Little Teddies Walderslade

In February 2025, babies practising movement, shared books and music-and-movement sessions at the local library shaped children's experience at Little Teddies Walderslade. It has capacity for 12 children at 361 Walderslade Road, Chatham, ME5 9LW. At its February 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, including its support for children with SEND, and found safeguarding effective.

The children attending in February 2025 were aged 0 to 2. Close relationships with familiar adults and activities shaped around children's development were central to their experience.

In February 2025, learning followed children's interests and developmental needs, with particular attention to movement, language and emotional development. The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, care and development; here, its everyday expression included play, conversation and opportunities to practise independence.

Early maths grew out of practical activities. Adults counted during hand painting and introduced ideas about height and shape through sand play. These gave young children concrete experiences to connect with mathematical words.

Physical exploration had a clear purpose. In February 2025, toys positioned at different heights encouraged babies to rise and move along while holding on; protected spaces allowed rolling and time on their tummies. Daily garden time extended opportunities to move outdoors.

Regular community outings in February 2025 included parks, shops and library music-and-movement sessions. Books also featured in children's play, with children bringing them to adults for reading. Nursery rhymes helped with comfort and sleep.

In February 2025, children sought affection and reassurance from their key person. Settling sessions gave parents time to explain routines, including weaning, dietary needs and sleep preferences, so staff could respond to each child individually.

Communication continued through conversations and an app, covering care, interests and learning priorities. Informal discussions with parents added another opportunity to exchange information. For families, this connected nursery experiences with what happened at home.

Support for SEND in February 2025 involved collaboration between staff, families and other professionals, with outside help sought when needed. More mobile children also gave younger children room to play and shared resources with them.

Staff development in February 2025 included individual coaching, appraisals and further training. The provider reviewed practice and identified areas needing attention.

The address is 361 Walderslade Road, Chatham, ME5 9LW. In February 2025, opening hours were 7am to 6pm across five days each week, with year-round operation. These were opening hours rather than a description of individual booking patterns.

In February 2025, the nursery received funding for eligible children aged nine months to two years. That eligibility condition matters: funded childcare was part of the offer for qualifying families.

• Language interactions. In February 2025, Ofsted identified inconsistent support for conversation because children could not readily see adults' faces during some reading and talking activities. Ask how staff now position themselves to support exchanges with babies and toddlers.
• Your attendance pattern. The February 2025 opening window covered 7am to 6pm, with year-round operation. At a visit, discuss which booking pattern would fit your family's week.

Little Teddies Walderslade's February 2025 inspection described an approach that suits families seeking care centred on babies' and toddlers' relationships, movement and early communication. Its February 2025 experience combined individual routines with garden play and community outings. The practical language-teaching weakness deserves attention alongside those strengths.