DeeDee Childcare

Swimming, toddler rugby and hands-on science gave DeeDee Childcare a clear emphasis on active learning in April 2026. Based at the Forum Centre in Wythenshawe, it has capacity for 191 children in total. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

At its 28 April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged the assessed areas Strong standard and found that safeguarding standards were met. Children attending then were aged 0 to 4.

In April 2026, learning combined practical experiments with everyday choices. Children examined objects using magnifying glasses, mixed dough and persisted with building towers. These activities gave them opportunities to investigate materials and practise concentration.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the April 2026 examples included counting during play, listening to stories and practising physical skills. Babies counted steps towards the slide with staff; older children explored shapes through dough cutters. Learning had a practical purpose.

Outside, low balancing beams supported babies' movement, while bikes and climbing equipment gave older children physical challenges. In April 2026, weekly swimming lessons and sessions of toddler rugby were free for children, extending active experiences beyond outdoor play. Staff delivered science projects and activities about equality and differences, while family-made books helped children explore their backgrounds.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children settled well with their key persons, support for SEND helped reduce learning gaps, and staff worked effectively with parents and outside agencies. Practical support included specialised resources, individual next steps and translation software for children with different home languages.

In April 2026, settling arrangements took account of children's preferences, and babies could choose a familiar adult for comfort. Staff acknowledged feelings when resolving disagreements. These details matter for families weighing how a child will manage separation and life alongside other children.

Independence also ran through care routines that month: older children served food and poured drinks, while staff encouraged children to recognise when they needed rest. Meals were freshly prepared, and staff shared recipes and suggested books for families to use at home.

The address is The Forum Centre, Forum Square, Civic Centre, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 5RX. In April 2026, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. These were opening hours, rather than a specified session pattern.

School preparation in April 2026 included managing personal care, using utensils and making choices. For parents, those examples give a concrete picture of preparation through everyday independence rather than formal lessons alone.

• Support beyond the first adjustment. The April 2026 next step was to extend successful work removing barriers so that it had a greater impact on achievement and wellbeing. Families whose children need extra help should explore how individual targets and adaptations are reviewed.
• Attendance planning. The April 2026 opening window covered the working day. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your family's routine?

DeeDee Childcare suits families who value active experiences, practical independence and support tailored to individual needs. The April 2026 picture combines weekly swimming and rugby with thoughtful everyday care. The improvement priority is to deepen the impact of support for children needing extra help, making that a useful point for families to explore.