Ten out of Ten, 100%, Outstanding… Yes, I think you’re getting the message. I attribute these very descriptive words to the achievements of Cleator Moor Nursery.
As a School Governor and Ward Councillor for this educational haven I am both proud to be able to bring to the fore its achievements and praise its staff for their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment in making this one of only thirteen nursery schools in the country to attain national recognition as one of England’s most successful schools and colleges.
In case you don’t know, Cleator Moor Nursery is situated between Montreal Primary School and Ehenside Secondary School at Wath Brow, Cleator Moor. It is easy to overlook this little gem but not so easy to ignore its record of achievements:
Since 2001 it has been awarded Beacon Status as one of the best performing schools in the country, has been awarded three consecutive "Outstanding" OFSTED reports, gained a School Achievement Award from the Department for Education and Skills, and has been placed on OFSTED’s Honours List.
This extract from the most recent OFSTED report (2007) captures the ethos of the school and pays tribute to the skills and dedication of the people who work there.
"This is an outstanding school that gives children an excellent start to their education. Teaching and learning are outstanding. The teamwork amongst all staff is excellent, with the interests and various learning needs of the children at the forefront of planning. As a result of their commitment to training, staff have a superb understanding of how young children learn. This knowledge, coupled with excellent relationships and very effective staff deployment, is applied skilfully to meet the needs of each child."
Where to now? you may ask. Having reached the top there’s only one way to go! Not so, with this dedicated band of educators. Plans are afoot to further extend the premises and expand the school.
At a time when the community is fighting for educational provision for its older pupils, it is gratifying to acknowledge the achievements of this exceptional facility. Cleator Moor will do all that it can to support the ongoing success of Cleator Moor Nursery and ensure that the community’s "little people" get the best educational start in life.
The school has vacancies from September, and you do not need to live in Cleator Moor to send your child to the Nursery. If you are interested in the admissions process or want to learn more about Cleator Moor Nursery please visit their website: www.cleatormoornurseryschool.co.uk or contact the school direct on: 01946 855039.
Inset, What fun it is to learn! Photo by Karen Storr captures the enthusiasm of these young pupils.

Cath Giel