St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Birkenhead: Nursery Review

Play with a purpose gives the early years its character here: role play introduces different jobs, while adults model sharing and conversation. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Birkenhead has 26 nursery places in Oxton, on Woodchurch Road. The provision is called F1 and is operated and managed by Em’s Stars. That distinction matters for families: nursery enquiries go directly to the operator.

At the November 2022 Ofsted inspection, early years provision was graded Good. This was an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Language and social learning are practical parts of the school's early years foundation stage (EYFS) approach. Adults demonstrate how to share, hear another child's ideas and resolve disagreements during play. Activities are planned to introduce vocabulary, giving children words to use as they learn alongside each other. Conversation has a clear purpose.

Role play areas in EYFS introduce children to different occupations. They connect imaginative play with the working world, so pretending becomes a way to explore what people do. The school also uses outdoor play across changing weather and seasons, linking exploration with new scientific vocabulary.

In November 2022, children in early years enjoyed learning and paid attention during stories. Their behaviour supported learning. These findings give parents a dated picture of children's engagement, rather than a description of a fixed nursery timetable.

Children in early years were happy and felt safe in November 2022. For families considering additional needs, the school's support structure includes a special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo), with appointments for parents. Keep the distinction between school support and the nursery operator clear when making contact.

At school level, teachers discuss further support with the SENDCo and involve parents in planning it. Wirral Multi Ethnic Achievement Service supports children learning English as an additional language. These are useful school contacts for families whose children need help with communication or participation.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Wirral Local Authority, following its normal application timetable. Treat choosing nursery and applying for school as two separate decisions.

Reception is called F2 here, and admissions are handled centrally by the local authority. Children enter in September of the year of their fifth birthday. A nursery place should therefore never be treated as confirmation of the next school place.

For nursery enquiries, email Em’s Stars at stjosephspreschool@emsstars.co.uk. This gives families a direct contact with the team responsible for operating F1.

School visits can be arranged through the school office. Contact schooloffice@stjosephs-birkenhead.wirral.sch.uk or telephone 0151 652 6781 to arrange a convenient time. A school visit offers a way to explore the wider setting alongside the separate nursery enquiry.