Broad Square Community Primary School Nursery Review

An obstacle course built with persistence and a library called Ravenous Readers give Broad Square's early years a distinctive character: practical challenges sit alongside an appetite for books. The nursery belongs to Broad Square Community Primary School in Norris Green, Liverpool. Children must be three to join, with entry generally in September after their third birthday.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 18 and 19 June 2024. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Broad Square aims to develop existing skills at each child's pace, building both knowledge and readiness for school. For parents, the emphasis is on developing a child's ability to learn, alongside what they know. In June 2024, early years children approached activities with enthusiasm and independence, and achieved exceptionally well through a carefully planned curriculum.

Books provide a concrete focus. Ravenous Readers is a library shared by EYFS and Key Stage 1 children, giving younger learners a dedicated place for reading. Stories and rhymes support language development; early years children also enjoy local library visits with their families. These experiences connect learning with something parents and children can share beyond the classroom.

Practical learning matters too. In June 2024, children persisted while constructing an obstacle course, showing their willingness to keep working at a challenge. Early years children also learned to manage their feelings and cooperate in play. These are useful foundations for taking part in group activities, as well as tackling tasks independently.

Starting nursery is gradual. Children join over several days so that they can settle and staff can become familiar with them. Families receive their child's start date by letter. This makes the introduction a process, with time for relationships to develop.

For children with additional needs, the support structure includes an assistant special educational needs coordinator for EYFS. Parents can request a meeting about their child's needs and use senco@broadsquare.liverpool.sch.uk to make contact. Broad Square also works in partnership with parents, carers and outside agencies to support inclusion in early years.

Half-termly nursery curriculum overviews help families follow learning. They provide a practical starting point for conversations about the activities children are doing and how parents can support them.

Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Liverpool Education Authority's online application route, meeting the normal Reception deadline. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to be considered separately from securing a school place: joining one does not settle the other.

Nursery applications use a form obtained from the school office. This gives families a direct route to apply for the provision, separate from the local authority route for Reception.

The school is on Broad Square, Liverpool, L11 1BS. General enquiries can go to office@broadsquare.liverpool.sch.uk or 0151 226 1117; an online contact form provides another way to get in touch.