Livesey Children's Centre

Stories became sensory experiences at Livesey Children's Centre: ginger-scented dough followed one book, while another led to children caring for a real goat. At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, with communication and language among its strengths.

This Blackburn setting has capacity for 38 children. Children attending in June 2025 were aged two to four; the daily experiences below describe that period.

In June 2025, books supplied starting points for exploration. The Gingerbread Man prompted children to smell ginger and shape characters from scented dough, combining storytelling with conversation and making. Goat Goes to Playgroup led to an encounter with a real goat, giving children something concrete to talk about. These were experiences connected to stories, rather than reading confined to a group activity.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care; here, play, stories and conversation put those expectations into practice. In June 2025, staff introduced vocabulary through planned activities that also gave children opportunities to practise listening and attention. A book-borrowing station extended access to stories beyond nursery.

Children could pursue their own ideas with accessible materials. One used scissors to cut up a straw for an imagined creation. Alongside these choices, staff helped children identify emotions through facial expressions and practise taking turns. Children also helped friends use equipment and reminded one another of familiar routines.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and identified SEND support as a strength, including specialist staffing and sensory communication training that helped some nonverbal children express what they needed.

In June 2025, familiar routines included bubbles, a favourite toy or a personal safe space for children who needed them. Fairy lights and quiet music contributed to a calm setting. Key-person relationships were built around knowledge of each child's needs, allowing care and activities to be tailored rather than approached identically.

Parents received updates through conversations and a mobile app. School-readiness sessions also supported families with toileting, connecting preparation for the next stage with a practical everyday skill. Partnerships with other professionals helped coordinate support for children and their families.

The nursery is at Andrew Close, Blackburn, BB2 4NT.

In June 2025, it operated on weekdays during term time, with sessions running from 8.40am to 3.30pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. That term-time rhythm is an important consideration for families arranging childcare around work and school holidays.

• Term-time rhythm. The June 2025 timetable covered weekdays in term time, with sessions from 8.40am to 3.30pm. Families needing holiday care should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• Individual communication support. Sensory communication training and specialist staffing were part of the June 2025 provision. At a visit, ask how a child's communication preferences would shape settling and their key-person relationship.

Livesey merits consideration for families seeking a term-time setting with an inspection record centred on language, relationships and individual support. Its June 2025 examples give that judgement substance: stories prompted hands-on exploration, while care responded to children's different communication needs. The fit is strongest for families whose childcare requirements align with the term-time pattern described then.