Joining Nursery
Choosing a school for your child is a big moment, and as a parent you want to feel confident that you’re making the right choice for them. It’s exciting to imagine the years ahead, but we know it can also feel like a lot to take in — from forms and deadlines to understanding how everything works.
At Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School, we’re here to make things easier for you. We understand what this decision means for your family, and we’re ready to support you, answer your questions, and guide you through each step so you feel informed, reassured, and welcomed from the very beginning.
Welcome to Nursery
Nursery
Choosing the right nursery is such an important step for your child, and we want you to feel supported and reassured throughout the process. Our nursery is a warm, caring and nurturing space where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn. With a child‑centred, play‑based approach, our skilled and compassionate staff gently guide each child as they explore, grow and discover the world around them.
We are incredibly proud of the confident, happy and independent children who leave our nursery ready to thrive in the next stage of their learning journey.
We are delighted to offer a limited number of bespoke places for children to join our Nursery in April 2026 and September 2026.
We would be absolutely thrilled to welcome you and your family for a visit to our wonderful school, where you can experience our warm, nurturing environment first-hand and see our children learning, playing and flourishing.
To arrange a tour, please get in touch with us:
admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk
01900 601233
We very much look forward to meeting you and showing you all that makes our school such a special place.
Why choose our nursery?
- A warm, welcoming and safe environment that empowers our children, builds confidence and develops a sense of belonging
- Highly-skilled and experienced Early Years Specialist staff who guide our children on their development journey
- A child-centered, play based curriculum that develops confidence, builds a love of learning and fosters positive friendships
- Clear communication with parents so you always feel part of your child's learning
When to apply for a nursery place
How to apply for a nursery place
Applying and joining us is straightforward and we are happy to help you.
- Complete our nursery admission form
- Provide your child's date of birth and contact details
- Return the form to school, drop it off and say hi or email us at: admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk
- We will the confirm the next steps to securing your place in our nursery
Funded places and sessions
We offer a range of flexible sessions, including funded places for eligible families. Please contact our team to discuss options available to you and help you understand what funding you may be entitled to.
Visit us
We encourage all families interested in joining us to visit the nursery to meet our staff and see the learning environment in person. Seeing your child engage and feel comfortable and happy often provides the reassurances you need when making the decision to join us.