Northcote Primary School Nursery

Practical maths and early language give Northcote’s nursery its character. White Rose Maths Hub activities combine adult guidance with opportunities for children to explore, while Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised provides the named approach to phonics. This is the nursery within Northcote Primary School in Walton, Liverpool, with children normally joining after their third birthday.

A nursery teacher and nursery nurse sit within the school’s early years team. For families, the provision brings the first stage of education into a primary-school setting, with its wider support services alongside it.

Maths starts with practical experiences. The nursery follows the White Rose Maths Hub Scheme, introducing mathematical ideas gradually across the year through activities led by adults and continuous provision, meaning learning opportunities children can return to and explore. The emphasis is on building understanding a step at a time.

Language has a similarly clear place. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised begins in nursery, and speaking and listening are central to the school’s approach to literacy. In October 2024, Ofsted described nursery children developing attention and listening through rhymes. These are useful foundations for taking part in conversations and later reading.

Creative work involves experimenting with materials, colour and pattern. Children practise making marks and drawing shapes using unbroken lines, alongside exploring three-dimensional forms. That gives them ways to express ideas before writing becomes their main means of recording them. The Early Years Foundation Stage is the framework for this initial phase of learning and development.

Curriculum detail. The October 2024 inspection identified insufficient precision about intended knowledge in parts of the early years curriculum. At times, this slowed some children’s preparation for later subjects beyond English and maths, making curriculum planning a material consideration for families.

At the October 2024 inspection, nursery children were practising responding to instructions and sharing playthings. These routines give the social side of the day a concrete focus.

For additional needs, the school’s SEND arrangements involve families in planning and reviewing support. Children with significant needs have One Page Profiles, bringing together their interests, targets and the help planned for them. Reviews take place termly, so parents have a recurring opportunity to discuss progress and next steps.

The school can draw on Liverpool Speech Therapy and SENISS for specialist support. Its SEN information report also lists epilepsy training for nursery staff. Families can contact the SEND team through send@northcote.liverpool.sch.uk. Across the school, access features include ramps and accessible toilets on both floors.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Liverpool City Council’s normal admissions route by the deadline for their child’s entry year. The council determines Northcote’s Reception admission policy.

Continuity of information is useful separately from admission. Northcote keeps assessment profiles for children moving from its nursery into Reception, giving staff an existing record of their learning. Staff also meet at the end of the summer term to discuss individual needs before children change class or phase.

Nursery enquiries go through the school office on 0151 284 1919 or office@northcote.liverpool.sch.uk. Visits to the nursery can be arranged by telephone, allowing families to discuss joining with the nursery team.

To register interest, families complete the nursery application form and join the waiting list. September is the main allocation point; remaining places can be allocated during the year after children turn three. The admissions page directs families to Liverpool City Council’s information about free childcare for three- and four-year-olds.