Our Lady and St Philomena's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Stories at snack time, a Rhyme of the Week and Friday library swaps give this nursery its own rhythm. Our Lady and St Philomena's has a morning nursery with 26 places within its Catholic primary school on Sparrow Hall Road, Liverpool. The emphasis is on learning through play, with room for children to make choices alongside activities started by adults.

Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 February 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. For families, the distinctive combination here is a morning session, a play-based curriculum and regular links between classroom stories and home.

Play does the teaching. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning about relationships, movement and communication with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Children explore through practical experiences, conversation, books and equipment. Adults plan learning around observations of individual children, so the activities take account of their development rather than expecting everyone to progress identically.

There is a balance between adult direction and children's own ideas. Learning takes place both outdoors and inside, and spare clothes stay in class because exploration can involve water or mess. This is a day designed to include doing and trying, rather than simply listening.

Books and songs provide familiar routines. Nursery Library books are exchanged on Fridays, while snack time includes a story and the Rhyme of the Week gives families something to revisit together. Photographs from home can also become talking points in nursery, connecting children's experiences outside school with their developing language.

In February 2023, staff's work on communication and language was a strength across early years, and children encountered varied literature. Those findings matter here: talking and sharing books are concrete parts of the nursery routine, giving children opportunities to practise expressing themselves and listening to others.

A key person approach gives individual children a close relationship with an adult. Partnership with parents sits alongside observation and assessment in planning their learning. The practical benefit is continuity: children's interests and needs can shape what adults offer them.

Class Dojo carries nursery photographs and updates, with the team aiming to post weekly. Families are encouraged to contribute pictures of their own activities too. Communication works in both directions, giving children material to discuss and parents a connection with classroom learning.

Snack time is part of the session and carries a separate charge; contact the school for current charges. Drinks are provided during the day, and children may bring a bottle containing water only.

Early intervention forms part of the EYFS approach. In February 2023, staff identified special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) promptly, including among early years children. The school's designated SEND lead can be contacted at sendco@olasp.co.uk, giving families a direct route for questions about additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Liverpool City Council's online school admissions route. For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 15th January 2027.

Families seeking consideration under the school's faith or denomination criteria must also send a Supplementary Information Form directly to the school. Keep both steps in mind: the additional form accompanies the council application.

Morning provision. The nursery has a morning-session model, which families should account for when organising care around it.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0151 525 8552 or admin@olasp.co.uk. Keep a spare outfit in class and send the book bag on Fridays for the library exchange. A water bottle is optional, with water the only permitted drink from home.