Portico Poppets
OutstandingBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in St. Helens for children from birth to 8+, open 07:30 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in July 2022. Open since 2005, with 50 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
WA9 5QHWhat 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.
Ofsted inspector, 26 July 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
The outstanding care and the bonds that children make with staff at the nursery have an extremely positive effect on their future. Children cuddle staff members when they arrive and excitedly share news from home. Staff respond quickly to information shared from home, such as a baby taking their first steps. They immediately plan activities to support growing physical skills. This helps to ensure that the strong link between home and nursery continually develops.
Children have access to a well-resourced and meticulously planned outdoor environment. They engage in challenging physical activities. They use tricycles to transport crates to build a bridge. Staff suggest adding cones and introducing 'stop'
and 'go' as part of their play. Children excitedly respond to these ideas and shout instructions to each other. Younger children are supported to climb across the bridge by caring and encouraging staff.
- 26 July 2022Outstanding
- 4 May 2016Outstanding
- 26 October 2010Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Portico Poppets
- 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.