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Nursery at Eccleston Mere 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two starting points shape the early years provision here: Acorn Room for two-year-olds and Nursery for children aged three and four. Both belong to Eccleston Mere Primary School on Saleswood Avenue in Eccleston, St Helens. The preschool takes up to 15 children in each session, with capacity decisions taking account of staffing ratios and facilities.
Relationships are a strength. Ofsted’s November 2025 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard, with caring adult relationships helping children feel secure, including those in the provision for two-year-olds. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision.
The timetable gives families a choice between a morning, an afternoon and a longer day. Three-hour sessions make a shorter attendance pattern possible; the longer option includes a lunchtime break between the two sessions. Children in early years, including the youngest group, enjoy playing with their friends.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for learning and care from birth to five. In parent language, it covers talking and listening, movement, relationships, early number and literacy, creativity and discovering the world. Here, the early years curriculum needs greater precision in some areas: important concepts and vocabulary are not always clear enough to guide activities. Some adults also miss chances to extend children’s language and understanding. Early writing needs attention too, with mistakes in letter formation not consistently recognised and corrected. These are useful points to explore when considering how adult interaction supports learning.
In November 2025, early years staff worked with families and other professionals to recognise additional needs quickly. Children’s sense of security rested on caring relationships with adults. For parents concerned about development, that partnership provides a basis for discussing support early. The school’s SENCo can be contacted at ecclestonmeresenco@sthelens.org.uk.
Food arrangements depend on the attendance pattern. For the three- and four-year-old Nursery, families can purchase a school lunch through School Grid, and lunchtime care carries a separate charge. Snack charges also apply. The two-year-old preschool’s lunch arrangements include a packed-lunch option or a supplied lunch, with a snack-fund contribution requested. Check current charges with the school before agreeing the pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the St Helens Primary Schools Admissions website and meet the normal application deadline. Keep that application separate from booking nursery sessions.
Preparation includes a Transition to Reception questionnaire. Parents can share nursery feedback, describe additional needs and professional involvement, and explain support needed with toileting. The form also asks about interests and concerns about starting school. This gives the receiving team information to prepare for the child; it is a transition practice, not an admissions entitlement.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon; afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The 30-hour Nursery option operates Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3.30pm, with lunchtime care charged separately. Funding eligibility applies, and three-year-olds can start in the term after their third birthday. The two-year-old preschool runs for 38 weeks during term time, with eligible funded hours used weekly rather than stretched across holidays.
For two-year-olds, wraparound extends from 8am to 4.30pm. Additional paid sessions are arranged at the beginning of the year and normally changed only between terms. Older Nursery children have access to a small number of Breakfast Club and After-School Club places, booked through the office. Extra sessions beyond funded hours require exceptional circumstances and prior headteacher agreement.
Contact the office on 01744 734 829 or ecclestonmere@sthelens.org.uk for nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit.
There is preschool provision for two-year-olds and Nursery provision for three- and four-year-olds. Entry normally begins in the term following the relevant birthday.
Yes. Morning sessions are 9am to noon, and afternoon sessions are 12.30pm to 3.30pm. A 30-hour pattern is also offered.
Yes, subject to eligibility. The preschool offers eligible children 15 funded hours per week across 38 term-time weeks; Nursery also offers 30-hour places. Lunch care, meals and snacks have separate charging arrangements.
No. A separate Reception application is required through St Helens Primary Schools Admissions, by the normal deadline.
Contact the school office on 01744 734 829 or email ecclestonmere@sthelens.org.uk to arrange one.
