Blackmoor Park Infants' School Nursery Review

Kindergarten 3+ marks the school nursery stage at Blackmoor Park, alongside separate provision for babies and toddlers. The Kindergarten 3+ Class sits within the school's early years provision in West Derby, Liverpool. It is distinct from the Day Nursery's provision for babies and toddlers: this review focuses on the school nursery rather than those younger rooms.

A Nursery Lead, teaching assistants and a welfare assistant form part of the nursery team. The Nursery Lead has worked at Blackmoor Park for 20 years, with experience across the school's year groups. For families, that brings a staff perspective extending beyond the nursery stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent language, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Playing, persisting with an activity and working out ideas are part of the learning, rather than simply preparation for formal lessons.

Blackmoor Park also uses its Lunar Curriculum, which the school describes as organised around children's interests. Its emphasis includes teamwork, reflection and managing one's own learning. The school's learning behaviours give those aims practical language: children are encouraged to interact, think, listen, respect others and keep going.

Past nursery activities show how this can look in practice. During March 2022's Well-being week, Kindi children chose activities including block construction, play dough and sand, with a smart-board also in use. The water play area hosted sensory exploration, while the Kindi bakery gave children an opportunity to decorate biscuits. These are concrete examples of children making choices and working with materials, rather than a promise of the current daily timetable.

Emotional expression has featured in nursery activities. In February 2021, children discussed people important to them and drew what made them happy; yoga also formed part of nursery life at that time. During the March 2022 activities, children shared snack time with friends. Those examples connect care with conversation and time together.

Food preparation is managed directly by the school, with its own kitchen rather than an external catering company. Parents can arrange an appointment to discuss allergens. This gives families a direct route for conversations about food needs.

Support extends beyond the classroom team. The school has a SENDCo and a Family Support Worker. Parents are welcome to arrange meetings about concerns, and support can involve Early Help and Team Around the Family procedures. The emphasis is on bringing family circumstances into the conversation when additional help is needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions.

Nursery uniform includes a blue cardigan or sweatshirt, a white collared polo shirt and blue jogging bottoms; the tops carry the school logo. Blue shorts are another option. Shoes should help children manage independently, and open-toed sandals are excluded for safety. Label clothing with your child's name.

For enquiries, contact the school office on 0151 228 8576 or email bpi-office@three-saints.org.uk. Blackmoor Park welcomes families to visit. Refer to the school for current charges.