Little Shining Stars

In July 2024, practical independence shaped daily life at Little Shining Stars: babies reached for drinks, toddlers served food and older children managed outdoor clothing. At its July 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

This Lakeside nursery in Huddersfield has capacity for 65 children. In July 2024, the children attending were aged 1 to 9; that is an inspection-time age range.

In July 2024, learning combined physical practice, conversation and play. Play dough and squeezing pegs exercised small muscles, while ride-on cars gave younger children outdoor movement. Scissor work progressed from making snips to cutting shapes, giving children tasks that built on existing skills.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday expression in July 2024 included counting songs, stories and practical independence. Staff introduced number, size and shape through conversation, then used questions about adding and taking away to extend children's thinking.

Board books encouraged babies to practise turning pages. Older children moved to music, joined familiar stories and played What time is it Mr Wolf, combining instructions, counting and movement. Activities took account of children's interests, although staff sometimes needed a clearer purpose for the learning they planned.

In July 2024, babies returned to their key person for reassurance before continuing to explore. Staff modelled polite behaviour and helped children share resources, making relationships part of daily learning.

At the July 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the SENCo coordinated support with other agencies, additional funding supported individual needs and children with SEND made very good progress. Parents valued communication about learning and the help staff gave with individual needs.

Practical preparation for school included dressing independently and handling tools. However, some changes between activities moved too quickly for younger children, leaving them unsure what would happen next.

The address is off Brougham Road, Lakeside, Huddersfield HD7 6AE.

In July 2024, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children at that time.

• Purposeful activities. In July 2024, staff did not consistently identify what children should learn from planned tasks. Ask how practitioners now connect activities to each child's next steps.
• Gentler changes of activity. Younger children sometimes struggled with the pace of transitions in July 2024. Ask how staff prepare them for what happens next.
• Attendance and costs. The July 2024 operating pattern covered weekdays throughout the year. Discuss the booking pattern you need and request a current written quotation covering funded hours, meals and consumables.

Little Shining Stars merits consideration for families who value practical independence, play and close key-person relationships. Its July 2024 daily life offered concrete preparation for school, from clothing to conversation. The clearest questions concern the purpose of planned activities and the pace of younger children's day.