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Nursery at St Aidan's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, colour mixing and even yoga give St Aidan's nursery its character: early learning with room for expression and feelings. This Catholic nursery belongs to St Aidan's Catholic Primary School on Adswood Road in Huyton. Its admission number is 52, divided into 26 morning places and 26 afternoon places. Those are session places, rather than a single class of 52 children.
Ofsted's inspection published on 3 February 2026 judged the school's early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gives the early years curriculum a clear focus. In February 2026, adults helped children extend their vocabulary through conversation, books and rhymes, with effective support for communication and early reading. For parents, this means that listening and talking are purposeful learning experiences. Early years children also choose their daily class story through a vote, giving them a practical way to express a preference.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes learning through creative activity here. Kapow provides the school's art curriculum, covering the EYFS framework, and a nursery example describes a child experimenting with mixing colours. That gives a concrete picture of children exploring materials and talking about the changes they notice.
A nursery wellbeing day included affirmations, yoga and massage between peers. It is a specific example of children exploring emotional wellbeing through activities as well as words. In February 2026, early years children were also learning rules and ways to handle their feelings, helping them take part in group learning.
Settling begins with understanding the child. In February 2026, early years staff built relationships with families and used what they learnt about individual children to plan learning. Children settled successfully and felt secure. The practical value is continuity between home and nursery: parents' knowledge helps shape the child's start.
A class teacher leads nursery, supported by teaching assistants. For children needing additional help, early years staff work with families and outside professionals to identify obstacles to participation. The school's SEND arrangements use Individual Education Plans, involve parents in targets and reviews, and adapt learning before a diagnosis is obtained.
Across the school, the Sensory Room provides a space for calming sensory experiences, while the Living Room is used for reflection and support, including work with external agencies. These are school resources rather than nursery-only rooms. Food has a straightforward arrangement for children staying all day: families provide a packed lunch.
Reception requires another application. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority under the September 2027 admission arrangements. Families must apply through their home local authority using its Common Application Form by 15 January 2027. A Supplementary Information Form is also requested for applications under faith criteria 2 to 6, with the same return deadline.
Transition support is a separate matter. Where an individual child needs it, the school's SEND arrangements allow a plan involving the family and the next class. Photographs, social stories and short activities in the new setting can help make the change more familiar. These measures support the child; they do not alter admission priority.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am; the afternoon session runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Qualifying parents and carers can access 30 hours of childcare, with an option for children to remain for lunch. This makes the distinction between a single session and a full day useful when planning family routines.
Nursery application forms come from the primary school office, and applications are considered each term. For enquiries, contact the office on 0151 477 8370. Parents who want to discuss additional needs can arrange an appointment with the class teacher or SENDCo.
The morning session is 8:45am to 11:45am, and the afternoon session is 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
The nursery offers 30 hours of childcare for qualifying parents and carers, including the opportunity to stay for lunch. Children attending a full day must bring a packed lunch.
No. Under the September 2027 arrangements, nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer priority. A separate application through the home local authority is required by 15 January 2027.
Obtain a nursery application form from the primary school office. Applications are considered on a termly basis.
Early years staff work with parents and external professionals to understand children's needs. School arrangements include adapted activities, Individual Education Plans and parent involvement in reviewing support. Contact the class teacher or SENDCo to discuss your child.
