Litherland Moss Primary School Nursery Review

Colour hunts, self-portraits and counting songs give Litherland Moss Nursery a practical, playful starting point. Children join at three, with learning initially centred on talking, physical development and relationships. Independence matters too: children can choose resources themselves from the classroom’s learning areas.

This is the school’s own nursery at The Litherland Campus on Sterrix Lane. The building is shared with Litherland High School. Morning attendance and longer sessions offer two different ways to fit nursery into family life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives learning its shape. For new starters, the emphasis is on communication, managing feelings and relationships, and developing physical skills. These foundations support later work with numbers, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Playing, investigating and trying out ideas are part of that learning, rather than separate from it.

Indoor learning areas have resources children can reach independently, and outdoor experiences form part of each day. Staff observe children’s interests and development before planning activities. That gives children room to make choices while adults shape their next steps.

The My World theme starts with children’s families, preferences and identities. Children explore the classroom and outdoor area, share stories about themselves and begin making friends. Colour hunts and self-portraits turn those conversations into something children can investigate and create. Counting games and songs introduce numbers; looking for shapes around nursery connects mathematics to familiar surroundings.

Books also travel home. They are exchanged on Fridays and should return on Thursdays, giving families a clear routine for reading together. Suggested home activities include matching socks, measuring ingredients during baking and discussing how much bath-time containers hold. These make early learning part of ordinary family routines.

In January 2023, Ofsted found that early-years children gained phonics knowledge and reading fluency rapidly. Children also listened attentively during stories and phonics, and generally followed instructions. Those findings concern early years across the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Settling into routines, forming relationships and exploring the learning spaces are explicit parts of the opening My World theme. Staff teach children to listen, handle others gently and play safely, using consistent boundaries. ClassDojo rewards recognise achievements and children’s use of school values.

Communication continues through Class Dojo, email and paper letters where needed. Teachers can take brief messages before or after school; longer conversations can be arranged by telephone. That gives parents a route for both everyday updates and more detailed discussions.

For additional needs, families can arrange an appointment with the SEND coordinator through the office. The SEND Padlet includes practical resources covering attention, sensory needs, motor skills and sleep. The trust’s approach involves parents in planning support and offers at least three opportunities each year to discuss their child’s needs and progress.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through their home local authority, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year. Sefton residents apply through the Citizen Portal.

For the 2024 intake, Litherland Moss’s oversubscription criteria covered looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings and distance, after children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school. Nursery attendance carried no priority. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

Morning sessions run Monday to Friday, 8:50am to 11:45am, under the 15-hour pattern. The 30-hour pattern runs on the same days, 8:50am to 3:20pm. These are the nursery’s two attendance options.

Bring spare clothes each day and label clothing and shoes. To arrange a nursery visit with your child, telephone 0151 928 4544. General enquiries can also go to office@lmp.theheathfamily.org.uk.