Little Characters

In March 2025, counting strawberries, watching caterpillars and acting out monster stories gave Little Characters a recognisable character: everyday experiences became opportunities to learn. Based at Brimington Methodist Church in Chesterfield, it has capacity for 39 children.

At its March 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. Children aged 1 to 10 attended at that time. The strongest examples concerned practical independence, early language and learning woven into familiar routines.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into their education. In March 2025, children practised counting while serving strawberries at snack time, with staff helping them check their answers. Maths had a practical purpose.

Caterpillars provided another starting point. Children recalled how they grew, while staff introduced vocabulary about hatching and becoming butterflies. Flower-petal craft involved scoops and tweezers, giving children practice in the hand movements needed for writing; some preschool children also traced letters from their names on a whiteboard.

Books were placed around the setting, and group storytelling included acting out a monster adventure. These examples combined listening with participation. Outdoor learning was less consistent: in March 2025, planning did not give each child sufficient opportunities for large physical movements whenever they attended.

Small acts of self-care mattered in March 2025. Children practised cleaning their noses, disposing of tissues, washing hands and helping to tidy. Toddlers asked to use the potty, while simple cleaning tasks gave children a useful role in the room.

At the March 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff generally supported learning well through their conversations and responses, but some interactions needed to give children clearer guidance or extend their understanding further. This qualification matters alongside the engaging activity examples.

Staff training had included support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and a special educational needs coordinator contributed to discussions in March 2025. Babies also explored musical instruments with staff during singing activities.

The address is Brimington Methodist Church, Hall Road, Brimington, Chesterfield, S43 1GH.

In March 2025, the nursery operated throughout the year on weekdays, with session times of 7am to 6pm and care before and after school. These are inspection-time arrangements. At that date, funded early education was offered for children from nine months, including children aged two, three and four.

• Physical play. March 2025 outdoor planning needed greater consistency. Ask how children now get opportunities to practise large movements across their attendance days.
• Staff interaction. Some March 2025 activities needed clearer adult guidance and more extension of children's learning. This is a useful point to explore alongside the nursery's practical activity examples.
• Attendance fit. The March 2025 offer combined daytime sessions with before- and after-school care. What would the current booking arrangement be for your child's age and intended attendance?

On the March 2025 inspection evidence, Little Characters would suit families who value practical learning through counting food, exploring living things and taking responsibility for small daily tasks. Its March 2025 offer served both daytime childcare and families needing care around school. The Good judgement provides a positive inspection baseline, balanced by specific improvements needed in physical-play planning and staff interaction.