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Nursery at Our Lady of Compassion 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play that follows children's interests, movement between indoor and outdoor learning, and a weekly Forest School session give this nursery its character. At Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School in Formby, nursery belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Reception. Children can start after turning three, with visits and a start date arranged with families.
This is a Catholic school nursery. Its approach combines activities chosen by children with experiences directed by adults, giving children room to explore while staff introduce new learning.
Children's interests help shape the learning. Staff use planning in the moment, responding to what catches a child's attention rather than relying solely on predetermined activities. The EYFS framework brings together social confidence, communication and physical development with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. In parent language, play has a purpose: learning to talk, move, think and get along with others.
Nursery literacy starts with listening closely. Phase 1 phonics explores environmental sounds, rhyme and rhythm, alongside hearing and combining parts of spoken words. Practical mathematics introduces numbers, patterns, measurement and shapes. Music, imaginative play, stories and art provide routes into creative expression. These are foundations for later learning, rather than a rush into formal reading lessons.
Outdoor learning is woven into the approach. Children can move between the inside and outside learning spaces, and weekly Forest School takes place in the school grounds with a leader qualified at Level 3. That gives outdoor exploration a regular place in the week. In March 2025, Ofsted described early-years learning through shared books, songs and rhymes, alongside children learning to take turns, listen and follow instructions.
Settling begins with contact between home and school. Once a child turns three, staff arrange school visits, home visits and an agreed starting date. In March 2025, staff learned about children's interests before they joined early years and used those interests as starting points for learning. Familiar enthusiasms therefore help shape the beginning of school life.
Arbor is the communications app families are asked to use. Parents complete a pupil profile with medical information, emergency contacts and consents, putting practical care information into the joining process.
For children with additional needs, the early-years lead can identify concerns and begin support pathways. The school's SEND arrangements include involving parents in decisions and progress reviews, coordinating with external professionals and keeping records for transitions. This gives families a route to discuss concerns while support is being planned.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Sefton Local Authority's normal admissions process and meet its application deadline. A supplementary form is also needed if parents want the application considered against the school's faith criteria. Choosing nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
The school's SEND policy includes maintaining children's records as they move between classes or schools. That supports continuity of information for children with additional needs; it does not change the admissions process.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon session starts at 12:15pm and finishes at 3:15pm. Children attending all day also finish at 3:15pm. Late arrivals report to the office, and gates open for afternoon collection at 3:10pm.
Applications can be emailed to admin@olocprimary.co.uk after a child's second birthday. For families eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare, codes must be activated before starting and renewed each term, with the code and National Insurance number sent to the school.
Winter nursery uniform consists of blue elasticated jogging bottoms, a blue sweatshirt and slip-on footwear. Summer clothing is blue shorts with a white polo shirt. Label clothing so it can be returned to the right child.
The school arranges visits and a suitable starting date once your child turns three. You can submit the nursery application after their second birthday.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, and afternoon sessions from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. All-day children finish at 3:15pm.
No. You must apply separately through Sefton Local Authority's admissions process. Complete the supplementary form if you want faith criteria considered.
The EYFS approach includes movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces and weekly Forest School in the school grounds, led by a Level 3 qualified Forest School leader.
Families complete a pupil profile through Arbor, including emergency contacts, medical details and consent forms. Once your child turns three, the school contacts you to organise school visits, home visits and a suitable start date.
