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Nursery at St Michael's CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, a woodland path and daily stories give this nursery its character. At St Michael's in Bothel, nursery children belong to Acorn Class, a mixed-age group that also includes Reception and Years 1 and 2. Their learning follows the Early Years Framework, with smaller groups used to match activities to children's development. Families choosing this provision are choosing an early years experience within a primary school classroom.
Outdoor exploration takes up much of the nursery children's time. Wet-weather clothes help them continue outside in different conditions, while the outdoor provision mirrors the learning opportunities indoors. Water and sand sit alongside bikes and climbing equipment; the mud kitchen and large construction resources give children further ways to experiment through play. Exploration extends beyond the immediate play area to a muddy bank, woodland path and pond.
Inside, the classroom has distinct areas for imaginative play, building, early maths and creative work. Writing and mark-making have their own spaces too. Quiet reading areas offer a calmer option alongside the more active choices, so children have different kinds of space to use during their learning.
The Early Years Framework is the basis for nursery activities. Here, that means learning experiences suited to children's age and stage, rather than expecting the youngest children to follow the same work as their older classmates. The early years curriculum runs across a two-year cycle. Daily reading begins in nursery, giving books a regular place in children's experience.
Thursday afternoons bring specialist music teaching, with nursery children taught alongside Reception. Singing, exploring instruments and listening to music are the stated aims of these sessions. This adds a distinct musical strand to the classroom's play and exploration.
Classroom support includes an adult working with the early years children alongside the class teacher. The school's approach to additional needs combines adapted teaching with individual support and interventions. Reasonable adjustments and extra provision are also part of that approach, giving families a basis for discussing how their child's needs can be met.
Parents can meet the class teacher or the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCO) regularly to discuss development and barriers to learning. The SENDCO can also be contacted at sendco@bothel.cumbria.sch.uk. Safeguarding concerns can be raised with any member of staff, providing a direct route for parents with a worry about a child.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The local authority administers September school admissions, and the school's admissions page gives mid January as the return deadline for forms.
Preparation for the next stage includes experiencing elements of Read Write Inc during the term before Reception begins. That is curriculum preparation, separate from the allocation of a school place.
The Starting Nursery and School page provides a nursery admissions form and a consent form covering images and local visits. School tours can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to see the setting and discuss their choice. Contact the school on 01697 320 632 or email admin@bothel.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
They join Acorn Class, alongside Reception and Years 1 and 2, with learning organised to suit children's age and stage.
Activities include bikes, sand, water, climbing, large construction and mud-kitchen play. Children also explore the woodland path, muddy bank and pond.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The local authority administers September admissions; the school gives mid January as the form-return deadline.
Parents can meet the class teacher or SENDCO regularly. The SENDCO's contact email is sendco@bothel.cumbria.sch.uk.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01697 320 632 or at admin@bothel.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange a school tour.
