Cherubs Day Nursery

In February 2026, block towers, shared train tracks and movement songs gave Cherubs Day Nursery a practical, play-based character. This Southport setting has capacity for 25 children aged 0 to 59 months, making it a small setting overall rather than establishing any particular group size.

At the 24 February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six education and care areas to be at the Expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. The important qualification concerns consistency: adult-led learning did not engage children equally, and staff sometimes took over tasks children could practise themselves.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning and care, bringing development through play together with everyday routines. In February 2026, communication, early mathematics and physical development featured in activities: babies reached towards toys, while older children sorted shapes with tweezers, combining hand control with mathematical exploration.

Movement songs paired actions with words about position. Water play introduced ideas about quantity, and building train tracks gave children opportunities to negotiate with one another. Outdoors, climbing equipment supported physical activity.

Child-led play held children's attention more reliably than larger teaching groups in February 2026. Some babies lost interest during circle time, while opportunities to challenge older children were missed. The next step was more precise monitoring of how staff adjusted planned teaching.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children progressed, including those receiving additional support, but that progress and the effectiveness of individual adaptations were uneven. Early identification, professional involvement and agreed targets provided a structure for support; staff training had yet to translate consistently into practice.

In February 2026, translation tools helped gather information from families, with consent sought for help from bilingual speakers. Visual boards explained routines, and staff modelled words when visual prompts proved less useful. Additional funding supported community experiences and practical assistance, including food parcels.

Family photos and updates came through an online platform in February 2026, giving staff material for conversations about experiences beyond nursery. Parents also shared children's preferences and routines to inform planning, while staff offered ideas for learning at home. Staff supervision and development were organised, although monitoring and training needed greater precision.

At mealtimes in February 2026, dietary and cultural requirements informed alternatives, and staff explained food allergies to children. However, serving food and clearing plates for them reduced opportunities for independence; the same issue affected some self-care routines.

Cherubs Day Nursery is at 35a Poplar Street, Southport, PR8 6DX. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for two weeks at Christmas.

• Adult-led learning. Engagement varied in February 2026, especially in larger groups. On a visit, discuss how teaching is adjusted for babies and children ready for greater challenge.
• Everyday independence. Staff sometimes completed manageable tasks for children in February 2026. Look for opportunities to serve food, clear plates and practise self-care.
• Attendance fit. The opening window spans the working day, but Christmas includes a two-week closure. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine?

Cherubs suits families seeking a small nursery. Its February 2026 inspection picture combined practical play with an emphasis on language and everyday routines, reaching the Expected standard across the assessed areas. Teaching adaptations and opportunities for independence needed greater consistency at that inspection.