Denehurst Day Nursery

Storytelling that spills into the garden gives Denehurst Day Nursery its character. In May 2024, children acted out We're Going on a Bear Hunt in mud outdoors, linking words, movement and imaginative play rather than keeping books to a reading activity.

At its 31 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. Based in West Derby, Liverpool, Denehurst has capacity for 46 children aged four months to five years. The current age range includes younger babies than those attending at that visit.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences support learning alongside physical and personal development.

In May 2024, books supplied ideas for activities and were accessible throughout the children's spaces. A sand tray became a pretend baking area, with children talking through ingredients and a recipe as they played. These examples show how language could develop through an absorbing task rather than a separate exercise.

Communication also extended beyond conversation. Staff used Makaton alongside visual aids to support understanding, while regular visits from a Spanish teacher introduced simple words in another language. Planned trips to a local dentist connected learning with oral health and the surrounding community.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person system, assessments and support coordinated by the manager as SENCo helped children, including those with SEND, make significant progress. That combination linked knowledge of individual children with decisions about their next learning steps.

In May 2024, staff gave clear explanations, demonstrated skills and responded respectfully to children. Training in sensory processing and communication had prompted staff to reconsider their interactions and room environments. Parent partnerships supported children's learning, while staff helped children understand how their actions affected others. The practical emphasis was on communication, participation and consideration for other people.

Managers also supported staff through advice, training and attention to wellbeing. This matters alongside the activities: practitioners had opportunities to review how they worked, rather than simply repeat a plan.

The address is 2a Haymans Green, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 7JG. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In May 2024, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. These are dated attendance and funding details, separate from the current opening window.

• Starting with a younger baby. The current age range begins at four months, while children attending in May 2024 were aged one to four. At a visit, how would settling, sleep and the attendance and funding arrangements work for your child?
• Language through activity. In May 2024, storytelling, visual aids and Spanish teaching complemented everyday conversation. This approach will interest families who value language woven into play and practical experiences.

Denehurst merits consideration for families who value storytelling, communication and learning connected to everyday life. In May 2024, books inspired activities throughout the nursery, while assessments helped staff plan each child's next learning steps. Year-round weekday opening makes it relevant to families arranging regular childcare; the youngest children sit beyond the age range observed at that inspection.