Portico Lodge
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in St Helens for children from birth to 8+, open 07:00 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in October 2022. Open since 2002, with 30 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
L35 7JSWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
- 14 July 2026 — Concern: actions taken what Ofsted published
Ofsted inspector, 17 October 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children thrive in this welcoming and nurturing nursery. Babies happily explore the spacious rooms, knowing their caring key person is nearby. They show great concentration as they scoop lentils into containers. Children enjoy being physically active. They giggle and say, 'We can't go under it,' as they hold 'plank' positions during 'bear hunt' yoga. Staff provide a broad curriculum, and all children make good progress. Staff are enthusiastic and find new and interesting ways to teach.
For example, children become shape detectives and search the room for shapes that they recognise using different-shaped magnifying glasses. Children also learn how to be responsible and take care of things by using china tea sets in their play.
Staff have high expectations for all children. They understand that all children are unique and need different support to reach their goals. Staff help children to develop the skills they need to be happy, healthy and ready to learn. Parents and carers praise staff communication and are amazed at what their children learn. For example, children use sign language to communicate their emotions. Parents feel confident that their children will be safe at the nursery. The children in this setting are well behaved, curious and confident. They find out the inspector is learning about their nursery and say, 'You should write that they do good things.'
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- provide focused feedback after observing practice in order to develop teaching even further.
- 17 October 2022Good
- 1 February 2017Good
- 5 November 2013Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Portico Lodge
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.