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Nursery at Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Paint, model-making and BeeBots give Derwent Vale’s nursery a practical, playful character. Children choose creative materials, try out ideas and learn to explain what they have made. Adult-led activities sit alongside play that children initiate themselves, so exploration and teaching both have a place.
The nursery belongs to Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School in Great Clifton, Workington, where the school’s age range begins at three. Nursery and Reception share a class organisation. The nursery approach centres on children’s interests and learning through play, rather than treating creative activity as an occasional extra.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning through language, number, creativity and personal development. Here, those strands take tangible forms: painting, construction, counting materials and conversations about children’s choices. EYFS curriculum plans follow Year A and Year B.
Numberland and White Rose Hub support early mathematics. Small pebbles and tens frames give children objects to count and organise, helping them explore numbers and patterns through something they can handle. Writing also starts with concrete prompts. Nursery children use alphabet picture cards, spoken phrases and demonstrations of letter strokes; classroom activities provide further opportunities to practise forming letters.
Creative work gives children decisions to make. They can select art materials independently, paint pictures or construct models, while staff adapt activities around emerging interests. In design and technology, children describe a plan, choose materials and explore ways of attaching pieces. Adults help them discuss the finished result and consider changes. The emphasis is on trying, explaining and trying again.
BeeBots introduce simple commands and the challenge of correcting instructions that go wrong. Science uses both play and adult-led activity to encourage questions about objects, living things and change. A People Who Help Us visit from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service was scheduled for 20 March 2026, with fire safety and professional equipment as its planned focus.
Personal development includes learning to manage feelings, build relationships and look after oneself. These are the EYFS strands within the school’s PSHE curriculum, giving everyday independence and friendships a place alongside early academic learning.
Parents can discuss their child’s needs with the school’s SENDCo and arrange a visit to talk through provision. Nursery parents’ meetings were scheduled in March 2026 to discuss children’s progress, providing a specific example of contact between families and staff.
Orian supplies school meals, including lunches for nursery children. Families pre-order meals from home and pay online through SchoolHub. Lunch is a charged option for nursery children; contact the school for current charges before including it in your childcare plans.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Cumberland Council’s online route, with places allocated against the applicable admission criteria when demand exceeds availability.
For September 2026 entry, the on-time deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed; the admissions guidance for that cycle permits late applications. Keep the nursery application and the Reception application as separate tasks. The shared Nursery/Reception class organisation is a feature of the learning setting, not a promise of admission.
Flexible nursery sessions include funded places for eligible families. The nursery team discusses session options and funding eligibility with parents. Applications use the nursery admission form, which asks for the child’s birth date and family contact details and can be returned to school or emailed.
Visits can be arranged by contacting admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk or calling 01900 601233. This gives families an opportunity to meet staff and see the nursery learning space before applying.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Cumberland Council, and nursery attendance does not guarantee admission.
Yes, for eligible families. The nursery team discusses funding eligibility and flexible session options with parents.
Activities include painting, making models, exploring counting materials, practising letter strokes and giving simple commands to BeeBots. Child-initiated play sits alongside adult-led learning.
Yes. Orian provides lunches for nursery children as a charged option. Meals must be ordered from home, with online payment through SchoolHub; contact the school for current charges.
Email admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk or telephone 01900 601233 to arrange a tour and meet staff.
