Little Freddies Nursery School

Stories become hands-on exploration at Little Freddies Nursery School: in July 2024, toddlers followed a story with sensory play involving ice, water, grass and mud. Language ran through the activity, giving children something concrete to talk about.

At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall, judged behaviour and attitudes Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. Based at The Queens on Queen Street in Penistone, the nursery has capacity for 73 children.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, connecting play with developing communication and practical skills. In July 2024, story repetition and accompanying movements gave toddlers opportunities to practise speaking and listening before exploring materials linked to the story.

Older children searched for minibeasts; staff planned follow-up butterfly-making activities involving shapes, colouring, cutting and gluing. Staff used questions to bring mathematical thinking into the activity and assessments to decide what to teach next. Pencil and tool handling also formed part of work on independence.

Community experiences extended that learning. In July 2024, children joined language sessions at the local library and bought produce at the market and supermarket. Growing fruit and vegetables connected those outings with planting: children encountered food both as something to purchase and something to grow.

In July 2024, babies approached familiar adults for reassurance and help with play. Staff responded to requests for support with block towers and named colours as they passed blocks over, bringing conversation into everyday interactions.

Parents shared children's routines, interests and needs with staff, informing the care and activities planned in July 2024. Monthly newsletters and an online platform kept families updated. Staff also demonstrated how to share resources, making expectations understandable through actions.

Regular workload discussions and supervision sessions supported staff in July 2024, with feedback intended to develop their practice. Two teaching priorities remained: conversations about teeth needed more planned learning behind them, and children's understanding of safe internet and digital technology use needed clearer, consistent teaching.

The address is The Queens, Queen Street, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 6HD. Opening hours are 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year. The accepted age range is 0 to 96 months; the whole-setting capacity is separate from the number attending any particular room or day.

In July 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Healthy teeth and digital safety. In July 2024, both subjects needed more consistent teaching. Ask how each now fits into children's activities.
• Your child's attendance plan. The opening window runs from 7am to 6.30pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine within those hours?

Little Freddies suits families who value storytelling, practical exploration and connections with everyday community life. Its July 2024 examples link language with sensory play, shopping and growing produce, while familiar adults supported babies through conversation and responsive help. The balance is clear: engaging experiences and strong behaviour, with specific teaching work to address around teeth and digital safety.