Little Stars Atherstone

An outdoor café, public-transport outings and stories about growing gave Little Stars Atherstone a practical, playful character in May 2025. Based at Trinity Church in Atherstone, it has capacity for 20 children. The experiences below describe its inspection-era provision.

At its 9 May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest examples connected learning with things children could do themselves, from creating café menus to choosing snacks.

In May 2025, the early years foundation stage framed children's learning, development and care: play brought together language, counting, movement and growing independence. Stories about growing prompted further exploration, while children used pincers to put pom-poms into narrow tubes and practise counting. These were concrete ways to connect ideas with actions.

The outdoor café gave imaginative play a purpose. Making dishes and menus encouraged children to use language together. Bikes and staff-created tracks provided another physical feature, giving children opportunities to practise coordination outdoors.

Train journeys, bus rides and library visits extended learning beyond the setting. Rhythm and rhyme activities at the library added a language element to those outings. Books also featured throughout the day, with staff repeating unfamiliar vocabulary during a caterpillar story.

There were two teaching weaknesses in May 2025. Questions during shared reading did not consistently draw out children's reasoning, and children sometimes lacked instruction in practical techniques, such as using scissors. Interesting materials needed more precise adult guidance to make the learning count.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that key persons understood children's starting points and that collaboration with parents and other professionals supported progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This linked individual knowledge of a child with the help needed for their learning.

In May 2025, staff used praise to support turn-taking and helped children follow routines. Emotional coaching training supported their work on recognising and managing feelings; regular supervision also gave staff support from leaders.

Everyday responsibilities mattered too. Children helped prepare tables and chose healthy snacks, while conversations about milk connected food with health. These small tasks gave independence a practical place in the day.

The address is Trinity Church, Coleshill Road, Atherstone, CV9 1BN. In May 2025, opening hours were 8am to 4pm on weekdays, during term time. Funded early education was provided then for children aged two, three and four.

• Teaching detail. In May 2025, deeper discussion of books and clearer instruction in practical skills needed attention. Ask how staff now help children explain ideas and master tasks such as cutting.
• Term-time routine. The May 2025 opening pattern followed term time. Families needing holiday care should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• Planning a visit. The café play and community outings were useful examples in May 2025. During a visit, ask how these experiences fit into the current day.

Little Stars Atherstone suits families drawn to practical play, outdoor movement and experiences beyond the nursery, judging from its May 2025 provision. The Good judgement sits alongside specific teaching improvements. Its inspection-era term-time pattern will also matter to families matching childcare with their working routine.