Little Acres Childcare Centre

In May 2024, garden insects connected stories, close observation and a trip to Butterfly World. That combination shaped the inspection picture of Little Acres Childcare Centre in Newport: everyday discoveries becoming opportunities to talk, investigate and care for living things.

At its May 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and judged safeguarding effective. The current age range is 24 to 60 months. The strongest inspection examples concern language, consideration for others and growing independence.

In May 2024, familiar stories helped children connect books with their own discoveries. Staff paused during The Hungry Caterpillar so children could supply parts of the story; garden insects then prompted investigation with magnifying glasses and factual books. Singing and action rhymes also formed part of the day. These gave children several ways to practise communication.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2024 examples show that learning through stories, play and practical exploration, rather than treating these as separate tasks.

Outings followed children's interests. In May 2024, a visit to Butterfly World extended their insect learning, while a fruit and vegetable shop visit connected healthy eating with growing produce back at the setting. These were experiences children could return to through conversation and practical activity.

Care for a giant African snail gave kindness a concrete purpose. During the same month, children encouraged one another to be gentle when caring for it and discussed how to share outdoor space. Taking turns involved listening and making decisions together.

In May 2024, staff gathered information about families and children to support settling. They also used details about home languages and cultural traditions when planning experiences. Familiarity with a child's background helped shape the day.

At the May 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the special educational needs coordinator worked with families, staff and external professionals, arranging referrals and targeted support plans to help children receive early intervention.

Emotional understanding had practical expression in May 2024: children examined their faces in mirrors and discussed feelings while painting self-portraits. At snack time, choosing food and pouring drinks gave them manageable responsibilities. Handwashing was part of learning to care for themselves.

Little Acres is at Nine Acres, South View, Newport, PO30 1QP. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures on bank holidays and for two weeks at Christmas.

In May 2024, the setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Teaching consistency. In May 2024, some staff needed further help to understand the intended learning behind activities. Ask how staff now translate curriculum plans into everyday teaching.
• Your attendance pattern. The opening window spans 8am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child's week?

The May 2024 inspection picture would suit families looking for a Newport setting where stories, living things and practical independence connect children's experiences. Its strengths at that visit were visible in small interactions: children helping friends, investigating insects and making choices for themselves. Teaching consistency was the improvement priority to weigh alongside that positive inspection picture.