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Nursery at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 indoors and outdoors, teacher-led learning and a choice of morning, afternoon or full-day attendance shape the nursery at Sacred Heart. This is the school's own provision for children aged three and four on Hall Lane, Liverpool, within a Catholic primary school. Qualified teachers lead the nursery, supported by support staff. For families, that means a nursery organised around early education as well as care.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: children learn through play they choose themselves and activities adults organise. Teaching also includes focused work on literacy, maths, phonics and religious education. The balance matters. Children have opportunities to pursue an idea through play, alongside time when an adult directs their learning.
Indoor and outdoor classrooms receive equal attention in planning. Play involves investigating, communicating with other children and finding solutions to problems, with opportunities to work together or independently. Outdoor learning is part of the curriculum rather than an occasional addition.
The nursery curriculum overview for 2025/26 included number songs, retelling stories with props and exploring colour mixing. These examples show how early learning takes practical forms: handling objects, making marks, talking and observing change. Catholic religious education follows To Know You More Clearly within the EYFS.
In December 2024, Ofsted found nursery children attentive during stories and early-years children absorbed in play, with their interests reflected in curriculum design. These are specific observations about the youngest children. The school-wide improvement action concerned misconceptions in a few subjects and the need for further staff support with teaching key knowledge; it was not identified as a nursery-specific weakness.
Settling begins with a programme of introductory sessions, discussed with parents. That gives families a role in planning the start rather than treating the first session as a fixed arrangement. The nursery admissions page also makes toilet training a condition of entry following a child's third birthday.
Food depends on the session chosen. Morning attendance includes lunch; afternoon children should eat beforehand and have a snack during their session. This is a practical distinction when organising meals at home.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities follows the school's SEND arrangements. Parents contribute to decisions about provision, which may involve classroom support, a small group or individual work. Speech and Language practitioners, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists can provide additional specialist input where needed. Families can contact the SEND coordinator through the office, giving them a clear route to discuss concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process by the national closing date. Liverpool residents can apply online through Liverpool City Council.
For the September 2026 intake, the school's admission arrangements did not include nursery attendance among the priority criteria. Applications considered under faith criteria also required a supplementary form. Families should therefore treat their nursery choice and their Reception application as separate decisions.
Transition support is a different matter. The school's SEND policy provides for individual transition plans when children need extra help moving between year groups. Such preparation supports the change of class; it does not confer an admissions advantage.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to noon; afternoons run from noon to 3:15pm. Full-day attendance is also offered as a 30-hour pattern. Preferred hours depend on availability, so the session choice needs agreeing with the school.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours for three- and four-year-olds, subject to availability and its admissions policy. Families eligible for an additional 15 hours must give the school their 30-hour funding code and update it three times a year. Consult the school's Charging and Remissions Policy for charges.
Enquiries go through the nursery admission enquiry form or the office on 0151 709 1782. A look around can be arranged by telephone. The school calendar includes term dates and INSET closures, useful when planning childcare around the nursery timetable.
The provision is for three- and four-year-olds. Children enter after their third birthday, with toilet training included in the school's entry conditions.
Yes. The school offers full-day attendance as a 30-hour pattern, alongside morning and afternoon sessions. Preferred hours are subject to availability.
Lunch is included in the morning session. Afternoon children should eat before attending and have a snack during the session.
There is a programme of settling sessions, with arrangements discussed with parents.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions route. Nursery attendance was not a priority criterion in the arrangements for the September 2026 intake.
