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Nursery at Rimrose Hope CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two books a term, growing cress and watching caterpillars become butterflies: Buddies gives Rimrose Hope’s youngest children concrete things to explore. This is the school’s provision for two-year-olds, alongside its school nursery for children starting the term after their third birthday. Both belong to Rimrose Hope CofE Primary School on Sandy Road in Seaforth.
Children can move directly from Buddies into the school nursery. That offers continuity within the early years provision, rather than another change of setting at three. At the inspection on 6 and 7 June 2023, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding. This judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Stories give the learning a direction. Buddies concentrates on two key texts each term, using PLOD (Possible Lines Of Development) planning to follow children’s interests. With We Found A Seed, children grew cress, observed the transformation of caterpillars and searched for bugs. These are tangible ways to connect a story with living things, movement and change.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, relationships and physical development with literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. For Buddies, the emphasis falls on those first foundations: sharing stories, learning nursery rhymes and expanding vocabulary. In the school nursery, fiction and non-fiction key texts connect learning across the curriculum, giving children opportunities to revisit ideas in different activities.
Creative work has specific materials behind it. Nursery children have made Diwali rangoli patterns with pastels, chalk and coloured sand, linking artistic choices with learning about a celebration. Buddies also uses its outdoor space around children’s interests and needs, extending exploration beyond the indoor environment.
In June 2023, children’s curiosity was evident across early years, including the two-year-old provision. They also developed confidence and independence rapidly. Those findings give substance to the emphasis on children taking an active part in their learning.
Key workers in Buddies use observations and parents’ contributions to plan individual next steps, which then inform weekly learning. Its staffing structure includes a room leader, teaching assistants and a nursery manager. Support and planning therefore sit alongside the children’s own interests.
Settling precedes assessment. The developmental check for children aged two to three takes place after a child has settled into Buddies and formed relationships with their key worker and other staff. In June 2023, even the youngest children settled promptly and engaged enthusiastically with staff support.
Tapestry connects home and nursery through a secure journal containing observations, photographs and comments. Parents can contribute pictures and videos from home as well as comments, helping staff build a fuller picture of the child. For SEND concerns, the first conversation is with the class teacher, with further advice through the school’s SEND team. Across the school, ramps and level outdoor areas support physical access.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Sefton is the school’s admissions authority, and the route is Sefton School Admissions.
Curriculum continuity is a separate benefit: learning is planned to connect Buddies with the later early years stages. It should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Morning and afternoon sessions are offered in both provisions. For three-year-olds, the 15-hour funded entitlement can be taken through either pattern; eligible families can also access the 30-hour funded offer. All-day places for this age group are subject to availability and carry a charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Registration uses an electronic form, and families can arrange a nursery viewing through the school office. The office is reachable on 0151 288 6508 or admin.rimrosehope@schools.sefton.gov.uk. EYFS uniform combines a white polo shirt with maroon jogging bottoms and a maroon cardigan or jumper. The breakfast club serves Reception to Year 6, so it does not extend the nursery day.
Children start the term after their third birthday and can move directly from Buddies, the school’s two-year-old provision.
Yes, for three-year-olds, subject to availability and a charge. Eligible families can also access the 30-hour funded offer.
Tapestry provides a secure journal of photographs, observations and comments. Parents can add comments, photographs and videos from home.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Sefton School Admissions is the application route.
Contact the school office to arrange a nursery viewing, using 0151 288 6508 or admin.rimrosehope@schools.sefton.gov.uk.
