St John's Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and conversation give this nursery its clearest character. At St John's Catholic Primary School, nursery learning puts language alongside early mathematics, with practical activities that ask children to talk, think and try things for themselves.

There are two connected parts to the provision: the school's Nursery class and St John’s Day Nursery, which provides for two- and three-year-olds at Fountains Children’s Centre. The governing body manages the day nursery. Children attending both benefit from a shared curriculum, giving their learning continuity across the two settings.

Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 19 and 20 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than constituting a separate nursery rating.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum brings together communication, physical development, relationships, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative work. For a parent, that means learning extends beyond letters and numbers: managing feelings, using tools and explaining an idea are part of the picture too.

Books give the activities a thread. Possible themes include The Gingerbread man and Handa’s Surprise, alongside growing plants, changing seasons and animals. These are starting points for exploration rather than a promise of a fixed timetable. Story conversations develop vocabulary; rhyming and clapping syllables help children notice how words sound.

Practical mathematics includes comparing quantities, exploring shapes and making repeating patterns. Construction kits and blocks support imaginative small worlds, while scissors and drawing activities develop hand control. Movement work includes balancing and ball skills, with scooters, bikes and trikes named among the resources. Outdoor learning asks children to notice what they hear, see and feel, and planting seeds introduces the care of living things.

In November 2024, nursery and day-care children enjoyed language, phonics and mathematics sessions alongside songs, rhymes and shared stories. The combination gives early reading and number work a place within a broader day of communication and activity.

Early language screening helps identify children who need additional help. In November 2024, tailored speech and language work enabled those receiving it to progress rapidly in spoken English. This is a concrete strength for families whose child needs support expressing themselves.

Personal and social learning also has practical goals: children work towards resolving disagreements through talk, recognising feelings and understanding other people's emotions. Increasing independence with dressing is another curriculum aim. These small steps matter for participation in a group and managing everyday tasks.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority within the oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate online application through Liverpool City Council. For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027.

Faith evidence must also reach the school office no later than 15 January 2027. Baptised Catholic applicants need a Baptismal Certificate, and baptism must occur before the application closing date. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as separate commitments.

The school is on Fountains Road in Kirkdale, Liverpool. For enquiries, the school office can be contacted on 0151 922 1924 or 0151 922 3106. School visits are welcomed, giving families a way to explore the setting before deciding.