Blacklow Brow School Nursery

Story-linked play, home reading from the first week and mathematics indoors and outside give Blacklow Brow's nursery a clear learning focus. This is a 26-place nursery class within Blacklow Brow School on Tarbock Road, Huyton, admitting children after their third birthday. A qualified Early Years teacher works in the nursery.

Children take part in school assemblies, sports days and special events, giving them opportunities to become familiar with the wider school. In January 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to meet the Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Exploration and stories shape the learning. Children play inside and outdoors, with activities connected to books. Drop Everything and Read brings nursery children into a school reading initiative, while home readers start in the first week of term. Families can carry that interest in stories into the evening.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here develops communication, early mathematical understanding and physical skills. Alongside it, the Dean Trust curriculum begins in Nursery. Numicon, Maths Mastery and number of the week provide named ways to explore numbers and shapes; children also try out mathematical ideas through the play opportunities available indoors and outside. Learning extends beyond an adult-led activity.

Termly outings and classroom visitors bring other experiences into the nursery curriculum. Connections with local services and rest homes introduce children to people beyond school. Across early years, January 2026 findings highlighted adult conversations that helped children express themselves, alongside support for hand control and physical development that enabled more independent participation.

Support begins with the child's starting point. In January 2026, early years staff assessed what children already understood rather than assuming prior knowledge, and children with SEND and disadvantaged children made good progress. The school SENDCO works with the EYFS team, connecting nursery support with the school's wider expertise.

Regular updates, learning journals, family events and open days give parents ways to follow their child's experiences. The early years findings also highlighted effective work between staff and families, supporting learning at home as well as in school.

Within the wider school, the building is on one level and a separate sensory room is available for children who need it. Parents with developmental concerns can speak first to the class teacher, with the SENCO providing a further route for discussion.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the deadline for their child's entry year. Treat that application as a separate task when planning the move to school.

Learning continuity is a different matter. The curriculum connects Nursery with Reception, building on children's earlier experiences. For children with SEND moving between classes, staff share support information in advance and hold handover meetings. Transition days introduce new teachers and classes, and an individual book explaining the change can be made where it would help.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour government-funded places are offered. Core morning hours run from 8:20 am to 11:30 am; extended hours run from 8:20 am to 3:00 pm by agreement. Families using a 15-hour place can pay to extend the day until 3:00 pm on one to five days each week. This allows a longer day on selected days.

Breakfast Club starts at 7:50 am, and After-School Club runs until 5:30 pm. Wraparound care carries an additional charge. Obtain current charges from the school before agreeing your attendance pattern.

For nursery enquiries and an admission form, contact the school office on 0151 477 8010 or email office@blacklowbrowschool.co.uk. School visits can be arranged by appointment through the office.