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Nursery at St Nicholas Catholic Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Familiar stories and growing confidence with spoken language give the nursery at St Nicholas Catholic Academy its clearest character. Children can attend from age 3, with morning and afternoon sessions during term time. This is the school’s own nursery on Orthes Street, Liverpool, within a Catholic primary academy.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 January 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories give children an active part in learning: in January 2025, nursery children were developing enthusiasm for books and participating in familiar tales. The emphasis is on joining in. Alongside this, qualified early years staff helped children build their spoken language, giving conversation a clear place in their learning.
Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), the youngest children also practised following directions and treating each other kindly. These are everyday skills for taking part in a class, alongside the early interest in reading.
Foundation Stage resources include materials for making marks, threading activities and visual timetables. These bring hand skills and an understanding of routines into the learning environment. Outdoor access for EYFS is at ground level, a concrete consideration for children with mobility needs.
Communication support extends beyond speech alone. Across the school, Makaton signs and symbols support children with communication difficulties, and pupils are encouraged to use them with one another. This gives children another way to participate and make themselves understood.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff identify needs, agree support, put it into practice and revisit its effect. Teachers work with the special educational needs coordinator and teaching assistants, with Speech and Language and Educational Psychology services among the specialist partners. Support can therefore be discussed around an individual child’s needs.
Parents of children receiving SEND support have termly meetings and progress reports, creating regular opportunities to review arrangements. Snacks and milk are free for all nursery children; paid sessions for parents who are not eligible for funding include lunch.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the arrangements for September 2027. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority using its Common Application Form. The closing date for that intake is 15 January 2027.
Families applying under faith criteria 2 to 6 should also return a Supplementary Information Form to the school office in person by 15 January 2027. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions: the nursery place does not replace either application step.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, with afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The nursery operates during term time, so families needing holiday childcare will need to plan around that pattern.
The universal funding offer provides 15 free hours each week, while eligible working parents can access extended funding of 30 hours. Parents without funding eligibility can purchase sessions. Trips or special events may occasionally bring additional charges; contact the school for current charges.
For nursery availability and further information, call the school office on 0151 709 5532. Nursery application forms are available from the office and should be completed and returned to the school.
The nursery accepts children aged 3 and over.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The nursery opens during term time only.
There are 15 free hours per week through universal funding, with 30 hours available to eligible working parents through extended funding.
Snacks and milk are free for all children. Paid sessions for parents who are not eligible for funding include lunch.
No. Attendance gives no Reception priority under the September 2027 arrangements. Apply separately through your home local authority by 15 January 2027, with the supplementary form also required for consideration under faith criteria 2 to 6.
