Little Learners Childcare, N.E

Fruit-cutting, tape measures and outdoor challenges gave children practical ways to explore and become more independent in July 2021. At its July 2021 inspection, Ofsted rated Little Learners Childcare, N.E Good overall.

The North Shields setting has capacity for 32 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its appeal rests on the hands-on experiences and close relationships documented at that visit, with important questions about how preschool activities were matched to children's development.

In July 2021, children investigated large tape measures together, pulling them out and winding them back. Staff extended this interest by proposing that children measure themselves. This made an everyday object a starting point for shared investigation.

In July 2021, staff used their knowledge of each child's development to plan activities. The measuring example shows how this worked in practice: children shared the equipment, explored its movement and received a suggestion that took their investigation further. For parents, the useful detail is the adult's part in extending an interest the children were already pursuing.

The early years foundation stage was the required framework: in July 2021, children's experiences included exploring objects, taking turns and gradually learning to prepare and serve food. These examples give parents a concrete picture of learning through practical participation.

In July 2021, children in the baby room explored resources by picking them up and handling them. Outdoors, older children climbed crates and landed on soft cushions, while two-year-olds waited for their turn to move along tyres. Physical exploration and cooperation sat alongside each other.

Independence developed gradually in July 2021, with opportunities introduced as children progressed through the nursery. Cutting fruit and helping to serve meals gave children a role in familiar routines. These examples matter because they show what independence meant in practice: taking part in tasks connected to their own care, with opportunities introduced over time.

Preschool group activities needed closer attention in July 2021. Some were not suitably matched to children's developmental stage, and dividing children into smaller age groups did not happen consistently. Evaluation of practice also needed to become more effective in supporting care and learning.

At the July 2021 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding, close bonds with key persons and targeted support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, incorporating advice from external professionals.

In July 2021, staff used advice from speech and language therapists during activities, including bubble play with clear, simple language. Support for families also covered toilet training, changes in behaviour and anxiety associated with time spent at home during the pandemic. These were practical examples of care extending beyond the activity itself.

In July 2021, children formed attachments to their key person and settled promptly. Babies and very young children communicated their ease through smiles, waves and farewells when adults left the room. For families thinking about settling, these observations give a concrete picture of children's responses at that time, alongside the support with difficulties such as toilet training and changes in behaviour.

Safeguarding practice in July 2021 included induction that explained staff responsibilities for protecting children. Staff put mobile phones away in a secure box during the day, and training included sessions delivered within the nursery. They knew the contacts to use when worried about a child. These details give substance to the dated safeguarding judgement: it covered staff preparation, everyday procedures and how concerns would be passed on.

The address is 18a Barnstaple Road, North Shields, NE29 8QD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays, for one week after the August Bank Holiday and for one week at Christmas. Those closures matter for families arranging care around work.

In July 2021, the setting provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four, including children receiving early years pupil premium.

• Preschool activities. In July 2021, group activities were not consistently matched to children's development. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how activities are now adapted for different stages.
• Holiday cover. The August and Christmas closure weeks require families needing care throughout the year to plan around them.

Little Learners suits families seeking weekday care across the year who value practical exploration and support with everyday developmental challenges. The July 2021 examples give it character: children handled tools, prepared food and tested their physical skills. The dated Good judgement should be weighed alongside the improvements required in preschool planning and evaluation.