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Nursery at Our Lady'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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Crates become helicopters and the mud kitchen hosts tea parties: early learning at Our Lady’s has a practical, imaginative streak. The nursery belongs to the Catholic primary school on Ward Street in Prescot, which admits children from age three. Nursery has its own class within the school’s age-based organisation.
Families can choose morning, afternoon or full-day sessions, with lunch included in the full day. That gives the provision two distinct uses: a shorter session of early learning or a day that carries through lunchtime.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, managing feelings and relationships, physical development, early reading and number work, exploring the world and creative expression. At Our Lady’s, these sit alongside the Characteristics of Effective Learning. The emphasis is on children becoming curious and increasingly independent, with learning planned around their different starting points.
Outdoor activity gives that approach a concrete shape. In the Cars and Ramps activity on 18 June 2026, early-years children combined wheels, tubes and crates to construct a helicopter. They also investigated toy cars on ramps, trying ideas and predicting what might happen. A tea party in the mud kitchen added imaginative play. These are examples of building, testing and talking through ideas within the same outdoor learning experience.
Books have a place indoors. Every classroom has a reading area, while the central library serves all classes. Read Write Inc Phonics is used in EYFS, connecting sounds with early reading and writing. Families can use the programme’s home resources to support that learning.
In July 2023, Ofsted found that early-years children understood routines and could play and work together with safety and purpose. Those familiar routines matter alongside the activities: children need to know how to participate as well as what to explore.
Preparation for joining includes a meeting with EYFS staff to discuss disabilities, medical requirements or special educational needs and arrange support. For children transferring from another setting, the EYFS team and SEND coordinator discuss existing plans with their provider. This gives staff information about helpful strategies and individual needs before the move.
The school’s sensory room contains soft play objects, lighting, sounds, colours and aromas. It provides a space for sensory exploration, with staff able to observe children’s responses. For families seeking SEND advice, appointments with the coordinator can be arranged through the office; termly SEND Coffee Mornings offer another opportunity to discuss concerns.
Communication uses Reach More Parents and online newsletters, with paper newsletters offered to families who prefer them. Lunch forms part of the full-day nursery session, so the longer attendance pattern includes a meal break.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Knowsley Council’s online route by the normal admissions deadline. They must also return the Faith Supplementary Information Form directly to the school office. Treat this as a fresh application rather than an automatic continuation of nursery attendance.
Transition support is a separate matter. The school’s annual arrangements include staff handovers and three sessions with the next teacher in the new classroom, with additional informal sessions where needed. These help children become familiar with the next stage; they do not secure admission.
Afternoon nursery runs from noon to 3pm; the full day runs from 9am to 3pm and includes lunch. Morning sessions start at 9am. A four-hour session incorporating lunch is also offered. Alongside the free 15-hour weekly provision, eligible families who apply can access the full free 30-hour provision.
Nursery applications go directly to the school using its application form, accompanied by a birth certificate or, if that is inaccessible, a passport. Nursery applicants must also complete the supplementary form. For Catholic children who have been baptised, proof of baptism is required. General enquiries can go through the office on 0151 477 8220.
Uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt, maroon sweatshirt or cardigan and grey trousers, shorts or skirt. EYFS children may wear maroon joggers. Label every item to make belongings easier to identify.
No. Reception requires a separate online application through Knowsley Council, together with the Faith Supplementary Information Form returned to the school office.
Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered, plus a four-hour session including lunch. Afternoon runs from noon to 3pm, and the full day from 9am to 3pm.
The school offers free 15-hour weekly provision and the full free 30-hour provision for families who are eligible and apply.
Families joining EYFS are invited to meet staff to discuss special educational needs, disabilities and medical requirements so that support plans can be arranged.
Yes. Nursery uniform includes maroon sweatshirts or cardigans, pale blue polo shirts and grey school bottoms. EYFS children may also wear maroon joggers.
