All Saints Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Two outdoor learning areas and daily phonics give All Saints’ nursery a clear combination: space to explore and a deliberate focus on language. Children aged 3 and 4 learn through play within this Catholic primary school on Chesnut Grove in Bootle. The nursery has two timetable groups, Nursery A and Nursery S, each combining full days with a Wednesday half day.

In April 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to be Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Language, early reading and writing were central strengths, supported by assessments that helped staff understand children’s needs.

Play is the nursery’s starting point. Its two outdoor areas contain learning resources for children to explore, giving outdoor activity a substantial place alongside early literacy. Wellies and waterproof clothing are supplied by the school for outdoor learning, so families do not need to provide those items themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here includes a deliberate emphasis on developing language, beginning to read and learning to write. Children share books with adults and join in songs and rhymes. These activities give them opportunities to hear language, practise it and build familiarity with books.

Read Write Inc. phonics begins in Nursery through a separate daily session. Phonics introduces the sounds used in reading; the programme is adapted to individual children and groups. Purposeful conversations with adults also support language development. In April 2026, staff’s understanding of children’s starting points helped them make these exchanges useful for each child.

Catholic learning has named programmes too. Nursery uses To Know You More Clearly for religious education, while A Journey in Love introduces the theme of wonder at God’s love. These give families a concrete sense of the faith content alongside play and early literacy.

Writing consistency. The April 2026 inspection called for writing teaching to be consistently effective across all year groups. This was a school-wide improvement action, relevant to families considering the nursery as the beginning of a longer school journey.

Individual needs shape support in early years. In April 2026, assessments gave staff a clear understanding of what children could already do, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, alongside disadvantaged children, made strong progress from typically low starting points. Adults also shared learning targets with parents, talked through progress and explained ways to practise skills at home. That gives families a practical role in supporting learning.

Mellors Catering Services supplies breakfast and lunch. Nursery children can have school meals, and allergies and food intolerances can be accommodated. Meals require payment at least a week ahead; changing from school lunches to packed lunches requires written notice to the office, with the change taking place after the nearest half-term break. Families therefore need to plan meal arrangements ahead.

Attending All Saints’ nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery entry and Reception entry are separate applications: families use the nursery application form for Nursery and apply again for Reception through Sefton Council’s admissions service, following the normal Reception timetable. Treat the Reception application as a separate task, even while your child attends Nursery.

Nursery A attends Monday and Tuesday from 8:40am to 2:55pm, then Wednesday from 8:40am to 11:10am. Nursery S attends Wednesday from 12:25pm to 2:55pm, followed by Thursday and Friday from 8:40am to 2:55pm. These are distinct weekly patterns, so the Wednesday change matters when arranging childcare.

Breakfast Club starts at 8am every day and accepts nursery children, with breakfast and indoor and outdoor activities. Registration is through the school office, and places must be paid for in advance. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery clothing includes a white polo shirt, plain red sweatshirt, plain black jogging bottoms and black trainers with Velcro fastenings and black soles. Trainers must have no logos, laces or flashing lights. Nursery applications can be completed using the application form, with paper copies obtainable from the office. For enquiries, telephone 0151 257 5566; school visits can be arranged by appointment.