St Anne's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Three-hour sessions or a longer school day give St Anne's nursery two distinct rhythms. The nursery belongs to St Anne's Catholic Primary School in Huyton and has its own space within the school. Its class is called England. For September 2026, the nursery admission number is 26 full-time-equivalent places; the September 2027 arrangements retain that figure.

The March 2026 Ofsted judgement for early years was Expected standard. This covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately graded nursery.

Conversation gives the early years day its character. Staff develop children's vocabulary through play and talk, helping them put experiences into words rather than keeping language learning to a separate lesson. Stories sit alongside poetry and rhymes, and children take part in phonics each day. These activities connect listening and speaking with the beginnings of reading.

Play extends across the early years curriculum. Children become increasingly confident about describing what they have done, and their ability to remain interested in an activity is a strength. Behaviour is another strength, giving children a useful foundation for learning alongside others.

Progress checks help staff identify gaps and respond. Writing support. In March 2026, progress checks generally helped staff address gaps, but occasionally the response fell short in writing for a few children, including some with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Closing those gaps remained an improvement priority. Families should weigh that concern alongside the positive findings about language and engagement.

Partnership with parents supports children's sense of security and readiness to learn. The March 2026 early years findings describe effective working relationships with families, including those whose children face difficulties with learning.

For SEND, personalised early years support uses Play Plans. Parents contribute through discussions and reviews, so support can respond to a child's changing needs. The school's team includes a SENCo, a Specialist Support Teacher and a Learning Mentor, with advice sought from professionals such as speech and language therapists.

The school's SEND facilities include a sensory room and sensory circuits. Its building is on one level, with ramps and accessible toilet facilities. These are school facilities, relevant when considering an individual child's access and support.

A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. The September 2027 Reception arrangements give no priority for nursery attendance: families must make a separate application through their home local authority. The deadline is 15 January 2027. Applications under faith criteria also require the Supplementary Information Form and supporting documents returned to the school by that date.

Transition support is a separate matter. For pupils with SEND moving between classes, information and targets pass to the next teacher, with a planning meeting, classroom visits and a transition booklet for home. That helps children become familiar with their next classroom and adults; it does not alter admission priority.

Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. Each pattern provides 15 hours a week. The application form asks families to choose a session or request a 30-hour place, with first preferences subject to availability.

The form describes 15 funded hours over 38 weeks, with 30 funded hours for eligible families. For children taking a 30-hour funded place, collection at 12:40pm on Friday avoids the additional 2.5 hours associated with attending the full 8:40am to 3:10pm school timetable. Those extra hours are chargeable if chosen; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery application forms go directly to the school. For September 2027 entry, the allocation deadline is 26 February 2027. Enquiries can go through the school office on 0151 477 8260.