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Nursery at St Marie'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 travel home here. The nursery’s Bedtime Story Station lets parents borrow books to share with their children, while Stay & Play brings families into the children’s activities. Those are practical ways to connect learning at nursery with life at home.
At St Marie’s Catholic Primary School on Bigdale Drive, Northwood, nursery entry starts the day after a child’s third birthday. There are two sessions, each with 26 places, within this Catholic primary school. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 15 and 16 October 2024; that judgement covers early years within the school.
Play and adult guidance work together. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for early learning, takes shape here through children playing, watching one another and learning from adults who demonstrate activities. Staff plan for individual children and review their learning regularly. The practical implication is that play has a learning purpose, with adults helping children take their next steps.
Books give the nursery day a clear identity. In October 2024, nursery children’s preparation for reading was strong, built through rhymes, songs and storytelling. Storytime Sessions invite parents to join children and teachers for shared stories and singing. The Bedtime Story Station provides a physical borrowing area in nursery, extending that experience into family routines.
Stay & Play activities follow children’s interests. Parents can take part alongside their child, see how they play with others and pick up ideas to try at home. Participation gives families a concrete view of nursery learning.
After receiving an application, the Early Years team contacts families to arrange a home or school visit and provide starting information. Nursery staff also invite parents to speak with them about questions or concerns, providing a direct route to discuss settling in.
Daily care includes milk and a snack, with a weekly snack contribution payable at the start of the week. Children are encouraged to drink water during the session and should bring a labelled bottle. For prescribed medicines, parents must sign the consent form before staff can administer them; inhalers need a name label and instructions.
Communication continues through the nursery webpage and Tapestry, with newsletters also uploaded to EvidenceMe. These give parents updates and photographs to help them follow their child’s experiences. For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school directs families to the class teacher first and has a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo). Its medical policy provides Health Care plans covering a child’s condition, medication and care procedures, giving staff a shared plan to follow.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the Knowsley admissions portal, following the deadline for their child’s entry year.
Faith applications. Families applying under faith criteria must also return the supplementary form and supporting evidence to the school. This accompanies the council application and does not guarantee admission. Keep the two application processes distinct when planning your child’s next step.
Morning nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am, with the afternoon session from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. These are separate session patterns, so their start and finish times matter when arranging family care and work.
Funding is offered on a term-time basis: 15 funded hours for three- and four-year-olds, with 30 hours for eligible families. Additional funded hours require an eligibility code before a place can be allocated. The parental agreement form and a birth certificate or passport are also required. Contact the school for current charges.
Applications for nursery can be submitted throughout the year. Return the nursery application form to the office with a copy of your child’s birth certificate; families can also visit for a look around. Enquiries go through the school office on 0151 477 8480.
Nursery uniform combines a pale blue polo with a navy tracksuit, black pumps and grey or black socks. Branding is optional. Preloved uniform donations are available at regular times in the Sports and Arts Building. Label clothing, coats and other belongings, and telephone the school if your child will be absent.
Entry begins the day after your child turns three. Each of the two nursery sessions has 26 places.
Sessions run Monday to Friday: mornings are 8:40am to 11:40am and afternoons are 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
The nursery offers 15 funded term-time hours for three- and four-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible families. An eligibility code is required before additional funded hours can be allocated.
Stay & Play lets families join activities based on children’s interests. Storytime Sessions involve parents in shared reading, while the Bedtime Story Station lends books for use at home.
No. A separate application must be made through Knowsley’s admissions portal. Applications under faith criteria also require the supplementary form and supporting evidence.
