Ladybirds Day Nursery

Clay hedgehogs, hatching chicks and Picasso-inspired artwork give Ladybirds Day Nursery a recognisable character in September 2023: practical exploration sat alongside stories, singing and everyday counting. This is an Elm Road setting in Wisbech, with an age range of 24 to 60 months.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 20 September 2023 inspection. Its strengths included language development and opportunities to explore, while toddler-room routines needed attention. The opening pattern is term-time weekdays.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing communication, physical development and social learning into the day. In September 2023, stories and songs supported language, while staff introduced vocabulary through conversation. Books and games went home, giving families something concrete to share with their children.

Practical materials encouraged different kinds of movement. In September 2023, children squeezed dough and shaped clay hedgehogs; outdoors, they moved crates and wooden planks to build houses and obstacle courses. Handling small materials and constructing larger structures offered different physical challenges. Staff also helped children think about outdoor risks.

Australia provided a starting point for learning about animals, clothing and boomerangs. Other September 2023 experiences included watching chicks hatch, exploring exotic animals and making Picasso-inspired artwork. Counting during interactions, matching objects and using shaped dough cutters brought early mathematics into play rather than separating it from other activities.

At the September 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities included and making good progress from their starting points. Staff identified developmental delays and gave targeted help.

In September 2023, respectful conversations and close staff relationships supported children's daily experience. A sand timer made turn-taking visible, helping younger children understand when another child could have a turn. Children practised dressing and handwashing, and lunchtime provided a sociable setting for hygiene habits.

Communication extended beyond activities. In September 2023, staff shared children's daily achievements with parents and worked together on toilet training. Books and photographs reflected children's families and community. However, toddler-room routines could overwhelm children, making the organisation of that part of the day an important consideration.

The address is 98 Elm Road, Wisbech, PE13 2TB. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays. That calendar matters for families arranging care around work throughout the year.

In September 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Toddler routines. In September 2023, routines sometimes overwhelmed children. At a visit, ask how transitions between activities now help younger children stay involved.
• Term-time calendar. Ladybirds closes during school holidays. Families needing care throughout the year will need to factor those closures into their arrangements.

Ladybirds suits families whose childcare needs fit term-time weekdays, with an age range of 24 to 60 months. Its September 2023 strengths were concrete: language-rich activities, hands-on construction and communication with parents. The toddler-room routine concern deserves attention alongside those positives when weighing the setting for a younger child.