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Nursery at Rowan Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication takes many forms at Rowan Park: signs, photographs and objects can all help a child express a choice. That is a useful starting point for understanding its nursery provision, within a school serving children with severe and complex learning difficulties, autism and sensory impairments. The school admits children from age 3 and is based on Sterrix Lane in Litherland.
Ofsted's early years judgement is Outstanding. This is the early years provision within Rowan Park School, rather than a separately graded nursery.
Developmental stage guides the school's learning pathways, rather than age alone. Rowan Park personalises learning around children's interests, needs and ways of learning. Its early years foundation stage (EYFS) sits within that wider approach, with communication, physical and sensory development among the priorities of the Pre Formal pathway. The practical emphasis is on skills children can use beyond a single activity.
The Total Communication Approach brings together several ways of understanding and being understood. Signalong signing, photographs and objects of reference support communication; musical cues help mark changes between activities. Intensive interaction develops early exchanges with another person, including attention and awareness of non-verbal communication. NELI Preschool combines stories with language intervention in small groups.
Learning also extends into ordinary routines. Across Rowan Park, snack times, personal care, the playground and the dining room provide opportunities to practise skills in different contexts. The school aims to make those everyday moments part of learning, rather than treating development as something confined to lessons.
Preparation for joining Rowan Park starts before September. After a family accepts a place, the school sends information and photographs during the summer term, alongside a booklet for parents to complete about their child. A senior team member visits the child's current setting and talks with the adult supporting them there. This gives the receiving team information about the child before the move.
Families can meet staff at a coffee afternoon, and children receive photographs of their new classroom and team. Visits to the new class are scheduled towards the end of term, usually with the child's existing support adult. These arrangements introduce people and surroundings in stages.
Class DoJo provides a direct link between families and teachers, with private messages and afternoon information about the child's day. Across the Rowan Schools, support partners include occupational therapy, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. Family Liaison Officers offer another contact for parents; Team Around the School meetings bring families together with early help professionals and social workers. This gives families routes to discuss concerns alongside classroom communication.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must pursue Reception admission separately through their home local authority. For Rowan Park specifically, applications go through the Complex Needs Team in Sefton SEN & Inclusion Service, and pupils attending the school have an EHCP identifying high-level needs and a severe learning need. The next placement therefore needs a separate admissions decision; familiarity with the school is not an offer of a place.
Rowan Park's school day runs from 09:00 to 15:15, Monday to Friday. These are school hours. Visits to the Rowan Schools take place on alternate Thursdays and can be booked through Rowan Park's office on 0151 222 4894. General enquiries can also go to adminrp@rowanpark.co.uk.
For Rowan Park's EYFS children, uniform includes a red logo sweatshirt and yellow logo polo shirt, with grey trousers, jogging pants or a skirt. Black shoes, a waterproof coat and a red reading bag complete the everyday kit.
No. Reception admission is separate. Rowan Park applications go through the Complex Needs Team in Sefton SEN & Inclusion Service.
The Total Communication Approach includes Signalong, visual supports, objects of reference and intensive interaction. NELI Preschool adds stories and small-group language intervention.
The joining programme includes information from families and the child's current setting, classroom and staff photographs, a coffee afternoon and visits to the new class before September.
Class DoJo allows private messages between families and teachers, alongside afternoon updates about the child's day. Absences should be reported by telephone to the school office.
Yes. Visits take place on alternate Thursdays. Contact Rowan Park on 0151 222 4894 to book.
