The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Holy Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Snack preparation, outdoor bikes and stories give Holy Family’s nursery its practical, playful character. This is the nursery within the Catholic primary school in Cronton, with provision for children aged two and three. The school describes 26 places, including five for two-year-olds. Families can choose a shorter session or a full nursery day, with additional Clubhouse care available for three-year-olds.
Play does the teaching here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses conversation and practical tasks to develop communication, early mathematical understanding and the skills children need before reading and writing. Physical development and creative activity sit alongside learning about other people and the world. For parents, that means learning through things children do, discuss and explore.
Stories and songs are part of nursery life from the start. At the March 2024 inspection, Ofsted described this as preparation for later phonics learning. The same inspection found that early-years children wanted to show others their work, with a wow wall providing a place to display it.
Outdoor activity has concrete resources behind it: the PTFA has bought bikes, trikes and picnic benches for the early years. School-provided wet-weather suits support use of the outdoor area. Snack preparation also becomes a learning activity, giving children a part in an everyday care routine.
Settling begins before the first session. Every child starting nursery receives a home visit from the nursery teacher and a teaching assistant. Parents also have a meeting before their child starts, allowing them to share information about development and needs. This gives staff a picture of the child beyond the classroom.
Tapestry brings learning stories home to nursery parents. There are also three parent meetings each year, plus opportunities for additional discussions with the class teacher or SENCo. Families therefore have both regular appointments and a route for raising concerns between them.
Support can be adapted to the child. Nursery children with additional needs may receive an Early Years Play Plan, while Makaton is used routinely within the EYFS and Widgit symbols support classroom communication. The school’s Community room provides space for individual or small-group work; its Nurture room is used for sensory circuits. These are school resources, rather than nursery-only rooms.
Children help prepare their early-years snack. Parents are asked for a small weekly donation to the Continuous Provision Fund, which contributes towards snacks. Children attending Clubhouse receive a drink and snack during both its morning and afternoon provision. The school asks families to avoid sending nut-based foods and to provide a labelled water bottle that can be refilled.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027–2028 admission arrangements. Parents must make a separate application through their home local authority. For that cycle, the closing date is 15 January 2027; families applying under faith criteria two to six are also asked to return a Supplementary Information Form to school by that date.
Familiarity and admission are separate matters. During the summer term, classes meet their next teacher and visit their next classroom. Staff exchange transition information, and the Learning Mentor provides additional small-group activities for children who need more help with the change. Nursery children also spend transition time with children joining the school.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and the full day from 8.30am to 3.15pm. The prospectus links morning attendance to 15 hours of universal provision and full-time places to parents eligible for 30 hours of extended provision. Check eligibility against the pattern you intend to use.
Holy Family Clubhouse extends care for three-year-olds from 7.30am until 5.30pm, with a 5pm finish on Fridays. It is charged separately and can be booked through Arbor. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery uniform combines a white polo shirt with navy sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms. Label clothing clearly; the school supplies the blue outdoor suit. Nursery application forms are accessed through the admissions page. For enquiries, telephone the office on 0151 424 3926; school visits can also be arranged through the office.
There is provision for two- and three-year-olds. The school describes 26 nursery places, including five for two-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8.30am–11.30am, afternoons are 12.15pm–3.15pm, and the full nursery day is 8.30am–3.15pm.
Holy Family Clubhouse offers charged wraparound care for three-year-olds from 7.30am to 5.30pm, closing at 5pm on Fridays. Bookings can be made through Arbor.
Nursery parents receive learning stories through Tapestry, have three parent meetings annually and can arrange additional discussions with the class teacher or SENCo.
No. The 2027–2028 arrangements give no nursery-attendance priority. Apply separately through your home local authority by 15 January 2027, with the school’s Supplementary Information Form also required by that date if applying under faith criteria two to six.
