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Nursery at Brookfields 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication comes first in Brookfields’ school early years provision: songs, rhymes and poems help children develop language, while learning follows individual needs and interests. This is provision within a special school serving children with severe and complex learning difficulties and autism, rather than a conventional nursery model.
The school’s EYFS pupils are based at the Runcorn lower school, which shares the Hallwood Park Primary School site. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
The school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides context for families considering its nursery. Early Learners is the school’s named EYFS pathway. In practice, children combine activities chosen by adults with play they initiate themselves, with tasks shaped around their interests and development. The emphasis is on learning through play and building communication, physical skills and personal development. Individual education plans connect learning targets to each child’s education, health and care plan.
Total Communication provides the wider school approach. Children can use Makaton, communication boards or LAMP devices, giving them ways to express themselves alongside speech. In September 2024, early years children listened and responded to poetry, rhymes and songs to develop vocabulary. Familiar routines also began in early years, helping children understand expectations.
The school’s Runcorn site has access to a sensory room, a library, two indoor halls and outdoor play spaces. These provide different settings for school activity and exploration. Within the school’s EYFS pathway, learning is personalised: the balance of adult guidance and child choice matters more than a uniform sequence of tasks for everyone. Confirm with the school how this curriculum and these facilities relate to your child’s nursery placement.
Support extends to practical care. Across the school, auxiliary staff and classroom teams help with personal care, and teaching areas have toilet and changing facilities. That makes care needs part of the arrangements for participation in the day.
Starting school is planned around the child and family. Transition can involve home visits, visits with the child, social stories, visual prompts and a meeting involving relevant professionals. These give families ways to share needs before the child starts and help make the new setting more familiar.
A Family Support Worker helps families connect with additional services. Parents contribute to planning and reviewing individual targets, with annual reviews and meetings providing opportunities to discuss provision. Staff training includes Attention Autism, sensory needs and communication. In September 2024, staff supported early years children effectively with feelings and emotions, an important part of helping them engage with learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. All Brookfields admissions are handled through Halton Borough Council. Confirm the next placement process with the council before assuming that your child will continue into Reception.
Transition support and admission entitlement are different things. Brookfields plans entry around individual needs, using visits, visual support and liaison with families and professionals to prepare children for the change.
The school day runs from 9am to 3:15pm. These are school hours, so families should distinguish them from any individually agreed starting arrangements.
For enquiries or to arrange a school visit, contact the office on 0151 424 4329 or secretary@bfs.set.org. Visits are by appointment. Where an optional extra attracts a charge, participation depends on parental choice and agreement. Contact the school for current charges before agreeing to an optional activity.
The school’s Early Learners pathway combines adult-directed activities with child-initiated play, personalised to children’s interests and needs within the EYFS. Ask how this applies to your child’s nursery placement.
The school’s EYFS pupils are based at the Runcorn lower school, sharing the Hallwood Park Primary School site. Confirm the location of your child’s nursery placement with the school.
The school uses Total Communication, including Makaton, communication boards and LAMP devices, alongside speech and language support.
No. All admissions to Brookfields are handled through Halton Borough Council. Confirm your child’s next placement process with the council.
Yes. Contact the school office on 0151 424 4329 or secretary@bfs.set.org to make an appointment.
