Little Chicks Day Nursery and Wraparound Care

Communication takes several forms at Little Chicks: signing, visual prompts and familiar songs all featured in its February 2025 provision. This Maghull nursery has capacity for 28 children at St James Church Hall. Its strongest practical thread is helping children express themselves and take part in daily routines.

At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and identified support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) as a strength. The assessment also set out two improvements: more timely adult help during play and more consistent curriculum delivery.

In February 2025, the curriculum gave communication and language a central role, building the foundations of learning before introducing more specific areas. The early years foundation stage is the required framework for learning, development and care; here, its everyday application included stories, physical play and practising independence.

Communication boards, signing and objects used as prompts gave children different ways to express a need or choice. Familiar rhymes came with props, while children who struggled to join a group could participate elsewhere in the playroom. Participation did not depend on sitting with everyone else.

Daily outdoor access and indoor soft play were part of the February 2025 routine. Adults added language to movement, helping children connect actions with words. Story sessions invited children to predict what might happen next and ask questions, giving staff opportunities to explore their understanding.

There was a limitation to this approach: some children remained in play for too long without adult input that would move their learning forward. Independence, meanwhile, had concrete daily practice through serving food, clearing plates and handwashing.

In February 2025, staff used home visits when children first started to learn about family life and development. Parents then received progress updates and ideas for supporting learning at home. That created a connection between the nursery day and home routines.

Children with SEND developed close relationships with staff, including their key person. Leaders introduced targeted plans when children needed additional help and adjusted the surroundings for sensory needs. These were practical mechanisms for tailoring care, rather than a single approach applied to every child.

The staff team received induction and some training, but individual development goals were insufficiently specific in February 2025. Supervision arrangements were still developing, contributing to differences in how staff put the curriculum into practice.

The address is St James Church Hall, Maghull, L31 8BW, with 28 places in total.

In February 2025, opening hours were 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday closing at 3pm. These were opening hours, rather than separate booking patterns. Children attending at that visit were aged one to three.

Government-funded childcare, including funding for disadvantaged children, formed part of the February 2025 provision. That dated funding position should be kept separate from a promise of eligibility or a funded place.

• Adult involvement in play. The February 2025 improvement action concerned recognising when children needed extra encouragement. During a visit, ask how staff decide when to join play and extend it.
• Consistency between practitioners. Individual staff-development goals needed strengthening in February 2025. Ask how supervision now supports a consistent approach across the team.
• Attendance fit. The February 2025 opening day ended earlier on Fridays. Which current booking pattern would fit your family's working week?

Little Chicks suits families who value several routes into communication and individualised care. Its February 2025 assessment gives that interest a firm basis, especially for SEND support. The decision also needs to weigh the two development priorities: extending children's play and making staff practice more consistent.