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Nursery at Dean CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Structured story time gives Dean's nursery its starting point: books shape the planning, while children can join the school's Early Years Unit from age two. This is nursery provision within Dean CofE School in Dean, Workington, a Church of England primary school. It offers a school-based beginning with a choice of morning or afternoon sessions.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Stories provide the organising thread for nursery learning. Planning connects structured story sessions with carefully chosen texts, giving books a role beyond a single reading activity. The early years curriculum uses Read Write Inc for early literacy and White Rose Maths for mathematics. These named approaches sit alongside the nursery's story-based planning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes learning how to participate in a group as well as developing early reading skills. In June 2023, children learned sounds in a planned sequence, with extra help for those who struggled to remember them. Everyday routines also mattered: even children who started at two learned to share, wait for a turn and help put things away. These are practical foundations for learning alongside other children.
Curriculum choices. The June 2023 inspection identified insufficient clarity about the intended learning in some early years activities. Some children consequently missed knowledge and skills needed for later learning. The improvement required was to choose activities more carefully around what children needed to learn, a material qualification to the Good judgement.
The staffing structure includes an early years teacher, an early years teaching assistant and an apprentice. The Head of School also holds the Early Years Lead, SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead roles, bringing these responsibilities together. Families can contact the school office to reach the SENDCo.
Dean describes its induction process as helping children settle promptly. For ongoing communication, school staff use ClassDojo, and parents can log in to see their child's achievements at home. This gives families a way to follow school life between conversations with staff. In June 2023, children in early years were happy and felt safe.
Food includes a free morning snack of vegetables or fruit for EYFS children, and children under five qualify for free milk. School meals are prepared fresh each day. Dietary requirements can be accommodated through discussion with the class teacher or office, making food needs part of the conversation with staff.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application online through Cumberland Council by 15 January each year. The local authority allocates places and tells parents the outcome in April. Treat the nursery choice and the Reception application as separate decisions, and keep the application deadline in view while your child attends nursery.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon nursery runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Each session lasts three hours. These are useful anchors for planning care around a working day.
After-school care can sometimes include nursery pupils aged three and above, subject to checking eligibility with the school. It requires registration through office staff. Nursery sessions have charges, and a lunch charge is specified for nursery children over three years old; contact the school for current charges.
Uniform applies to nursery children. Pale blue or white polo shirts are worn with dark lower garments, and matching items without a logo are accepted. Border Embroideries supplies logo items; second-hand uniform is also held by the school.
For enquiries, call 01946 861408 or email office@dean.cumbria.sch.uk. Visits are welcomed: arrange an appointment to discuss your child and a possible look around.
Children can join the Early Years Unit from age two.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Each lasts three hours.
No. A separate online application must be made through Cumberland Council by 15 January each year. Decisions are communicated in April.
EYFS children receive a free morning snack of fruit or vegetables. Children under five are eligible for free milk.
Sometimes, from age three. Eligibility must be checked with the school, and registration is arranged through office staff.
