Little Imps Daycare

Growing food, sharing the harvest at snack time and solving sandpit problems gave Little Imps Daycare a practical, outdoors-led character in June 2026. Based at Messingham Village Hall, the setting has capacity for 45 children.

At its 24 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged achievement, behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. The central improvement priority was a better balance between activities chosen by children and those directed by adults.

In June 2026, children used a large outdoor space and garden for movement, growing and exploration. Carrying water to the sandpit brought physical effort together with problem-solving: children worked out how to make sand suitable for building. Harvesting their fruit and vegetables connected gardening with the food they ate.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care. Here, the June 2026 curriculum emphasised language, movement and social and emotional development, with children choosing activities and staff joining their play to introduce words and ideas. Mathematical vocabulary also featured in everyday exchanges.

Circle time, singing and books gave children opportunities to listen and participate together. In June 2026, staff had undertaken Imagination Library training that informed their story sessions. However, adult-directed experiences needed a more consistent place alongside children's own choices, so teaching could address individual developmental needs across the areas of learning.

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children formed secure bonds with their key person, made progress from their starting points and received effective support for emerging needs, including special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff worked with families and specialist professionals, using additional funding for targeted help.

In June 2026, staff gathered information before children started and exchanged updates with parents afterwards, helping connect home interests with nursery experiences. Children practised serving snacks and washing their hands independently. Outdoors, reminders about shade, drinking water and waiting before jumping from apparatus made safety part of ordinary routines.

The address is Messingham Village Hall, Orchard Close, Messingham, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3TS.

Children attending in June 2026 were aged two to four; that is the age range observed at that visit. At that time, staff also worked with other childcare providers used by families, helping maintain continuity in children's learning.

• Teaching balance. In June 2026, child-chosen play received more attention than adult-directed activities. Ask how staff now ensure each child participates in both.
• Curriculum implementation. Changes to the curriculum were still becoming established in June 2026. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how staff translate the planned learning into daily activities.
• Your attendance plan. The setting supported families using other childcare providers in June 2026. What booking pattern would fit your child's routine and your working week?

Little Imps Daycare merits consideration by families who value outdoor exploration, practical independence and communication through play. Its June 2026 inspection gives a balanced picture: expected standards across the assessed areas, alongside a clear task to make teaching more consistent. The garden and hands-on activities give parents concrete experiences to weigh against that improvement priority.