Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Cockermouth Since 1963
Established in 1963, Maryplatt Pre School stands as one of Cumbria's longest-running early years providers. We are Ofsted-registered and affiliated with the Pre-school Learning Alliance, delivering sessional care for children aged two to five. Our staff-to-child ratios exceed statutory requirements, ensuring individualised attention with one adult to eight children for three and four-year-olds and one to four for two-year-olds. The Key Person System fosters secure attachments, while Tapestry Learning Journals document developmental progress. Governed by an Ofsted-approved Trustee board since 2018, we transitioned to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with Charity Number 1178800 and Ofsted Registration 2519649.Our curriculum prioritises play-based learning, promoting equality and diversity within a fully inclusive environment. Staff hold Level 3 qualifications and specialist certifications in safeguarding, first aid, and special educational needs. We maintain 'Good' Ofsted status under our previous registration number 317557, with this excellence transferring to our current registration at next inspection. Our approach combines structured activities with spontaneous exploration, catering to individual needs while meeting statutory educational frameworks.
Services
Preschool Sessions
Nursery Entitlement
Outdoor Play
Key Person System
Development Tracking
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- Established in 1963 with proven expertise in early years education
- Ofsted-registered with 'Good' status maintained since 2018
- Staff hold Level 3 qualifications and specialist certifications
- Exceeds statutory staff-to-child ratios for individualised attention
- Fully inclusive setting with dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinators
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Preschool Sessions
Structured morning (9:00-12:00), afternoon (12:30-15:30), and full-day (9:00-15:30) sessions for ages 2-5. Includes healthy snacks and play-based learning activities. Follows statutory nursery entitlement framework for three and four-year-olds.
Key Person System
Each child assigned a dedicated Key Person to ensure consistent care and emotional security. Facilitates smooth transitions and individualised learning plans through regular progress tracking using Tapestry Learning Journals.
Outdoor Activities
Daily outdoor play in secure garden facilities with climbing frames and weather-appropriate activities. Promotes physical development and sensory exploration while maintaining safety standards for all weather conditions.
Special Educational Needs Support
Qualified SENCOs provide tailored support for children with additional needs. Implements individual education plans while maintaining full inclusivity across all activities and ensuring compliance with equality legislation.
Progress Tracking
Uses Tapestry Learning Journals to document child development across all key areas. Provides regular updates to families with photographic evidence and learning observations to support home-educator collaboration.
People
Aimee Birkett
Pre-school Leader
Level 3 qualified childcare professional with specialist certifications in safeguarding, first aid, and SENCO. Leads daily operations and staff training while maintaining Ofsted compliance standards.
Kerry
Deputy Lead
Experienced childcare practitioner with Level 3 qualifications and specialist training in behaviour management. Oversees safeguarding protocols and supports staff development as deputy SENCO.
Ellie
Pre-school Assistant
Qualified childcare professional with Level 3 Early Years Workforce certification. Specialises in first aid provision and implements individualised learning plans under Key Person System.
Sarah
Pre-school Assistant
NNEB-qualified practitioner with expertise in nursery nursing. Provides first aid support and assists with progress tracking through Tapestry Learning Journals.
Jen
Pre-school Assistant
Foundation Degree holder in Early Years Practice with specialist knowledge in health and safety. Qualified first aider supporting outdoor activities and emergency preparedness.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from age two, offering nursery entitlement for three and four-year-olds, plus eligible two-year-olds.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have Level 3 childcare qualifications with specialist certifications in first aid, safeguarding, and SENCO roles.
How do you track child development?
We use Tapestry Learning Journals to document progress with photographic records and regular updates shared with families.
Are meals provided?
Healthy snacks included in sessions; parents provide lunch for children staying through midday.
Is outdoor play available in bad weather?
Yes, we have covered outdoor areas and weather-appropriate clothing requirements for all-weather play.
How inclusive is your setting?
We're fully inclusive with dedicated SENCOs, implementing individual education plans while promoting equality for all children.
