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Nursery at Rock Ferry 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen play, daily stories and a three-hour session give Rock Ferry’s Foundation One nursery its shape. This is the school’s own early-years provision on Ionic Street in Birkenhead, with children able to start in the term following their third birthday. Nursery life combines practical exploration with adult-led learning, rather than leaving play and teaching as separate parts of the day.
Foundation One sits within the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For parents, that means attention to children’s development across seven areas of learning, with teachers using observations and conversations to decide what each child needs next.
Children choose and develop their own play alongside activities led by adults. Continuous Provision is the name for the daily indoor and outdoor learning opportunities through which they explore, practise and apply skills. Focused teaching in literacy, phonics and mathematics also has a place in the timetable. The balance gives children scope to follow an interest and time to work on something an adult has introduced.
Outdoor learning happens daily. A mud kitchen, water area and sand pit provide concrete opportunities for messy investigation, while puddle suits are supplied by the school. Wellington boots form part of the kit. Outdoor provision also includes learning designed to develop larger physical movements, making this part of the learning day rather than simply a break from it.
Stories connect activities across the curriculum, and an adult reads to every child each day. Little Wandle provides the phonics approach; at the earliest reading stage, usually Foundation One, children explore nursery rhymes, repeated initial sounds and blending sounds aloud. Daily phonics sessions last at least 20 minutes. This gives early reading a regular place in the routine.
For nursery mathematics, Master the Curriculum supplies the sequence. Children work with practical materials in adult-supported games and activities, then use those ideas during their play. Teachers record interests and learning in class Learning Journals, helping those observations shape the next activities.
Emotional learning begins in Foundation One through My Happy Minds. The school uses this programme to help children understand their brains and develop habits that support mental wellbeing. It gives feelings and wellbeing a place alongside early literacy and number work.
Support for additional needs starts early and increases when necessary through a graduated response. EYFS planning takes account of individual needs, including SEND, and additional interventions can sit alongside children learning together. Parents can contact the Inclusion Manager through the school office, giving families a direct route to discuss concerns.
Across Cheshire Academies Trust, children with medical needs have an agreed care plan defining their support. Parents’ permission is required before a child joins an academy’s SEN Register; parents of children on that register are entitled to at least three meetings during an academic year to discuss progress. Those arrangements give families a defined role in planning and reviewing support.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the local authority: the Primary School Place Application process runs from 1 September to 15 January before the intended start. Wirral Council coordinates admission, so choosing Foundation One and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
The school aims to make the move onwards from Foundation One smooth for children and parents. That transition aim is separate from the allocation of a school place.
Foundation One has morning sessions from 8:30 to 11:30 and afternoon sessions from 12:15 to 15:15 for children entitled to 15-hour provision. Eligible parents can access 30-hour provision, with enquiries handled by the school office.
Uniform includes a navy cardigan or sweatshirt, a white or light-blue polo shirt, and trousers, joggers or a skirt in navy, grey or black. Black shoes with Velcro fastenings help children practise taking them off and putting them on independently. On PE days, children attend wearing their PE kit.
For nursery applications, obtain a form from the school office or download one. Visits are encouraged. Contact 0151 645 1017 or schooloffice@rockferry.wirral.sch.uk; the office operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Children can start Foundation One in the term after their third birthday.
Morning sessions run from 8:30 to 11:30; afternoon sessions run from 12:15 to 15:15. These are for children entitled to 15-hour provision. There is also 30-hour provision for eligible parents.
No. Apply separately through the local authority, using the Primary School Place Application process between 1 September and 15 January before the intended start.
Wellington boots are part of the EYFS uniform expectations. The school supplies puddle suits for messy outdoor play.
Contact the Inclusion Manager through the school office on 0151 645 1017.
