Little Ducklings

Woodland exploration and art inspired by famous pictures give Little Ducklings a recognisable character in its July 2021 account of nursery life. Based at Drake Primary School in Thetford, it serves babies and older children. At its 23 July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated the setting Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The strongest practical connection was with the host school: close working relationships helped children prepare for Reception. That connection concerns transition, rather than entitlement to a school place.

In July 2021, babies explored jelly with cups, spoons and scoops, while staff changed the activity when their interest faded. Children made artwork inspired by well-known pictures and discussed the artists behind them. These examples show how sensory exploration and conversation contributed to learning at different stages.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. In everyday terms, that brings play, communication and physical development into the nursery day rather than treating learning as a separate lesson.

During July 2021, forest school took children into the school woodland for physical play and exploration. Reference books helped them identify birds, bugs and leaves, connecting outdoor activity with finding information. Children who preferred learning outdoors could use that environment, alongside indoor activities.

In July 2021, children turned to staff for help and reassurance. Practitioners responded to babies' babbling and gave children time to answer questions, making conversation part of care as well as learning.

Key people knew their children's next learning steps, but colleagues covering their absence did not consistently have enough detail to carry that work forward. More frequent staff supervision was also an improvement priority. These are useful questions about continuity, rather than reasons to assume that every adult had the same understanding of each child.

Communication in July 2021 combined spoken updates, electronic messages and daily diary sheets. Staff also helped children consider other people's feelings and understand shared behaviour expectations.

Little Ducklings is based at Drake Primary School, Fairfields, Thetford, IP24 1JW. Opening hours are 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In July 2021, close relationships with the host school supported the move into Reception. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Continuity between adults. In July 2021, covering staff needed a clearer understanding of children's learning. Ask how next steps are shared when a key person is absent.
• Support for practitioners. More regular supervision was a July 2021 improvement priority. Ask how staff now receive opportunities to discuss their practice.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening day ends at 3.30pm. Which booking pattern would fit your family's working day?

Little Ducklings suits families who value a nursery based on a primary-school site and the transition relationships that can develop there. Its July 2021 examples give substance to the experience: sensory play for babies, children's art and woodland exploration for older children. The earlier afternoon finish is a practical consideration, while continuity between practitioners deserves attention when choosing care.