Phoenix Primary School Nursery Review

An afternoon of play, conversation and discovery shapes the nursery offer at Phoenix Primary School in Liverpool. The nursery runs a 15-hour model, with an afternoon session only. That gives families a clear pattern around which to organise the day.

The nursery belongs to the school's early years provision. At the Ofsted inspection on 14 and 15 June 2022, early years provision was judged Good. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and adult-guided activities work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of learning, with particular attention to conversation, movement, relationships and emotions. For parents, that means learning includes listening to others, practising physical skills and becoming more independent, alongside early literacy and maths.

Language gets deliberate attention through books, storytelling and conversation. Children discuss their play and encounter new vocabulary, giving them ways to explain ideas and experiences. Themes include seasonal changes, animals and their homes, familiar tales and the people who help us. These connect early learning with things children can recognise and talk about.

Creative work includes making models, painting, collage and drawing. Children discuss their creations as well as making them, linking practical exploration with language. Daily outdoor play adds opportunities for movement; gardening and investigating nature bring learning beyond the classroom. The early years programme also includes singing, music and OPAL play, which the school uses to encourage imaginative and active play.

In June 2022, children began practising sounds on joining early years, and staff used their subject knowledge to help children retain learning. This gives the play-based day a purposeful early reading strand.

Settling starts with a home visit after application. A team member plays games with the child while parents discuss preferences, eating habits, allergies and any additional support needed. The child can meet someone in familiar surroundings before starting, while staff gain practical information to help with the change.

Healthy snacks come with a request for a weekly donation. The nursery aims to encourage independence and willingness to try unfamiliar foods. Eating habits and allergies are part of the home-visit conversation, making those discussions useful for daily care as well as settling.

Photographs and celebrations of early years learning are shared through Tapestry, giving parents a connection with activities beyond the session. For individual discussions, the office arranges appointments with the appropriate team member. In June 2022, identification of additional needs began in early years, enabling staff to plan support from that stage.

Attending Phoenix's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families need to make a separate Reception application through Liverpool's local authority admissions route. Treat that application as a distinct step from joining nursery, even when the child is already familiar with the school.

The afternoon session runs from 12:15 to 15:15. Nursery enquiries go through the school office, either in person or by calling 0151 228 3831. A waiting list may apply when families seek a place, so an enquiry is the starting point for arranging entry.

Phoenix Primary School is on Birchfield Road, Liverpool, L7 9LY. The front office has disabled access, and office staff can help with access queries. General enquiries can also be sent to ao@phoenixprimaryschool.co.uk.