Eastcroft Park School Nursery

Story props, outdoor climbing and dough gym give Eastcroft Park’s nursery curriculum a practical character. Children build language through play while learning to handle tools, manage their belongings and get along with other children. Independence grows through small, everyday tasks.

This is the nursery provision within Eastcroft Park School on Hollinghurst Road, Tower Hill. Ofsted’s January 2026 assessment placed the school’s early years provision at the expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development, relationships and learning through practical experiences. Here, the nursery curriculum moves from learning about themselves to celebrations, books, farm life, minibeasts and the sea. These themes give children things to investigate, make and talk about.

Conversation has a clear purpose. Children practise explaining what they want, exchanging ideas and following instructions. Stories involve pictures and props, with repeated refrains inviting children to join in. Later curriculum goals include recalling characters and events and asking questions. Pictures, props and repeated refrains give children material to talk about and opportunities to join in.

Physical learning uses both small tools and larger spaces. Tweezers, play dough tools and scissors develop hand control; dough gym adds opportunities to strengthen fingers. Outside, climbing equipment, construction materials, sand and water support bigger movements. Get Set 4 P.E. introduces activities involving dance, gymnastics and balls. Children practise balance and coordination alongside the control needed for eating and making things.

Creative work includes leaf rubbings, printing with rollers or sponges, and boats made from reused materials. Musical activities explore beat and differences in sound. The outdoor environment also supplies minibeasts to observe, linking close looking with drawing and conversation.

For families, the January 2026 early years findings offer reassurance about changing settings: adults recognised individual needs, helping newcomers settle quickly. Parents also valued help with continuing learning at home.

Language support had a practical benefit in the same assessment. Building vocabulary helped children communicate their ideas and needs and work with others. Staff drew on their knowledge of child development to adapt learning for individual children.

Jigsaw activities address friendship, feelings and looking after the body. A feelings board gives children a way to discuss emotions, while adult reassurance supports learning to calm themselves. Care-related curriculum goals include toileting, handwashing and increasing independence with cutlery. Healthy food choices are explored as learning activities.

The school’s SEND policy uses Assess–Plan–Do–Review, with support reconsidered each term. Parentapps Connect provides letters, consent forms and messages for families. Letter formation needs attention. The January 2026 early years assessment identified inaccurate formation for some children. Families should treat handwriting development as an area requiring continued support.

Attending Eastcroft Park’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Nursery learning and school admissions are separate matters.

For nursery enquiries, contact Eastcroft Park School on 0151 4778210 or email eastcroft.de@knowsley.gov.uk. The school’s address is Hollinghurst Road, Tower Hill, Kirkby, L33 1EB.