Little Lambs Pre School

Small acts of independence give Little Lambs Pre School its character: in September 2025, children buttered crackers, poured drinks from small jugs and practised managing stairs safely. These everyday tasks gave them opportunities to do things for themselves.

At its September 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good and found safeguarding effective. Based at Belgrave Rugby Club in Leicester, it has capacity for 26 children; those attending at the inspection were aged two to four.

In September 2025, indoor play was shaped around children's developing interests and next steps. Dough stretching and pasta threading exercised the hands for early writing, while conversations during play introduced new vocabulary. Small-group language activities addressed gaps in development.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2025 examples included learning through play, practising independence and talking about healthy food at snack time. The practical detail matters: children had opportunities to use their hands and explain their ideas, rather than simply listen.

Outdoor learning was less effective that month. Planning did not consistently draw children into activities, leaving some less engaged with opportunities intended to support their development.

At the September 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff identified additional needs promptly, worked with families and other professionals, and regularly reviewed support plans, helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress.

In September 2025, staff built close relationships with children and used praise to encourage confidence. Children generally cooperated, but responses to hitting or throwing toys did not consistently explain the effect on other children. That limited opportunities to understand why behaviour mattered.

Daily conversations and an online app connected home and pre-school that month. Staff shared observations, but did not consistently establish whether families understood them, including parents using English as an additional language. Sending an update was not enough to ensure shared understanding.

The address is Belgrave Rugby Club, Thurcaston Road, Leicester LE4 2QG.

In September 2025, attendance operated during term time. Session times were noon to 3pm on Monday, 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am to noon on Friday. Government-funded places were provided for eligible children at that time.

• Outdoor engagement. September 2025 planning did not consistently motivate children outdoors. During a visit, ask how outdoor activities now build on children's interests.
• Behaviour explanations. In September 2025, staff did not always explain how hitting or throwing affected others. Ask how practitioners help children understand these consequences.
• Understanding progress updates. September 2025 communication did not reach every family effectively. Ask how staff establish that app messages and progress information are understood.
• The attendance pattern. September 2025 sessions differed across the week, with shorter Monday and Friday provision. Ask whether the current pattern fits your childcare needs.

Little Lambs suits families who value practical independence and language-rich play, judged against its September 2025 practice. Its attendance pattern at that time combined afternoon, longer daytime and morning provision across different weekdays. Outdoor planning, behaviour guidance and accessible progress updates deserve attention alongside the positive inspection judgement.