Little Meadows Nursery

A meadow setting, a purpose-built building and play led by children's curiosity give Little Meadows Nursery its character. Based in Herriard, near Basingstoke, it has 16 places in total. The emphasis is on imagination and growing independence.

At its April 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received good support through collaboration between staff, parents and other professionals. There were also clear teaching priorities: stronger staff coaching and better organisation of group activities.

Childcare is offered for children aged two to five, with attendance during Hampshire school terms. Flexible collection and drop-off options sit alongside breakfast club and late pick-up arrangements. This is a setting to consider for families whose childcare needs follow the school calendar.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play provides opportunities to develop communication, physical skills and independence. Alongside that framework, the Curiosity Approach encourages exploration and imaginative play. Here, its stated emphasis includes children developing the skills to look after themselves, giving everyday routines an educational purpose.

In April 2024, children's interests helped shape activities. A hairdressing game became make-believe witch play and potion-making, illustrating how staff followed an idea as children developed it. Staff adapted the play in response to children's developing ideas.

Sensory exploration also featured in April 2024. Children searched through sand in a treasure trunk and experimented with dough and paint. Brushes offered practice for the hand movements needed for later writing, while older children used pictures to convey ideas. The activities connected physical exploration with emerging expression.

Books were woven into activities in April 2024, with children joining in familiar language and discussing characters. Group organisation needed attention, however: some mixed-ability language activities involved groups large enough for children to become distracted or struggle to hear. Enjoyment of a story matters, but so does being able to follow it.

Outdoor and Community Life

The purpose-built premises are surrounded by meadow, giving the nursery a rural setting. In April 2024, the garden supported running games, ball and hoop play, climbing and balancing. Those experiences offered different kinds of movement, from energetic chasing to more deliberate coordination.

The building and outdoor space form a useful combination for families drawn to play-based early learning. The practical question is how outdoor activity fits into the child's own attendance pattern, especially where families choose different starting and finishing times.

Everyday independence is part of the nursery's approach. In April 2024, children practised getting their outdoor clothes on, serving drinks and preparing snacks. Staff allowed time for these tasks, so routines became opportunities to try something for themselves rather than simply transitions between activities.

Relationships also shaped the day in April 2024. Staff learnt about family circumstances and children's interests, using that knowledge to build connections. Children received encouragement for sharing and making considerate choices. This connected behaviour guidance with ordinary play, where taking turns and managing disagreement have immediate meaning.

A deputy manager also holds the SENCO role. In April 2024, the support process involved staff, families and other professionals identifying additional needs and putting plans in place. That gives families a concrete support mechanism to discuss, rather than a broad promise about inclusion.

Parent involvement in learning was part of practice in April 2024, alongside work with schools and other professionals. These relationships matter when information about a child's development needs to travel between home, nursery and the next stage of education. They do not imply an admissions advantage.

Sessions and Attendance

Little Meadows opens from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for 38 weeks each year, following Hampshire school terms. Its address is The Sports Pavilion, Herriard, Basingstoke, RG25 2PD.

Attendance uses flexible hours, with starting options at 8am, 9am or noon and finishing options at noon, 1pm, 3pm or 4pm. These are choices within the nursery's opening day, rather than a single fixed attendance pattern. Breakfast club runs from 8am to 9am; late pick-up runs from 3pm to 4pm. Both provide arrangements around the central part of the day.

Registration uses a form that families complete and return according to its accompanying instructions. The contact form provides an enquiry route. For parents comparing attendance options, the useful distinction is between the opening window and the hours they actually book.

Funding and Paid Extras

The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour funding and also offers paid childcare by the hour. Its term-time calendar is central to planning attendance. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation; the hours and fees page explains the charge structure.

Breakfast is included in the breakfast-club charge, with children choosing from foods such as fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast. Lunch comprises a hot main meal and a healthy dessert and carries a separate charge; snacks are also charged separately, only for days the child attends.

• The school-term calendar. Opening spans 38 weeks and follows Hampshire school terms. Families needing childcare during school holidays will need to plan around that attendance calendar.
• Group participation and teaching. In April 2024, larger language groups left some children distracted or unable to hear, and staff coaching needed a stronger emphasis on teaching. During a visit, ask how group activities and staff development now address those priorities.
• Flexible hours and settling. Several starting and finishing options allow different attendance patterns. When visiting, ask how settling would work around the particular hours you intend to book.

Little Meadows suits families seeking rural, play-based childcare during school terms, whether they want flexible hours within the day or breakfast club and late pick-up around it. The meadow surroundings, Curiosity Approach and emphasis on self-care give it a clear identity. The Good judgement from April 2024 provides a positive inspection baseline, balanced by specific priorities around teaching development and children's participation in group activities.