Little Tots Nursery, Stoney Heath

Nature, language and time to unwind give Little Tots Nursery, Stoney Heath its character: in April 2023, children explored animal tracks, sang counting rhymes and relaxed with calming music. At its April 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found that learning was carefully sequenced, with staff clear about what children should learn and why.

The nursery accepts children from birth to five at Lions Court, Hollybush Farm, Stoney Heath, Tadley. Its strongest inspection-era detail is concrete: learning about a horse’s hoof led to watching how a blacksmith fits horseshoes. Curiosity had somewhere to go.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children’s learning, development and care. In April 2023, children developed movement through standing, walking and climbing, practised language and counting through rhymes, and explored nature by identifying animal tracks. In April 2023, the nursery followed a Montessori ethos; its curriculum gave children experiences that built on earlier learning.

At that time, trips to the nursery’s Forest School site supported exploration of plants, birds and animal tracks. Children identified a wood anemone and recognised prints left by horses and deer. An online video extended their interest in hoofprints into learning about horseshoes.

Physical development also had practical support in April 2023. Babies could reach resources that helped them practise standing and walking, while older children climbed, ran and played in wet weather. Language ran through activities: toddlers used songs to explore counting and body parts, and older children explained what they had learned from threading and knot-tying. These were opportunities to practise movement and communication through doing.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and excellent progress for children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language, measured against their individual starting points.

In April 2023, staff used language groups and books, and learned words from children’s home languages to use during play. Discussions with parents covered children’s starting points and learning needs as they moved through the nursery. This connected support to the individual child rather than treating transitions as administrative handovers.

Relaxing spaces offered yoga, mindfulness and quiet music in April 2023. Staff development received attention too: senior colleagues mentored less experienced practitioners, training informed practice, and supervision set development targets. Children’s interactions included considerate behaviour and good manners, with staff modelling how to treat others.

The address is Lions Court, Hollybush Farm, Stoney Heath, Tadley, RG26 5SL. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In April 2023, the nursery occupied a converted barn and received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of funding participation, rather than a basis for planning a current funded booking.

• Continuity of care and learning. The detailed assessment dates to April 2023. On a visit, ask how language support, Forest School outings and relaxing spaces work for children now.
• Calendar fit. Weekday opening runs from 8am to 6pm, with bank holiday and Christmas closures. Those breaks matter for families arranging care across the year.

Little Tots merits consideration for families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years who value nature exploration and language development. Its April 2023 assessment gives substance to those priorities, with practical examples of movement, communication and individual support. The weekday opening window also gives families a clear starting point for judging whether the nursery fits their routine.