Business Details
35 Years
experience
Outstanding Childcare and Early Years Education in Carlisle
Established in 1991, Kinder Park Nursery provides Ofsted-rated Outstanding childcare for children aged 6 months to school age in Carlisle. Our purpose-built Victorian premises offer a stimulating environment with dedicated spaces for different age groups, including a Baby and Toddler Unit, Red and Blue Rooms for 2-3 year olds, and a Pre-School Yellow Room. With 50 places available across our two converted townhouses, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while maintaining a strong focus on individual child development. Our team includes highly qualified staff with Level 3 qualifications, two Foundation Degree holders, and specialists in special educational needs. We maintain a 4th consecutive Outstanding Ofsted rating since 2022 and operate continuous professional development for all staff.Our approach emphasizes outdoor learning through Timotay Playscapes and a walled garden area with mud kitchens and gardening spaces. We provide nutritious meals prepared on-site by our dedicated nursery cook and implement the 'Smile4Life' dental programme. Our parent partnership approach includes online learning journeys through Tapestry and regular progress checks. With staff retention rates showing a third of our team having worked here for over 10 years, we offer consistent, experienced care that has earned repeated parental praise for our nurturing environment.
Services
Baby and Toddler Unit
Pre-School Education
Outdoor Learning
Healthy Meals
Special Educational Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have maintained 4 consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings since 2012
- Our staff include qualified Level 3 practitioners and Foundation Degree holders
- We provide continuous outdoor learning opportunities with purpose-built play spaces
- Our nursery cook prepares nutritious meals exceeding government dietary guidelines
- We maintain strong parent partnerships through online learning journeys and progress tracking
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- NDNA
What people say
Exceptional care
Friendly staff
Safe and happy
Growing and learning
Positive contribution
Services
Baby and Toddler Unit
Caring for children aged 6 months to 30 months, our Baby and Toddler Unit provides individualized care plans and continuous provision tailored to each child's interests. The first-floor space encourages exploration with low-level resources and dedicated key persons. We use the Tapestry programme for development tracking and the Firststeps Parent Link App for real-time updates on meals, naps, and activities. Our approach focuses on the three prime areas of early learning while maintaining strong emotional bonds between children, staff, and families.
Pre-School Education
Our Yellow Room caters to pre-school children with a self-registration system and Jolly Phonics literacy programme. The ground-floor space offers rolling snack times and self-directed learning opportunities. Children develop independence through choice-based activities and leadership roles during sessions. The curriculum aligns with seven areas of learning while preparing children for school transitions. Outdoor access supports physical development and nature-based learning experiences.
Outdoor Learning
We provide year-round outdoor learning through purpose-built spaces featuring Timotay Playscapes, gardening areas, and mud kitchens. Children engage in risk assessment through self-directed play with portable equipment. The secure outdoor environments support physical activity, sensory exploration, and environmental awareness. Our Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator ensures best practices in outdoor development. Seasonal changes create new learning opportunities that complement indoor activities.
Healthy Meals
Our on-site nursery cook prepares nutritious two-course lunches exceeding government dietary standards. We accommodate food allergies and special requirements while offering breakfast and healthy snacks throughout the day. The Smile4Life programme promotes dental health through post-lunch tooth brushing. Meals include water or milk with no added sugars. Our menu development considers cultural preferences and nutritional balance across all age groups.
Special Educational Needs Support
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs through qualified SENCOs and individual education plans. Our team collaborates with external agencies and maintains strong parent partnerships throughout the process. The nursery environment includes designated quiet spaces and sensory resources. Staff receive regular training in supporting communication difficulties, social skills development, and physical needs. We follow Cumbria's SEND Local Offer guidelines while maintaining individualised approaches.
People
Joanne Routledge
Managing Director
Established Kinder Park Nursery in 1991 with NNEB and Level 4 Management qualifications. Holds designated safeguarding lead responsibilities and oversees strategic direction.
Victoria Musgrave
Quality and Operational Lead
Joined in 2004 with a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning. Manages safeguarding, parent partnerships, and peer-to-peer programmes in the Baby & Toddler Unit.
Rebecca Lowdon
Room Supervisor
HNC qualified childcare professional since 2010. Specializes in health & safety and special educational needs coordination in the Baby & Toddler Unit.
Katy McNulty
Deputy Nursery Manager
NNEB qualified since 1998. Oversees red and blue rooms with focus on well-being and mental health coordination.
Pam Taylor
Deputy Nursery Manager
NVQ Level 3 qualified since 2002. Manages pre-school services and coordinates peer-to-peer programmes in the Yellow Room.
Questions
What are your operating hours and availability?
We operate Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:30pm, 50 weeks per year, closing only for Christmas, New Year and Bank Holidays.
Do you accept government-funded childcare places?
Yes, we're registered to accept Nursery Education Grants for 2, 3 & 4 year olds with eligibility checks available online.
How do you support child development tracking?
We use the Tapestry programme for online learning journeys with daily updates accessible to parents through our Firststeps Parent Link App.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All nursery nurses hold Level 3 qualifications with assistants working towards Level 2. Two staff members have Foundation Degrees in Early Years education.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We maintain strong parent partnerships through online learning journeys, regular progress checks, and encourage parental involvement in activities and policy reviews.
What outdoor learning opportunities do you provide?
Our outdoor spaces include Timotay Playscapes, gardening areas, mud kitchens and covered play zones that support year-round learning and physical development.
