Little Lambs Childcare

Caterpillars, curious questions and outdoor balance beams give Little Lambs Childcare its character in the June 2023 account of nursery life. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. Those are dated judgements, rather than a description of today's daily practice.

The nursery has capacity for 65 children aged 5 to 60 months in Tatenhill Common, Rangemore. Its strongest inspection-era detail is practical: children investigated living things, exercised their fingers for writing and chose activities independently.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences help build communication, physical skills and understanding of the world.

In June 2023, babies squeezed dough and explored pop-up tunnels; toddlers moved sand and experimented with slime; preschool children used tweezers to lift buttons, combining finger control with counting. These were different ways into learning, matched to children's stage of development.

Children's interest in insects led to caring for caterpillars and watching a butterfly emerge. A question of the day activity let children choose something to investigate, with staff using an electronic device to find answers. Curiosity had a practical outlet.

Outside, in June 2023, balance beams and tricycles supported movement and opportunities to judge risks. Stories involved different ages too: younger children used character masks, while older children answered questions that encouraged them to think beyond the words.

In June 2023, staff comforted babies with cuddles and sometimes rocked them to sleep. Children separated readily from parents, and staff planned around interests they knew well. Regular, detailed communication helped parents follow nursery life; preparation also covered moves between rooms and eventually to school.

Staff reviewed activities using reflection sheets in June 2023. Two weaknesses nevertheless mattered: quieter children sometimes struggled to contribute during group work, and changes between activities could leave children waiting rather than learning. Healthy snacks, cooked meals and handwashing formed part of the day at that time.

Little Lambs Childcare is at Little Lambs Nursery, Valley House, Tatenhill Common, Rangemore, Burton-on-trent, DE13 9RS. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holidays excluded.

In June 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

• Group participation. In June 2023, less confident children sometimes missed opportunities to contribute. On a visit, ask how staff help quieter children share their ideas.
• Changes between activities. Waiting interrupted children's learning in June 2023. Look closely at how lunch, outdoor time and group activities fit together.
• Attendance and costs. For care across the nursery's weekday opening window, request a written quotation covering your preferred attendance pattern, funded hours, meals and consumables.

Little Lambs Childcare suits families seeking year-round weekday care and interested in practical, play-based learning. The June 2023 examples give substance to that appeal: investigations, stories and physical challenges all featured. Quieter children's participation and the organisation of daily routines deserve equal attention when assessing the nursery now.