Little Grasshoppers Day Nursery

Herb planting, flour play and balancing across crates and planks give Little Grasshoppers Day Nursery a hands-on character in its June 2023 account of daily life. There is plenty for small hands to explore. The nursery has capacity for 41 children, accepting ages from three months to five years, in Mossley Hill, Liverpool.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its June 2023 inspection. Its strongest practical themes were learning shaped around children's interests, outdoor exploration and continuity of care when moving between rooms.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2023 examples included conversation, movement, creative exploration and physical challenges through play.

In June 2023, babies used their fingers to draw in flour, while older children planted herbs and explored their scents in the sensory garden. These gave children different ways to investigate materials and plants. Older children could choose between playing inside and outside, and garden arrangements using crates and planks offered opportunities to practise balance and persistence.

Learning also drew on home life. In June 2023, families contributed favourite books and experiences to help staff plan activities around children's interests and their next learning steps. Singing, reading and conversation ran through the day, with snack time providing an opportunity to talk about the weekend. Dance and movement helped children explore emotions.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, praised the special educational needs coordinator's work with families and professionals on individual learning plans, and judged children's progress very good.

During June 2023, a child's existing key person accompanied their move between rooms, helping preserve a familiar relationship while routines changed. Parents received spoken updates about the day and discussed development with staff; an art exhibition displayed children's work and gave families something concrete to discuss together.

Staff wellbeing received attention too. In June 2023, leaders adjusted support when practitioners needed help with their workloads, supporting teamwork around children's development.

The address is Broad Oak Nursery School, 64 Palmerston Road, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 8AJ. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with Bank Holidays excluded.

In June 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Doing things independently. In June 2023, staff sometimes poured drinks or cereal before children could try for themselves. Improving opportunities for self-care was the stated development priority; ask how children now practise these tasks.
• Moving between rooms. June 2023 practice kept the existing key person involved during a room change. Discuss how that continuity would work for your child.
• Matching attendance to family life. The opening window runs from 8am to 6pm across weekdays. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your routine?

Little Grasshoppers suits families who value practical exploration and close links between home interests and nursery learning. The June 2023 picture combines outdoor choice, creative activities and familiar adult support during room changes. Its clearest development point is equally practical: giving children more time to manage everyday tasks themselves.