Little Learners Day Nursery

Bubble cars, a see-saw and a parachute game gave children different ways to move and cooperate at Little Learners Day Nursery in June 2025. Physical play had a clear social purpose: children practised balancing together and received help with taking turns.

At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. Two improvements were required: more purposeful learning for children choosing free play, and shorter waits between activities.

In June 2025, card-making and play dough supported the hand movements needed for early writing. Staff added vocabulary as children manipulated dough, connecting practical exploration with language. A toy piano also prompted children to demonstrate its keys to younger friends.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2025 activities connected movement, language and growing independence through play and everyday routines.

Adult-led activities drew on children's assessments and interests. Free play was less consistently supported: some children lost engagement and wandered rather than becoming absorbed in an activity. That distinction matters for children who prefer to choose their own play.

In June 2025, stay-and-play sessions helped build relationships with families, while access to food parcels provided practical support. Staff modelled respectful interactions and helped children share resources.

Handwashing formed part of daily routines, alongside activities about dental hygiene and food choices. Children received meals, snacks and drinking water; some brought packed lunches. Serving food themselves or opening their own packets gave children opportunities to practise independence.

A choice board let children select an activity during group time. However, waits between some activities interrupted engagement, making the organisation of the day an important improvement point.

The nursery is based at Coleman Neighbourhood Centre, Balderstone Close, Leicester, LE5 4ES. It operates during term time and closes for school holidays.

In June 2025, opening hours were 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. These are dated arrangements rather than a description of today's booking options.

• Child-led learning. In June 2025, children choosing free play did not consistently receive the same purposeful learning opportunities as those joining adult-led activities. On a visit, ask how staff now extend children's self-chosen play.
• Transitions between activities. Lengthy waits reduced children's engagement in June 2025. Look at how the daily routine keeps children occupied between activities.
• Term-time attendance. Closure during school holidays makes the nursery a fit for families whose childcare needs follow the school calendar. What opening hours and attendance patterns would apply to your child?

Little Learners suits families seeking term-time childcare, with the June 2025 account showing practical opportunities for movement, cooperation and independence. The Good judgement sits alongside specific weaknesses in free-play teaching and the pace of transitions. Those everyday details deserve attention when deciding whether the setting suits your child's way of learning.