St Sebastian's Catholic Primary School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Early reading and a planned introduction to learning give St Sebastian's nursery its character. This is the school’s own nursery provision on Holly Road, Liverpool, within a Catholic primary school. Its early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

There is an important distinction for families considering provision on this site. Field of Dreams Nursery is also based there, but has its own Ofsted inspection and was excluded from the school’s inspection. The school nursery and Field of Dreams should therefore be treated as separate choices.

Reading has a clear place in early years learning. In December 2024, children had phonics teaching each day alongside other reading activities. Phonics develops the knowledge children use to read; the accompanying activities also encourage enjoyment of reading. The emphasis is on both learning how to read and wanting to do it.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum builds knowledge in steps, giving children foundations for later learning. The December 2024 findings recognised careful planning of those foundations. Children also settled promptly and developed constructive habits for learning, an important starting point for taking part in activities with others.

Technology is another element of EYFS provision. Children have opportunities to investigate and use it in ways suited to their development. Computing therefore begins through their early years activities, rather than waiting until later schooling.

Home visits were planned for children starting nursery in September 2026. Visits by EYFS staff were scheduled for 2–4 September, with individual dates and times due to be shared with families in July. The planned visits would give families an opportunity to meet the early years team in their own home.

Support for additional needs sits within the school’s SEND structure, which includes an Early Years SEND Advocate alongside the SENDCo. Identification draws on observations, assessments and families’ feedback. Parents contribute to individual learning targets and reviews, so their knowledge of their child forms part of planning support.

The school’s approach also takes account of attachment and the effect of early experiences on emotional wellbeing. Adaptations can involve teaching, resources and activities. Specialist partners include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists, giving families several routes into support according to their child’s needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process and meet the deadline for their entry year.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. The route was Liverpool City Council’s online preference form, with the school also requesting a Supplementary Faith Request Form. That dated cycle should not be used as the timetable for a later intake.

Funding is described as up to 15 hours of early education a week during term time for three- and four-year-olds. Some working families can qualify for an extension to up to 30 hours weekly. Eligibility determines which entitlement applies; Liverpool City Council provides the funding information and application guidance.

The school office can be contacted on 0151 260 9697. Families who prefer paper information can request printed website materials, policies or guidance from the office, making that a useful alternative to reading documents online.