Oughterside Primary School Nursery

Frogspawn, wildflower seeds and time to investigate give Oughterside’s nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Buttermere, the school’s shared nursery and Reception class, with opportunities to explore indoors and outside. The provision includes children aged two.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its April 2024 inspection. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. No two-year-olds were enrolled at that time.

Play and adult-led learning share the early years timetable. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines teaching with opportunities for children to try out what they have learned independently. Qualified teachers lead focused work, supported by teaching assistants. Early reading and number work sit alongside writing and phonics, giving children skills they can then use in their play.

Creative activities remain accessible throughout the day, while Understanding the World encourages children to investigate their surroundings. Learning is recorded in books and through Tapestry. This gives the adults a record of both taught work and children’s own discoveries.

Buttermere’s investigation area provides a concrete example. Children have watched frogspawn develop into tadpoles and then frogs, drawing or writing about the changes they observed. The activity connects new vocabulary with something children can examine for themselves. It makes observation purposeful.

Outside, nursery children have contributed to the Community Wild Flower Project by sowing seeds supplied for the coronation. Wildflower planters at the school’s front provide a physical link between that activity and the local planting project. Together, the investigation area and outdoor growing work show how learning extends beyond an adult-led task.

Predictable routines help children settle. In April 2024, early years children became familiar with the established routines quickly, giving them a clear pattern to follow as they adjusted to school life.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND system involves parents in Assess – Plan – Do – Review: identifying a need, planning support, putting it into practice and reviewing the next steps. Parents receive progress updates and can raise concerns from home. The school lists listening games, sensory breaks and Speech and Language Therapy among its interventions; support depends on the child’s needs. These are school-wide arrangements rather than a fixed package for every nursery child.

Lunch has a nursery-specific option. Beacon Hill School’s kitchens prepare meals off-site, and nursery pupils can have a smaller portion. Children can choose a packed lunch instead, or select a jacket potato with tuna, cheese or beans as an alternative to the menu dish. Families changing between packed lunches and school dinners need to give a week’s notice, so meal choices require some forward planning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. The school’s admissions guidance directs Cumberland residents to apply to Cumberland Council.

Sharing Buttermere with Reception children is part of the nursery’s daily organisation. Keep that classroom connection separate from the application decision: familiarity with the class does not secure a school place.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01697 320579 or email admin@oughterside.cumbria.sch.uk. The office accepts calls and messages, and the Buttermere class page also has a contact form for questions or concerns.

Meals. Nursery-sized portions are a charged option. Contact the school for current meal charges before choosing dinners.

Term dates. As a foundation school, Oughterside can set dates that differ from the local authority’s calendar. Use the school’s own term dates when planning family arrangements.