Cathcart Street Primary School Nursery Review

Rhymes, songs and shared stories give Cathcart Street’s early years provision its clearest character. Nursery education here starts with provision for two- and three-year-olds, followed by Foundation 1 for children aged three and four. Both sit within Cathcart Street Primary School on Dover Close in Birkenhead.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 26 and 27 March 2024. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.

A morning runs from 8.50am to 11.50am in both nursery age groups. This gives families a defined three-hour session, with the school describing the morning pattern as 15 hours a week. Afternoon sessions are also offered, giving parents another attendance option to consider.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. Here, its clearest practical examples are early literacy and learning alongside other children. In March 2024, the early years curriculum set out learning clearly, and teaching followed it consistently from the provision for two-year-olds. For parents, that means the youngest children’s learning has a planned structure.

Stories feature regularly in early years. Children also learn poems, practise rhymes and sing songs, so their first steps towards reading include listening and spoken language. In March 2024, children worked cooperatively and paid close attention to their teachers. Learning with others was a strength of the early years experience.

Settling into a new class falls within the school’s Family Engagement Lead role. This is a school-wide point of contact for families, with support covering confidence, friendships and routines at home as well as settling. Parents can raise worries with their child’s class teacher or contact the lead through the office. That gives a family a clear route when a child needs help adjusting.

For special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school uses monitoring and assessment to identify needs and organise additional support. Its approach includes adapting teaching to individual learning styles and encouraging independence. Parents are involved throughout the support process, and the special educational needs coordinator can be reached through the school office. Families can therefore discuss their child’s needs with the team responsible for coordinating support.

A separate application. Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Wirral’s primary admissions process for Foundation 2, the school’s Reception class. The local authority manages these places, and the stated annual deadline is 15 January. Keep this application separate from nursery enrolment, which is handled by the school office.

Nursery applications and requests to view the provision go through the office: call 0151 647 7349 or email schooloffice@cathcartstreet.wirral.sch.uk. The same route handles enquiries for both nursery age groups. Afternoon sessions carry a charge; contact the office for current charges and booking information.

Collection takes place at the classroom door for early years children. Anyone collecting must be at least 16, and arrangements involving older siblings or other young relatives need prior agreement. Plan the authorised collection arrangements before the first session. If you expect to be late, telephone the school promptly; children awaiting collection are looked after at the main entrance.