Crossens Nursery School

About Crossens Nursery School

Crossens Nursery School is one of just three state nursery schools in Sefton, and in its most recent Ofsted inspection it was rated Good, placing it in the middle of a very small local field. There are no Outstanding-rated nurseries in the local authority, so Crossens sits alongside its two peers as a solidly good option for families in the area. The school is led by headteacher Elizabeth (Beth) Brice and caters for children aged two to five, with a mixed intake of 74 pupils. Its location in the North West borough of Sefton means it serves a community where nursery provision is limited, making its Good rating a meaningful benchmark for parents weighing up their early years choices. The school has a non-religious character, so it appeals to families from all backgrounds, and its relatively small size suggests a close-knit, personal setting for very young children.

Academically, the school’s most recent graded inspection in May 2024 awarded it Good across all four assessed areas: overall effectiveness, quality of education, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes. Leadership and management also scored Good. This represents a change from its previous inspection in 2017, when it was rated Outstanding overall, though that earlier report did not provide breakdowns for individual categories. As a nursery, Crossens does not participate in Key Stage 2 SATs or Progress 8 measures, so parents should focus on the Ofsted judgement as the primary indicator of quality. The school’s early years provision was not separately graded in the 2024 inspection, but the overall Good rating suggests children are making good progress in their earliest learning. With no local Outstanding nurseries to compare against, Crossens’ Good rating is effectively the top available grade in Sefton for this school type.

The school offers a range of facilities that support both learning and play, including a Forest School, a sensory room, art studios, a dining hall, and a chapel. Sports provision covers gymnastics, swimming, and dance, while extracurricular clubs include art, book, and gardening options. For children with additional needs, the school has specific SEND provisions for social, emotional and mental health, as well as speech, language and communication support. This makes it a practical choice for families whose children may benefit from early intervention in these areas. Crossens is a state nursery, so it follows the standard admissions process for Sefton, and with only 74 places available, it is likely to be oversubscribed in a local authority with limited nursery options. It suits families who want a dedicated early years setting with strong outdoor learning and creative opportunities, rather than a reception class attached to a primary school.

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