St Michael's Catholic Primary & Nursery School: Nursery Review

Real crockery, story spoons and outdoor learning sheds give St Michael's early years provision its character. This is the pre-school provision within a Catholic primary school on St Michael's Road in Widnes, with practical exploration woven into its learning spaces.

Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Children have opportunities to choose their own activities alongside learning guided by adults. The EYFS curriculum brings together early number work, language, literacy, creative expression and learning about the world. Staff observe children's interests and development, then use those observations to plan what comes next. This gives individual interests a place in the learning programme.

The reading area combines non-fiction and fiction with magazines and comics. Puppets, masks and story spoons give children ways to act out stories as well as hear them. Writing resources encourage children to put their own interests on paper, while objects in the number area support counting, recognising numbers and putting things in order.

Reggio Emilia influences the role play area. Real vegetables and fruit sit alongside crockery and cutlery, with children encouraged to chop produce independently during play. Construction activities involve sharing materials and discussing ideas: building something becomes practice in working together. Playdough and shaving foam offer different textures to manipulate, while pouring and squeezing in water play exercise coordination.

Outside, the Outdoor Reading Shed and Outdoor Number Shed extend the classroom's learning spaces. Outdoor music, creative activities and water play add opportunities for movement and exploration. The emphasis is on larger-scale activity, investigating surroundings and solving practical problems.

Curriculum sequencing. In May 2023, early years curriculum guidance lacked sufficient detail in some areas. Some activities and resources consequently missed the intended learning, limiting how securely children developed skills and knowledge. Clear steps between activities matter as much as the materials themselves.

Parents contribute to observations and home learning, and staff involve them at transition points. Progress updates continue through the academic year, giving families an ongoing connection with their child's learning.

The school's special educational needs coordinator is part of the EYFS team. Planning takes account of disabilities, special educational needs and different linguistic backgrounds, with integrated services used to support children's learning. Families can contact the SEND coordination team through the school office.

In May 2023, children's conduct and approach to learning in early years were exemplary. This supports a day in which activities can proceed with very little interruption.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The school's admissions page directs applications through Halton's school admissions service, with Halton Direct Link Offices and an email route also listed. Treat that application as a separate step from choosing the nursery.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 0151 424 4468 or email office@stmichaelscp.co.uk. The office also handles questions about the school's prospectus and extended provision, making it the direct starting point for families considering the nursery.