Admissions

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 & Reception

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.

333 KB

  1. Complete our nursery admission form - collect one when you visit or request one from admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk
  2. Provide your child's date of birth and contact details
  3. Return the form to school, drop it off and say hi or email us at: admin@derwentvale.cumbria.sch.uk
  4. 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.

 

Joining Reception

Welcome to Reception!
We’d be delighted to welcome you and your child to join the Reception Year at Derwent Vale. Starting school is a big milestone, and we’re here to make it happy, calm, and exciting. In Reception we learn through play, build independence, and nurture curiosity every day—indoors and outdoors.

Come and see us

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 Reception?

  • 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

How to apply for a Reception place

Apply for a Place

School Admissions & Appeals

Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School is a Local Authority Maintained Community School. Our Pupil Admission Number (PAN) is 15, meaning we can offer small sized classes where children receive high-levels of expert support from our staff team. 

Applications for starting school in September 2026 should be made on-line at https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/schools-and-education/apply-school-place-or-change-schools/apply-reception-place.  The deadline for on-time applications was 15th January 2026.  However, you will be able to make a late application.

At this moment in time all children reaching statutory school age may start school full-time in the September of the school year in which the child reaches their 5th birthday.  Legally children do not have to take up their place until the start of the term after their 5th birthday.  The offer of a place can be deferred until that time. 

When the Local Authority allocates places to children reaching statutory school age, there may be a greater demand than there are places available.  In cases like this over subscription criteria will apply in the allocation of places. 

244 KB
73 KB
309 KB

 

Joining from Another School

We are always delighted to welcome new children into our school.

We’re delighted you’re thinking of joining us — moving schools is a big step and we’re here to make it as easy and welcoming as possible.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping every step of the way.