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Nursery at Chatham Place Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bug hunting, tower building and books to take home give Chatham’s nursery day its character. Oak Tree Room serves children aged 3-4, with 30 nursery places and entry from the term after their third birthday. This is nursery-school provision alongside Little Acorns for younger children and The Nest specialist SEND unit. Chatham is based within Picton Medical Centre on Earle Road and shares a federation with St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School.
Oak Tree combines play chosen by children with activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects learning with practical experiences: developing language through conversation, exploring numbers through play and learning to cooperate with other children. In June 2026, children compared their towers’ heights, counted balls travelling along guttering and created imaginary rockets. These are recognisable early maths and creative tasks, rather than learning confined to a table.
Forest School adds a dedicated outdoor site on Earle Road. Children make dens, search for insects and share stories, with sessions taking place across the seasons. Wooded areas and logs give children something real to investigate. Indoors, play dough provides opportunities to practise action words, while the little library lets families continue sharing books at home.
Teaching has limits alongside these strengths. Ofsted’s June 2026 inspection assessed curriculum and teaching at Expected standard. Adults sometimes lacked clarity about the vocabulary and knowledge intended in play, missed chances to revisit learning and did not consistently check understanding. That can leave gaps unaddressed. More precise routines and expectations were also needed on some occasions. Families should weigh the practical learning opportunities alongside this need for greater teaching consistency.
A key person gives each child a familiar adult for reassurance and practical care, including dressing, toileting and nappy changes. Families can exchange observations through Tapestry Journal, which carries photographs, videos and progress updates. An open-day invitation is followed by arrangements for a home visit and settling-in date, giving staff and families contact before the child starts.
Inclusion reached Strong standard in June 2026, and safeguarding standards were met. Additional needs are identified early, with specialist professionals involved when needed. The Nest has a separate outdoor area and one adult for every two children; its Total Communication Approach uses visual prompts, signing and communication aids to make participation accessible. Individual learning plans are shared with parents each half term.
Oak Tree’s staffing includes a class teacher, room leaders and nursery practitioners. For children learning English, support includes bilingual books and encouragement to continue using their home language. Families can borrow a bilingual book to read with their child at home. This gives families a practical role in language development rather than asking them to replace the language they already share.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions route and meet its deadline. The federation link with St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School should not be treated as a place offer.
Preparation and allocation are separate matters. For children with SEND, transition arrangements include meetings with receiving schools, transfer of assessment and support information, and extra visits where needed. These help the next team understand the child’s needs before the move.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. The nursery operates during term time. The 15-hour early-education pattern comprises five morning or five afternoon sessions. Limited 30-hour funded places are offered for working parents, with priority for children already using Chatham’s childcare provision.
Applications go directly to the nursery administration team. To enquire or arrange a look around, call 0151 233 1201 or email chatham-ao@chathamplace.liverpool.sch.uk. Visits require prior arrangement.
Session fit. Each standard session lasts three hours. Families need to match that attendance pattern to their working day and holiday arrangements.
Children start in the term after their third birthday. Oak Tree is the 3-4 room and has 30 nursery places.
Morning sessions are 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon sessions are 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Attendance is term time only.
The place offer includes an open-day invitation. A home visit and settling-in date are then arranged, and each child has a key person.
The Nest supports children with significant additional needs, with one adult for two children and an individual curriculum. Eligibility is assessed by a Liverpool City Council SEND Early Years Officer, and the local authority allocates places.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Transition support does not constitute a school-place offer.
