Fletcher, who also denied murder, will be sentenced on October 9.

Judge Henry Globe, QC, Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the case so psychiatric reports could be prepared.

Neil Flewitt, defending, said his client was aware she could be jailed.

On April 29, officers found Chloe on a bed with a soft toy by her side. She was pale and cold to the touch, had three bruises on her forehead and was wearing a dressing gown.

The bathroom door was open, the light was on, and the bath was full of water.

Neighbours described Chloe as a “cute girl, with beautiful blonde curls”.

Floral tributes and cuddly toys were left outside the red semi-detached home where she lived with her mother after news of her death began to spread.

Chloe had recently started at nearby Oakdale nursery, where owner Karen Lane paid tribute to a “happy, bright and cheerful” little girl.

In the aftermath of Chloe’s death, Wirral Council confirmed the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) had commissioned a “serious case review” to investigate the organisations involved.

The council admitted Chloe was “known to a number of agencies”.