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Nursery at St Oswald'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour morning or afternoon sessions give nursery life at St Oswald's a clear practical shape. A 30-hour weekly option adds another pattern, with an optional lunch hour. For families choosing between shorter sessions and more time in school, that distinction matters.
The nursery belongs to St Oswald's Catholic Primary School in Old Swan, Liverpool. Its Catholic context extends to the school's aim of helping children develop their faith. Choosing this provision therefore means choosing nursery within a Catholic school community.
Songs, stories and learning to play together feature in the early years. In June 2024, children sang familiar rhymes and eagerly recounted stories. Conversations with staff helped them cooperate in play and follow instructions, while their independence and curiosity were developing. These are practical foundations for taking part in a group as well as learning.
The nursery's March 2021 home-learning programme combined three daily carpet inputs with play-based learning between them. Its activities crossed learning areas rather than keeping each skill separate. This is a dated example of the nursery's approach: adult-led moments sat alongside opportunities to learn through play.
EYFS means Early Years Foundation Stage, the framework for children's early learning. Within its Understanding the World area, nursery children explore computing through solving problems, spotting patterns and connecting ideas. Programmable toys, iPads and touchscreen devices give them practical ways to try things out and learn from mistakes.
Communication support includes Early Talk Boost, Wellcomm, Talk Boost and NELI across EYFS and Key Stage 1. These programmes target children's communication skills, making language development a concrete part of the support available within the early years.
Before children begin Nursery, families are invited to visit together and have an individual meeting with a teacher. That gives parents a direct opportunity to discuss their child before the first session. Extra transition visits can be arranged according to an individual child's needs.
For nursery children with possible SEND, teachers use observation and assessment to identify support needs. A Pre-SEND budget pays for services including SENISS and speech and language support. Help can therefore begin around emerging needs, rather than depending solely on an established diagnosis.
A non-teaching SENDCO coordinates provision across the school. Parents contribute to planning and reviewing support, and Personal Provision Plans and their reviews go home each term. This gives families a defined role in discussing targets and next steps. Ramps outside and accessible toilets in both school buildings are concrete access features, though individual arrangements depend on the child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no attendance-based priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. Families must make a separate application to their home local authority. Familiarity with the school is separate from entitlement to a place.
For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Apply using the local authority's Common Application Form. Families seeking consideration under faith criteria 2 to 6 are also requested to return a Supplementary Information Form, with supporting documents, by that date.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Each pattern totals 15 hours in a typical week. The 30-hour pattern treats the lunch hour as an optional addition, so it should be considered separately when planning attendance.
Nursery enquiries go directly to the school office on 0151 228 8436 or office@st-oswalds.liverpool.sch.uk.
The morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, totalling 15 hours in a typical week.
The afternoon session runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, totalling 15 hours in a typical week.
Yes. The weekly pattern totals 30 hours, with a lunch hour offered as an optional addition.
No. Families apply separately through their home local authority, and nursery attendance confers no priority under the 2027–2028 arrangements. The September 2027 application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Parents are invited to visit with their children and have an individual parent-teacher meeting before their child starts Nursery.
