Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Shared classrooms and outdoor exploration give this nursery its defining character. At Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Rainford, 52 part-time nursery places sit within a Foundation Stage unit whose two classes use the same indoor and outdoor provision. The wider early years provision serves children aged three to five. Children can explore outside in different weather, making outdoor learning part of the provision rather than simply a fair-weather extra.

The Catholic setting also shapes the curriculum: Church teachings inform the school's approach to learning. Families choosing the nursery are choosing that religious context alongside its shared early years spaces.

Reading starts early here. Read Write Inc begins in nursery, introducing literacy through phonics, or the relationship between letters and sounds. The programme supports both reading and writing. Alongside that structured approach, nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning. Personal, social and emotional learning includes choosing activities and resources with help when needed and contributing comments during circle time. These give children practice in making choices and speaking in a group.

Individual attention is part of the reading plan. The school aims for nursery children to read with an adult individually at least once a week. That is an aim rather than a promise of a fixed allocation. Books also go home to reinforce reading activities, giving families a practical way to continue the learning together.

In April 2023, Ofsted found that stories, poetry and rhymes were introduced from the start of early years, with classroom book areas encouraging interest in reading. There was a qualification: some staff were still developing their phonics expertise, and inconsistent use of phonics terminology needed attention. The nursery's emphasis on early literacy therefore sits alongside a specific teaching issue identified at that time.

Support for additional needs starts in early years. In April 2023, staff identified special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) promptly; teaching adjustments, extra resources and support helped children learn with their classmates. Work with external agencies formed part of that support. This gives inclusion a practical meaning beyond a general welcome.

Food routines have clear reference points. Nursery lunch runs from noon until 1.15pm, while Foundation Stage children have access to fruit and milk during the morning break. The school's food rules ask families to supply fresh water daily and include fruit, while excluding crisps, large chocolate bars and fizzy or energy drinks. These rules help parents plan snacks and packed lunches.

Safeguarding responsibilities are assigned to designated staff, and staff receive regular child protection training. Families can raise concerns through the school office, which can direct them to the appropriate person.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from joining nursery.

There is useful continuity in the learning environment: nursery and Reception share the Foundation Stage's classrooms and outdoor provision. Familiar spaces can help make the next stage less of a physical change. That shared provision is a feature of the children's experience, not an admissions entitlement.

The nursery is at the school on Old Lane, Rainford. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, and parents can choose either or a mixture of both. Children receive 15 funded hours each week. Optional wraparound care allows attendance from 7.30am until 6pm, giving families a longer care window around nursery sessions. Contact the school for current charges. For an initial conversation or a school tour, call 01744 678102. Visits provide an opportunity to see the shared Foundation Stage provision and discuss whether its approach suits your child.

For dinner-arrangement changes, contact the office at the start or end of a half term. Bring a bottle of fresh water each day, following the school's food rules.