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Nursery at Holy Cross 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play takes the lead at Holy Cross: nursery children share provision with Reception, with focused activities forming a smaller part of their learning. This gives the nursery a place within the school's early years setting, rather than a separate identity. Children can join from their third birthday.
At this Catholic primary in St Helens, early language and growing independence are central to the nursery experience. Ofsted's January 2026 report assessed early years as meeting the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery grade.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. For nursery children, the emphasis is on communication, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships. In everyday terms, that means talking with other children, taking turns, moving confidently and beginning to do things independently.
Children move between outdoor and indoor learning spaces, choosing activities as well as joining work led by adults. Books, painting, model-making and programmable toys feature in the EYFS learning outline. Running and jumping sit alongside smaller movements with pencils and scissors. Play therefore gives children opportunities to practise both conversation and coordination.
Language teaching has a clear purpose. In January 2026, nursery children used songs and rhymes to build their language skills. Adults modelled unfamiliar words, encouraged answers to questions and corrected misunderstandings. These exchanges help children develop the vocabulary to explain their ideas.
Catholic learning also has named nursery topics. Come and See uses Myself, Welcome and Birthday to connect familiar experiences with faith: children's names, belonging, Baptism and anticipating Christmas. Family experiences provide a starting point for these ideas.
In January 2026, children adjusted promptly to early years and received support to become more assured and independent. Staffing instability had been addressed, while closer work with families helped additional needs, including SEND, to be recognised more consistently and promptly. Checks on children's development informed support suited to their needs.
Parents receive learning updates through Tapestry and can add to their child's learning journal. This gives families a way to contribute their own observations. The school's SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office. A school-wide concern in January 2026 was staff confidence in adapting teaching for SEND; families should distinguish that concern from the positive early years findings.
Food is part of the extended-care routine. Breakfast Club serves breakfast, while Late Mates provides an evening snack and drinks. Both use school staff, giving children continuity of adults across these parts of the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local authority process and meet the deadline for their child's entry year. St Helens families use the council's preference form; families living elsewhere apply through their home authority.
Shared provision with Reception gives nursery children experience of the same early years setting. That familiarity is separate from the admissions decision and should not be treated as securing a place.
The 2024-2025 nursery timetable offered two Monday-to-Friday patterns: a 15-hour morning option, 8:45am to 11:45am, and a 30-hour option, 8:45am to 3:15pm. The admissions guidance directs families seeking extended funded hours to the nursery, with an eligibility code required before applying for that entitlement.
Wraparound care includes nursery children. Breakfast Club begins at 8:00am, and Late Mates runs from 3:15pm until 5:15pm. Book these through the school office and obtain current charges there. Nursery enquiries can also go to the office on 01744 678319.
The EYFS guidance asks families to use school uniform, label belongings and tell staff whenever the person collecting their child changes. These are useful routines to establish from the start.
Children can take up a nursery place from their third birthday.
Most learning happens through play, with some focused activities. Children use indoor and outdoor spaces and take part in both activities they choose and those led by adults.
Learning and development updates are shared through Tapestry. Parents are also encouraged to contribute to learning journals.
Yes. Breakfast Club starts at 8:00am, and Late Mates operates from 3:15pm to 5:15pm. Contact the school office to book and obtain current charges.
No. A separate local authority application is required, submitted by the deadline for the child's entry year. Shared early years provision does not secure admission.
