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Nursery at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Story mapping, counting pebbles and reading alongside family members give Holy Cross’s nursery curriculum its character: early learning combines practical exploration with conversation and books. The nursery belongs to Holy Cross Catholic Primary School on Gautby Road in Bidston, Birkenhead. Catholic teaching shapes the school’s curriculum, making its faith ethos a consideration for families choosing this provision.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following the inspection on 20 and 21 October 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. Here, its starting points are children’s communication, movement and social development. Learning also includes early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and exploring the world. Activities are planned around individual interests and needs, with regular reviews to guide the next steps. For parents, this means a curriculum concerned with how children communicate and participate as well as what they know.
Books provide several ways into learning. Daily stories sit alongside Mystery Reader sessions, while Relax and Read involves parents and other family members. Role play and story mapping give children ways to explore language beyond listening to an adult read. Early reading uses Read, Write Inc. In October 2022, nursery children were making a positive start with reading, supported by daily phonics delivered by teachers and teaching assistants.
Mathematics follows Development Matters guidance alongside Power Maths. Small pebbles and tens frames are examples of resources used to explore counting and number patterns, making abstract ideas something children can handle and organise. Creative work includes movement, music and experimenting with materials. Foundation-stage design activities include textiles, construction and learning about healthy food, with children exploring tools and considering how their designs work.
Social routines are part of learning too. In October 2022, children practised responding to instructions from the start of nursery, listening to other people and sharing turns. Handling resources and tidying them away gave children responsibility for the things they used.
For concerns about additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact; families can arrange a meeting through the office and involve the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCO). The school’s support structure includes two Speech and Language Therapists and an Educational Psychologist. These provide routes to specialist input when a child needs it.
Person Centred Plans are reviewed each term with parents involved. An agreed home and school contact book can help families and staff exchange information. Physical access also matters: the school building is on one level, with ramps and accessible pathways.
Edsential Catering supplies school lunches. This is the school’s catering arrangement, rather than a description of a nursery meal routine.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. At Holy Cross, the local authority coordinates applications, while the governing body makes admission decisions. Families should use the local authority preference process for their Reception application.
For children with SEND moving between classes, the school passes information to the receiving teacher beforehand and usually holds a planning meeting. Person Centred Plans are shared, and a transition book can be made where helpful. This supports continuity of care; it does not determine admission.
Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 0151 652 8454 or schooloffice@holycross.wirral.sch.uk. The contact page also provides an enquiry form.
The school’s uniform policy allows plain navy knitwear without a logo, with blue or white polo shirts. Families can buy school uniform from supermarkets or uniform suppliers.
No. Nursery and Reception admission are separate, so families must apply again through the normal Reception process.
Early years provision was graded Good following the inspection on 20 and 21 October 2022. This was a judgement within the school inspection, not a separate nursery inspection.
The EYFS curriculum includes daily stories, Mystery Reader sessions, story mapping and role play. Relax and Read sessions involve parents and family members.
Start with the class teacher and arrange a meeting through the school office. The SENDCO can then be involved in discussing support.
Contact the school office on 0151 652 8454, email schooloffice@holycross.wirral.sch.uk or use the contact page’s enquiry form.
