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Nursery at St Laurence'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, practical making and Catholic faith give this nursery its character. At St Laurence's in Kirkby, nursery provision forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with nursery teachers and support staff included in the early years team. Children begin their school experience within the same Catholic community that shapes the curriculum.
Language runs through the learning. Read Write Inc supports early phonics, while Power of Reading brings books into work on speaking and writing. For parents, the distinctive combination is an emphasis on communication alongside opportunities to explore materials and express ideas.
The EYFS combines different areas of learning rather than treating the nursery day simply as preparation for formal lessons. Here, children choose some activities themselves and join others led by adults. Practical work includes painting with fingers or tools, investigating textures and making models. Construction kits and blocks become imagined places, giving children opportunities to develop an idea and share resources with others.
Mark-making has a purpose. Role play areas and small guided groups give children opportunities to use marks to communicate, with songs, stories and familiar experiences providing starting points. Power of Reading connects this work to books. The curriculum includes daily nursery phonics through Read Write Inc, with speaking and listening among its aims: the emphasis includes developing language as well as preparing to read.
Technology also takes a practical form within early years. Programmable toys introduce directions and sequences, while cameras and recording equipment let children make photographs and videos. These are concrete ways to explore instructions and capture what they do.
Catholic learning is part of the curriculum from the start. To Know You More Clearly has begun across EYFS, using the themes Hear, Believe, Celebrate and Live. The nursery element of Journey in Love explores each child's individuality and sense of being special. Faith therefore influences what children learn about themselves and their relationships.
Ofsted's November 2024 inspection found that early years children settled confidently and quickly developed positive habits for learning, showing curiosity and determination. This gives parents a dated indication of how children settled into the setting.
The same inspection identified early recognition of additional needs, with staff reducing obstacles to participation and adapting support for children with SEND. Communication with families uses email, newsletters and the website, so keeping contact details up to date helps important messages reach home.
Food is included in the wraparound clubs. Breakfast choices include fruit, cereal, yoghurt and bagels; after-school snacks can include spaghetti, noodles or pizza. Children choose activities during these clubs, giving the extended day a different shape from classroom learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. The school's admissions page directs applications through Knowsley and asks families to read the admission policy. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Wraparound care accepts nursery children. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 8:40am with school staff; After School Club operates from 3:15pm to 5:15pm daily, except when school closes early. Both clubs are charged, with payments handled through Parent Pay. Refer to the school for current charges.
Nursery clothing is practical: green tracksuit bottoms, a green tracksuit top or school-badge jumper, and a yellow T-shirt. Black Velcro shoes must be manageable by the child, making independence part of the clothing requirement. Label clothing with the child's name and class.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0151 546 4733. The school is on Leeside Avenue in Southdene, Kirkby.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must apply again through the normal Reception process. The school's admissions page directs applications through Knowsley.
Read Write Inc supports nursery phonics, while Power of Reading connects books with language and writing activities. Children also practise mark-making in role play areas and guided groups.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 8:40am, and After School Club runs from 3:15pm to 5:15pm daily unless school finishes early. Charges apply, with payments through Parent Pay.
Green tracksuit bottoms, a green tracksuit top or school-badge jumper, a yellow T-shirt and black Velcro shoes that they can manage themselves. Clothing should carry the child's name and class.
Contact the school office on 0151 546 4733 for nursery enquiries.
