Little Squirts Pre School

A constellation activity tray, story-inspired building and a language of the month give Little Squirts Pre School a recognisable character in its January 2023 account. This Bedford setting has capacity for 50 children. Its care history needs equal attention: a July 2026 regulatory visit led to action on staff supervision.

At its 6 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged one to four; that age range belongs to the visit rather than a current age policy.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In January 2023, monthly topics gave activities a shared theme: space prompted a constellation tray, while children's family backgrounds informed the language of the month. These gave children opportunities to explore ideas and encounter language connected with their peers.

Stories also shaped play that January. Children used building blocks to make a bear's cave, and staff extended the activity with questions about what it might need. Books, songs, instruments and props supported communication. Outdoors, obstacle courses encouraged running, jumping and climbing; local church visits offered shared experiences with parents.

Teaching was less consistent when children needed time to answer questions or opportunities to manage routines independently. Those two limitations matter alongside the engaging activities.

In January 2023, a key-person and buddy arrangement supported continuity of care. Babies had a quiet sleeping area and adult comfort as they settled to sleep. Picture cards for babies and conversations about feelings for preschool children gave different ages ways to express themselves.

Parents received developmental updates through an online system that January, giving them information to use at home. Children with special educational needs or disabilities were assigned to the special educational needs coordinator, who worked with external agencies.

Following a regulatory visit on 13 July 2026, Ofsted required staff supervision that addressed performance concerns, with coaching and training to support children's safety and welfare. The action deadline was 10 August 2026; the latest published position here is the compliance action dated 17 July 2026, rather than a finding of completion.

The address is The Old School, Dunstable Road, Bedford, MK45 1HN.

In January 2023, attendance ran Monday to Friday throughout the year, with session times of 7am to 6pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time. These are dated arrangements, rather than a current booking offer.

• Staff supervision action. The July 2026 action concerned performance issues, coaching and training. Ask how the required changes were implemented and what supervision now involves.
• Independence and thinking time. In January 2023, support varied between routines and adults sometimes moved on before children could answer. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how staff now encourage children to do things themselves and develop their own responses.
• Attendance fit. The January 2023 pattern combined year-round attendance with a 7am to 6pm session window. What ages and booking patterns does the nursery now accept?

Little Squirts merits consideration for families drawn to topic-based play, language activities and close key-person relationships. Its January 2023 account gives concrete examples of each. The July 2026 supervision action is the more recent decision point: understanding its implementation should take priority when weighing the setting's suitability.