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Nursery at Holy Family Catholic Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories became animal crafts, pretend shops and early writing in Holy Family’s 2021–2022 nursery programme. This is the school’s own nursery provision, within a Catholic primary school on Upper Essex Street in Liverpool. Its character combines practical independence with story-based learning: children make snacks for themselves, while the 2021–2022 classroom activities connected talking, imaginative play and making things.
At the inspection on 21 and 22 June 2022, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The early years curriculum was designed around children’s needs, giving the learning a clear starting point in their development.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early learning and personal development. Here, that includes exploring the world, talking about discoveries and practising independence through everyday routines. Early science involves investigation and discussion about what might happen and what children have observed. These are opportunities to develop explanations, rather than simply learn facts.
The 2021–2022 nursery programme gives a concrete example of how activities connect. Talk for Writing used Dear Zoo as the starting point for acting out a story, exploring animals and creating a new class version. Craft tasks explored animal textures and patterns. An ice cream shop role-play area gave children a reason to make menus and take orders, linking pretend play with writing.
Different activities suited younger and older nursery children. Younger children explored sound through instruments; older children practised initial sounds and games that joined sounds together. Number work included counting backwards and forwards to 10, recognising shapes, singing number rhymes and counting five objects. The learning crossed several areas through recognisable tasks.
Catholic learning also had a practical focus. Come and See explored friendship, including what makes someone a good friend, alongside thinking about caring for the world. Journey in Love includes the nursery topic Wonder at God’s Love, making the school’s religious character part of nursery learning.
Food is part of learning independence. In the foundation unit, fruit, cereal and toast are accessible each day, with children encouraged to prepare snacks and tidy afterwards. Other snacks vary with the week’s or term’s theme. Parents are asked for a weekly donation towards snack costs; contact the school for the current contribution. This gives children responsibility for a small, manageable routine as well as opportunities to try different foods.
In June 2022, early years children settled readily into routines, developed social and emotional skills, and responded carefully to adults’ instructions. Identification of special educational needs and/or disabilities began in early years, with staff providing support to help children access learning.
Parents can speak to the nursery team about concerns or information they need to share. A free school communication app carries messages and updates; the office provides personal invitations. If a child becomes ill during the day, parents are contacted promptly and asked to collect them.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline. The application route is Liverpool City Council. Treat that application as a separate decision from joining nursery.
The Child, Family and Community Mentor can help families with Reception applications. That is practical assistance with applying, rather than an admission advantage.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 0151 709 3672 or email holyfamily-ao@holyfamily.liverpool.sch.uk. The address is Upper Essex Street, Liverpool, L8 6QB.
Collection arrangements need care: tell staff if a different person will collect your child, and collectors must be at least 17. Keep emergency contact details updated. Medicines go to the main office, where a signed form is required before staff can administer them.
No. Reception requires a separate application through Liverpool City Council’s normal admissions process.
The 2021–2022 nursery programme used Talk for Writing, with Dear Zoo connecting storytelling, animal crafts and imaginative play.
Children in the foundation unit have daily access to toast, fruit and cereal. They are encouraged to prepare their snacks and clear up afterwards.
Parents can speak directly to the nursery team. The school also uses a free communication app for messages and updates, with personal invitations provided through the office.
Collectors must be at least 17. Tell staff whenever someone different will collect your child.
