Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Teddy Club, outdoor exploration and books give Holy Spirit's nursery its character. This is the school's own nursery in Parr, St Helens, with an admission number of 26. Children can join in September after their third birthday. The provision sits within a Catholic primary school on Brunswick Street, bringing early learning into a school setting from the start.

Parents have a part in that early experience too. Teddy workshops take place each half term with parents joining in, giving families a shared activity as children become familiar with school life.

Choice and adult guidance both shape the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines activities children choose with teaching led by adults. Children explore resources in the provision areas, while staff plan around their interests and next steps. Indoor learning and outdoor learning receive equal emphasis, so exploration extends beyond the classroom.

Books provide starting points for activities across different aspects of development. The school aims for children to become familiar with 42 nursery rhymes and 26 stories across their time in the early years, rather than during nursery alone. Letters and Sounds guides daily phonics sessions, while White Rose supports maths planning. Circle time addresses personal, social and emotional development, and small-group work gives children time with an adult on individual targets.

Creative work adds a practical dimension. Early-years art includes experimenting with texture and colour, choosing materials and using simple tools, through both children's own activities and adult guidance. The nursery classroom has an interactive whiteboard and access to iPads and laptops. Where in the World days introduce cultural traditions, while To Know You More Clearly is the religious education programme used in EYFS. Families choosing this nursery should expect Catholic education alongside play and exploration.

Settling begins with Teddy Club, designed to help children adjust to their new setting and school life. Its half-term workshops include parents, connecting that adjustment with activities families can share.

Evidence Me gives parents access to their child's learning journey at home, including learning updates and next steps. This creates a way to follow classroom experiences beyond the session itself. Staff also use observations to identify starting points and plan subsequent activities.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school has two SENCOs overseeing individual provision. One special educational needs leadership role covers EYFS and Key Stage 1. Parents can contact the SENCO team through the school office, giving nursery families a direct route to discuss their child's needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through St Helens Council's normal admissions process.

For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past; the date should not be treated as the deadline for a later intake. Teddy Club supports adjustment to school life, but that support is separate from the allocation of Reception places.

Morning nursery runs from 8:40am to 11:40am; the afternoon session runs from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. Each offers a distinct part of the day, making session choice a practical consideration for family routines.

Nursery applications go to the school office, with proof of address and a copy of the child's passport or birth certificate. Forms can also be sent to holyspirit@sthelens.org.uk. Applications for 30-hour nursery funding involve Childcare Choices; after approval, families receive an 11-digit code.

Autumn school tours can be arranged through the office on 01744 678670. Visits follow safeguarding procedures, and individual tours or frequent appointments during the school day may not be possible.