fellview.cumbria.sch.uk. Prospective families can also arrange a visit, giving them an opportunity to meet staff and ask questions before applying.