Sticky Fingers Day Nursery

In April 2023, a roof garden overlooking passing traffic gave Sticky Fingers Day Nursery an unusual starting point for learning about everyday life. In April 2023, children used that view to count cars and discover words for construction equipment. The setting has capacity for 20 children at the Frontline Centre on Lawrence Road, Liverpool.

At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective, with learning adapted to individual needs and good progress for children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children attending then were aged two to four.

In April 2023, the open-plan interior had clearly organised activity areas and resources suited to children's ages. A separate sensory room combined coloured lighting, quiet sounds and soft-play equipment, giving children opportunities to explore sensations and recognise their emotional responses.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the April 2023 examples included conversation, songs, counting and play. Staff introduced vocabulary and expanded children's sentences. The Ready Steady School programme supported preparation for subsequent learning at school, alongside encouragement to tackle tasks independently.

Children also influenced story time in April 2023. They placed blocks on their preferred book, then counted the votes to decide which story would be read. That brought choice and number work into the same activity. Regular community outings helped children explore cultural differences beyond the nursery.

In April 2023, staff treated children kindly, listened to their views and encouraged decisions. Keywords in children's home languages supported those learning English, while specialist communication training was informing a shared box of resources and strategies. This gave staff additional ways to respond to different communication needs.

Safety routines in April 2023 reflected the first-floor premises: children practised evacuation, and fire-detection equipment was checked weekly. Staff held paediatric first-aid qualifications, with some also trained to use an adrenaline auto-injector.

The address is Frontline Centre, Lawrence Road, Liverpool, L15 3HA. In April 2023, opening hours were 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays, during term time. These are dated opening arrangements rather than a current booking pattern.

In April 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Families weighing this offer should distinguish that inspection-era funding provision from the attendance arrangements they need now.

• Time to think and try. The April 2023 inspection identified adults intervening too quickly and sometimes leaving insufficient time for answers. Ask how staff now give children time to respond and complete tasks independently.
• First-floor care. Children regularly practised evacuation from the first-floor premises in April 2023. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how the premises work for your child's needs.
• Attendance fit. The April 2023 opening pattern was weekdays in term time. What current booking arrangements would accommodate your family's working hours and school holidays?

The April 2023 account will appeal to families looking for language development, opportunities for children to make decisions and learning connected to the surrounding community. Its April 2023 picture combines a sensory room and roof garden with practical school preparation. The balancing point is adult pacing: children need enough time to think and practise for themselves.