St Gregory's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Workington

A dedicated classroom for two-year-olds gives St Gregory’s early years provision a distinct starting point within this Catholic primary school in Workington. In March 2025, the school provided some places for this younger age group. For families considering an early start, that separate classroom is a concrete feature of the provision.

The school describes its identity through shared faith and learning together. Nursery therefore sits within a Catholic school community, rather than operating as a separate childcare setting.

Play, conversation and thinking are the foundations of learning here. In March 2025, children in the early years were developing these skills alongside subject knowledge. For a parent, this means looking beyond preparation for formal lessons: learning to express an idea and take part in play matters too.

Books have a regular place in that early learning. In March 2025, staff selected both factual books and fiction for frequent reading aloud from the early years onwards. Children encounter stories as well as information about the world. That gives shared reading more than one purpose, with opportunities to enjoy a narrative and explore something new.

St Gregory’s carries out a home visit for each new child as part of admission. This provides a meeting with the family in familiar surroundings, making the first contact more personal than an application alone.

An Early Years Lead works alongside the early years team. For concerns about development or learning, the class teacher is the first contact; the school’s special educational needs coordinator can also discuss a child’s needs. The school aims to recognise additional needs early, so parents have a route for raising concerns at the outset.

For children identified with special educational needs, the school aims to discuss progress and support with parents each term, either by telephone or in person. Its coordinator also works with parents and outside professionals. These arrangements give families a way to stay involved in decisions about support.

Safeguarding training reaches across the staff team: annual Level 1 training is supplemented by refresher sessions each term, with a further team trained at Level 3. Early Help brings professionals and families together through regular meetings when families experience difficulties.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate steps, even when hoping to remain at St Gregory’s.

Doors open at 8.45am, and the morning session for part-time children ends at 11.45am. Nursery wraparound allows children to remain beyond their 15 funded hours, with additional hours charged separately. Ask the school for current charges.

For three- and four-year-olds, qualifying parents can receive funding for up to 30 hours. Eligibility is a condition, so this longer funded arrangement should not be assumed for every family.

Initial enquiries go to 01900 606050 or admin@stgregorys.cumbria.sch.uk. The school welcomes prospective families for a look around and can discuss place availability and the admission process. A visit offers a practical starting point for considering the nursery alongside the family’s childcare arrangements.