Northway Primary School Nursery Review

Two longer days and a shorter Wednesday give Northway’s nursery its practical character. Families choose a beginning-of-week or end-of-week pattern, each totalling 15 hours. That makes the weekly commitment clear, with Wednesday the point where the two groups’ schedules differ.

Northway has 52 part-time nursery places within its primary school in Maghull. Children can join in the term following their third birthday. The nursery class sits within the school’s early years provision, with a nursery teacher supported by teaching assistants. For parents, this combines a distinct nursery class with the staff structure of a school.

Play and adult teaching work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach puts learning to communicate, manage feelings and interact with other people alongside the beginnings of academic learning. Creative work, technology and physical skills start in nursery, with themes giving activities a shared purpose. The intention is that children build the personal skills needed to take part in learning as well as acquire new knowledge.

Restorative and relational practice is a named part of the approach. In everyday routines and circle time, adults demonstrate respectful conversation and help children think through disagreements and repair friendships. Speaking and listening receive explicit attention. These are useful foundations for children learning to explain what they want, hear another child’s view and join in with a group.

The garden has provided a physical learning space: a nursery activity from 2021–22 shows children using a climbing frame to practise moving upwards, sideways and downwards. Another nursery example from that year records learning about animals at Allday’s Farm. These are dated examples of learning through movement and experience, rather than promises about a recurring timetable.

Starting nursery is a staged process. Home visits, play sessions with families and a gradual increase in attendance help children become familiar with the adults and routines before reaching their full hours. Children with special educational needs may have additional transition arrangements agreed directly with the school. The start can therefore be adapted to the child.

The September 2023 inspection found that nursery and Reception children were helped to settle, sustained their attention during activities and enjoyed playing together. That gives parents a dated picture of children engaging with both learning and friendships.

For ongoing communication, parents can telephone or email the office to pass a message to the nursery teacher. The school’s special educational needs coordinator also offers family advice and support, with appointments arranged through the office. This gives families a route for discussing concerns beyond the initial settling period.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application online to Sefton’s admissions office and meet the council’s deadline. The local authority allocates places, so choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

After a place has been allocated, transition includes a family welcome meeting, a chance to see the Reception classrooms and outdoor areas, and small-group taster sessions. Reception teachers visit children in their existing setting, including Northway’s nursery. Additional transition arrangements can be made for children with special educational needs. These activities help children prepare for the move; they do not secure admission.

Stars attend Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 3pm, followed by Wednesday, 8:50am to 11:50am. The end-of-week option runs Wednesday, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, then Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3pm. Each pattern provides 15 hours across the week.

Nursery applications use the school’s form, downloadable through the Policies section or obtainable on paper from the office. Visits can also be arranged through the office. Contact 0151 526 2565 or admin@northwayprimary.co.uk.

Clothing is chosen for activity: loose clothes and slip-on pumps are the nursery expectation. Northway nursery T-shirts and sweatshirts are optional, giving families flexibility over branded clothing.