Ashfield Infant & Nursery School Nursery Review

Little Acorns combines practical number play with the beginnings of writing, within Ashfield Infant & Nursery School in Workington. This is the school's own nursery class, with a team of two teachers, a teaching assistant and an apprentice teaching assistant. That gives families a distinct nursery team within the wider school.

There are two funded attendance patterns: mornings for children entitled to 15 hours and a longer day for those eligible for 30 hours. The choice shapes both the child's routine and the family's collection arrangements.

Practical exploration gives the learning its shape. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides the nursery curriculum: experiences build children's knowledge and skills ready for later learning. Mathematics uses White Rose Maths, with objects and pictures helping children understand ideas before moving towards abstract thinking. Children can explore a concept through something they can handle and see.

Learning takes place outdoors as well as inside. Play resources remain accessible through continuous provision, meaning children have materials to explore across the year. The early years mathematics examples include comparing height and length, sorting three-dimensional shapes and making repeating patterns. These turn number, shape and measurement into practical activities rather than just spoken explanations.

Early writing starts with making marks and experimenting with written expression. Language also has a clear place in the day. At the June 2024 ungraded Ofsted inspection, nursery children enjoyed taking part in stories, songs and rhymes, while early years learning helped expand children's vocabulary. Together, these activities give children ways to practise listening, speaking and expressing ideas.

Lunch can be brought from home or chosen as a school meal. An in-house kitchen team prepares school lunches, giving families a choice between a packed lunch and food made at school. The nursery timetable sets aside 11:30am to noon for lunch.

For questions about a child, parents can speak with the class teacher or contact the office for referral to the appropriate staff member. Additional needs are supported through a graduated approach: assessment leads to planning, action and review. This gives families a repeating process for considering needs and adjusting support. The SENDCo can be contacted through the office or by email.

Attending Little Acorns does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Ashfield directs Reception enquiries to Cumberland School Admissions. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps, even when the intention is to remain at Ashfield.

Children entitled to 15 funded hours attend from 8:30am to 11:30am each morning. For eligible children using 30 hours, the nursery provision page gives a day running from 9am to 3pm, with an optional charged start at 8:30am. A separate school-day timetable lists an afternoon session from noon to 3pm and charged lunchtime childcare for children entitled to 30 hours. Confirm the applicable arrangement and current charges before booking.

Childcare beyond sessions. Nursery children cannot currently attend the school's clubs. Families needing care beyond the nursery day should account for this when planning their working hours.

Intakes are in September, January and April, subject to space. Enquiries go through the school office on 01900 606301 or admin@ashfieldinf.cumbria.sch.uk. The school uniform includes a royal blue cardigan or jumper, a sunflower yellow polo shirt and dark bottoms; clothing should be labelled with the child's name.