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Nursery at Whiston Willis Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation grows out of play at Whiston Willis: adults join children’s activities and introduce fresh words as they go. That emphasis on language gives this school nursery its clearest character. Children usually join in the term after turning three, with nursery intake taking place termly, at the academy on Milton Avenue in Whiston.
The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at the Ofsted inspection of 24 and 25 January 2024. This judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Nursery teachers and an early years practitioner form part of the wider early years team.
Language development is woven into play. In January 2024, trained staff working in early years, explicitly including Nursery, joined children in their play and helped them build vocabulary. For a parent, the useful detail is the adult’s role: play becomes an opportunity for conversation and new language.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning includes practical making and exploring. Children use construction kits for towers and walls, experiment with joining paper and card, and explore fabrics. These activities give small hands purposeful work, with opportunities to try tools and see how materials behave.
Food also becomes something to investigate. Early years experiences include exploring fruit and vegetables through smell, taste and appearance, alongside cutting soft produce with suitable utensils. This is learning through direct experience, with familiar objects providing the starting point.
Alongside those activities, the nursery aims to develop curiosity, independence and confidence in managing feelings. It also aims to help children take responsibility for themselves and respect other people. In January 2024, behaviour routines were already well established in early years, giving children a consistent framework for learning together.
A key person gives each child a familiar adult from the start of Nursery. Small group meetings help that adult understand children’s conversations and play, then adapt learning to their interests and needs. Parents can speak with the key person, and the Belongings wall displays identify who each child’s key person is.
Settling begins before the first session. Nursery staff visit new children at home, while induction events let parents meet the teaching team. Families also receive an information pack. Together, these arrangements create opportunities to exchange information before nursery life begins.
Personal care is part of the key person’s role, including help with dressing and toilet training when needed. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years Play Plans provide a way to organise individual support. The school’s Inclusion Team brings together the SEND coordinator and Learning Mentors, who work with families and outside agencies. A Speech and Language Therapist is commissioned to support early language development.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority for one. Parents must make a separate application through the local authority during the relevant application period. Admissions are managed through Knowsley; families living in another borough should use their home authority’s application route.
Transition activities are separate from allocation. Before starting Reception, children are invited to summer-term sessions to play and work with their new teacher in small groups. Where additional needs require it, transition support can include visual books, communication between staff and a plan developed with the family and specialist staff.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoon Nursery runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Entry for both sessions is directly into the nursery, with morning doors opening at 8:30am. The school offers 15-hour and 30-hour places.
Lunch charges. Children staying for lunch outside the 30-hour offer incur an additional charge. Ask the school for current charges when arranging a place.
Nursery application forms are available through the school or Knowsley Council, and the same nursery form can be used wherever a family lives. Contact the school office on 0151 477 8270 or email school@whistonwillis.co.uk for nursery enquiries.
Children usually start in the term after their third birthday. Intake takes place termly.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon Nursery from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. There are 15-hour and 30-hour place options.
Yes. Each child has a key person when starting Nursery, with support for settling, individual learning and personal care when needed.
No. Attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives priority. Parents must submit a separate local authority application during the relevant application period.
New Nursery children receive a home visit from nursery staff. Parents are invited to induction events to meet the teaching team and receive an information pack.
