Our Lady and St Swithin's Catholic Primary School Nursery

Stories, songs and purposeful play shape the nursery here, with learning to communicate and becoming independent taking precedence. This is the school's own provision for three-year-olds, on Parkstile Lane in Croxteth. Its curriculum carries the school's Catholic values, and the nursery sits close to the Reception classrooms: a familiar physical setting for the next stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the day its framework. In parent language, the nursery's main priorities are talking and listening, physical skills, relationships and managing feelings. These foundations matter before children tackle more formal learning. Small teaching groups and activities guided by adults sit alongside play that children initiate themselves.

Songs, rhymes, stories and games introduce ideas through things children can hear, repeat and try. Early literacy and phonics feature daily, while Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons take place weekly. The emphasis is broader than preparation for reading: children also practise independence and become accustomed to the expectations of a classroom.

Indoor learning space and outdoor provision are both accessed regularly. Continuous provision means children can choose activities and pursue interests, while adults join their play to introduce vocabulary, ask questions and develop ideas. Movement, practical exploration and conversation therefore have a place alongside group teaching.

In February 2023, Ofsted found that early years teaching helped children establish productive learning habits, with a sequenced curriculum supporting their later learning. That finding covered the early years, including nursery, rather than giving the nursery a separate inspection grade.

A predictable daily pattern gives children repeated opportunities to practise routines and do more for themselves. During their first weeks, staff observe their skills and knowledge to establish a starting point for learning. Families can contribute achievements and experiences from home through Class Dojo, linking what adults see in nursery with what happens elsewhere.

For additional needs, the school's Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle organises support around identifying barriers, planning help and checking progress. Its parent guide begins with a concern raised to the class teacher or SENCO, with intervention and external assessment considered as necessary. This gives families a route into discussions about support rather than leaving concerns informal.

Before admission, parents provide emergency contacts, health information and details of allergies or dietary needs. Changes must be passed on to the school, keeping the information used for care up to date.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; familiarity with the classrooms is a transition benefit, not an admission entitlement.

For September 2027 entry, applications go online through Liverpool Local Authority, with a deadline of 15 January 2027. A supplementary faith form must also reach the school by that date. Families applying under Baptised Catholic criteria must provide baptism evidence at application, with both documents submitted by the deadline for consideration under those criteria.

The school office is the enquiry contact, on 0151 546 3868. The nursery is at Parkstile Lane, Croxteth, Liverpool, L11 0BQ. For conversations about additional learning or emotional support, families can arrange an appointment with the SENCO through the office.