St Charles' Catholic Academy Nursery Review

Sound games, shared stories and long stretches of play give this nursery its shape. At St Charles' Catholic Academy in Aigburth, Liverpool, children start their school experience from age three, with an emphasis on language, friendships and physical development. The nursery belongs to a Catholic primary academy, so faith forms part of that wider setting.

The nursery's admission number for September 2022 was 26 full time equivalent places. That is a dated capacity figure, rather than a measure of today's group size. We hold no published inspection grade for this nursery.

Morning and afternoon sessions have different rhythms. A morning begins with phonics and finishes with a topic activity based on literacy or maths. An afternoon starts with personal, social and emotional learning, then ends with songs or stories. Between group activities, children have extended periods of play with resources they choose themselves. Adults support that play alongside small group tasks and individual help where needed.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together. Here, the initial emphasis is on movement, communication and learning to manage feelings and relationships, especially during autumn. Literacy, maths, creative work and finding out about the world build on those foundations. For parents, this means early learning includes talking, making choices and playing with others alongside preparation for reading.

Phonics starts with listening: children distinguish sounds and make sounds themselves. When ready, they move to oral blending and segmenting through Fred games within Read Write Inc. Early maths uses White Rose, with some materials from NCETM mastering number. Books also shape the learning activities, and children hear a story read aloud each day.

Experiences extend beyond ordinary classroom activities. The early years team plans at least one trip and one visiting guest each term. Learning is recorded partly through photographs and examples of children's drawing or making, keeping attention on what children actually do.

The EYFS lead also teaches Nursery. Before children start, early years staff undertake home visits, and children are invited for a short introductory session. These give families and staff opportunities to exchange information before the first full experience of school.

Language support has a named structure. Wellcomm screens children's understanding and use of language through individual assessment. Children receiving its intervention take part three times a week, using activities from Wellcomm's Big Book of Ideas; families may receive related activities for home. Nursery SEND identification also uses teacher observations across the seven learning areas. The academy's support cycle is Assess, Plan, Do and Review, with parents involved in agreeing adjustments and support.

Class Dojo shares some observations with families, while termly stay and play sessions combine a short parent introduction with activities to try together. Weekly home learning outlines that week's learning. Breakfast Club includes toast, cereal or yogurt and supervised activities in the school hall, giving nursery children using it a meal before classroom time.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the September 2027 arrangements. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. The closing date is 15th January 2027. Applications under faith criteria also require the Supplementary Information Form and supporting documents by that deadline.

Transition support is a separate matter. After places are allocated, the school contacts families with a transition plan and enrolment information. Familiarity with the nursery should never replace the Reception application.

Funded nursery places become available in the term after a child's third birthday. For the 2022/2023 cycle, the session choices were 15 hours of mornings, 15 hours of afternoons, both Monday to Friday, or 30 hours full time. Keep that historical date in mind when planning childcare.

For nursery enquiries and visits, contact the office on 0151 727 5830 or enquiries@stcharles.sjcmat.co.uk and leave your contact details. The EYFS lead follows up about visiting and applying. Nursery children can also use Breakfast Club from 8am and After School Club; contact the school for current charges.

Uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt, burgundy jogging bottoms and black Velcro shoes. Label clothing with your child's name and class. If collection arrangements change or you expect to be late, telephone the academy beforehand.