Castleway Nursery School Review

A woodland swing, a garden to grow things in and stories that start conversations give Castleway’s nursery day its character. This maintained nursery school shares its site with Castleway Primary School in Moreton. They remain two schools within a federation, with shared leadership and governance.

Provision has two stages: Early Foundation for two-year-olds and Foundation Stage One for three- and four-year-olds, starting the term after their third birthday. The emphasis is on learning through play, with communication running through the activities rather than reserved for a separate lesson.

Children choose activities, join adult-guided learning and take part in spontaneous teaching shaped by their interests. There are opportunities to learn individually, in small groups and together as a class. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early reading and maths, communication, physical skills, emotional development, creativity and understanding the world. Here, those areas connect through play and conversation.

Stories provide the starting point for topics in both nursery stages. Classroom spaces are divided into smaller activity areas that children can use independently, while adults observe their play and help them take the next step. That gives children room to pursue an interest alongside deliberate teaching.

Outdoor learning is part of every session, with forest school once a week. In the garden, children can grow plants and watch fruit and vegetables develop; visiting wildlife includes frogs, newts and woodpeckers. Police officers, firefighters and dentists introduce children to work in their community. These are concrete things to notice, discuss and ask questions about.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the school’s quality of education Good, with children developing skills in maths and art and using a tyre-and-rope swing in the woodland. Adult questioning. Some staff did not consistently extend children’s thinking through their choice of questions and language, so learning was less secure at those moments. The improvement required was staff expertise in supporting curriculum learning, a relevant consideration given the nursery’s emphasis on communication.

Every child has a key person and joins that adult for daily small-group time. This relationship helps children become comfortable with nursery and gives parents a familiar contact for worries or achievements. Settling is supported through that continuing relationship.

Tapestry connects learning at nursery with home. Staff share selected observations through the online journal, and parents can add photographs showing their child’s interests outside school. The teaching team includes a nursery teacher and teaching assistants, providing a structure for teaching and support.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), provision includes a sensory room and access to a commissioned Speech and Language Therapist. The nursery can access expertise from the Health Visitor Team and Wirral services through the School Readiness Team. In September 2024, needs were identified promptly and support coordinated with families and professionals; children with SEND learned successfully. Safeguarding was effective.

Care also includes growing independence. Children learned about healthy eating, practised peeling fruit themselves and helped clear up. These small tasks make looking after themselves part of learning.

Attending Castleway Nursery School does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate primary-school application in the school year when their child turns four, using Wirral’s admissions portal. The school offers help with the application. Shared premises and leadership should not be treated as an allocation promise.

Sessions run during term time: mornings from 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons from 12:25pm to 3:25pm, or a full day from 8:45am to 3:25pm. The full-day pattern therefore extends beyond the two shorter sessions, giving families a distinct booking option.

Applications cover funded or paid places for two-year-olds, funded 15- or 30-hour places for three- and four-year-olds, and paid additional sessions. Contact the school for current charges. Families can arrange a visit through the office on 0151 677 2953 or schooloffice@castleway.wirral.sch.uk.

Uniform is compulsory, with a white polo shirt, navy sweatshirt or cardigan and dark bottoms among the nursery items. Logos are optional, and pre-loved uniform can be obtained through the office. Collection must be by an adult on the office contact list or someone whose arrangement has been agreed with staff.