East Prescot Road Nursery School: Nursery Review

Language leads the learning at East Prescot Road: children’s individual communication goals shape their experiences, and Signalong hand signs accompany speech to help them understand new words. This gives the nursery a clear focus beyond simply keeping children busy.

A Liverpool City Council maintained nursery school, East Prescot Road serves children aged two to four at 86 East Prescot Road, Liverpool. Nursery education is the school’s purpose, rather than an additional class within a primary school. Families from across Liverpool can take up places; living close to the school is not a requirement.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early literacy, maths, creative work and exploration of the world. Here, SchemaPlay adds a practical approach: adults observe children’s repeated patterns of play, then introduce resources that help them develop their ideas. Children have room to pursue an interest, with adult support shaped around what they are doing.

Communication receives deliberate attention. Alongside Signalong, selected children can join Early Talk Boost: three short sessions each week, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, during circle or story time. The programme supports children aged three to four who need help understanding words and talking. Elklan Communication Friendly Setting accreditation also recognises staff training in speech, language and communication.

The May 2025 inspection described children caring for ducklings, handling real woodworking tools and meeting firefighters and police officers. These experiences connect learning with responsibility and people’s work. Spacious outdoor areas support activity, while everyday tasks such as pouring a drink and putting on boots give children opportunities to practise independence.

Curriculum consistency. In May 2025, essential learning content still needed clarification in a few areas, and some teaching did not give key concepts enough attention or repetition. The improvement action required staff knowledge and skills to support effective teaching across the curriculum. Families should weigh that specific concern alongside the breadth of practical experiences.

Support can involve individual work with a child’s key person, small groups or a language intervention. The SEND coordinator works with educators, families and outside agencies, and parents can raise concerns first with their child’s class teacher. This provides a defined route for discussing additional needs.

OP&L, meaning Observation of Play and Learning, structures assessment. A class teacher completes a Spotlight Assessment every six months, identifying interests, strengths and next steps. Learning Journals lets parents see photographs, video and observations, add comments and contribute examples from home. The conversation about development can therefore continue beyond the nursery session.

In May 2025, children in the specialist SEND provision received support tailored through checks on their learning. Safeguarding arrangements were effective, and staff helped children understand feelings, share resources and take turns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Choosing this nursery and choosing a primary school are separate decisions.

Preparation also happens through everyday routines: managing coats, pouring drinks and expressing feelings give children practical skills to take into their next setting. These learning experiences should be considered separately from any admissions decision.

Eligible families can receive a 30-hour funded place during term time, with no consumables charges or additional payments for curriculum delivery. Paid full-day provision applies to children without 30-hour funding. Charges for additional childcare are separate, and payments are made monthly in advance.

Breakfast Club runs from 7:45 to 8:15am. After School Club starts at 3pm, with finishes at 4:30pm or 4:45pm; the later option excludes Fridays. Both clubs use school staff and the school site. The full-day option runs from 8:15am to 3pm.

Monthly tours welcome parents and children. For an enquiry, email ao@eastprescotroadnursery.co.uk or call 0151 228 4672. An application can be delivered to school or emailed with a birth-certificate copy; the original must be checked before a child joins the waiting list.