Think For The Future Tots

Nine places give Think For The Future Tots a small overall scale. Based in Lenton, Nottingham, it accepts children aged 2 to 60 months. That capacity describes the whole nursery, rather than the number of children in any particular activity.

At its January 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. Stories, independently chosen play and community outings shaped the day then, with two practical improvements required: making group learning work better for younger children and helping children take care of toys and their surroundings.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday development into the same framework. In January 2025, communication and language were central to the curriculum: staff read stories and extended them through activities, including looking at growing beanstalks in the community garden. Books connected with things children could investigate themselves.

Younger children practised hand movements by stacking objects and filling and emptying containers in the sandpit. Older children played pirates with friends in the role play area. Activities drew on children's interests and developmental stages, giving different ages different ways into learning.

In January 2025, outdoor experiences depended on outings because the nursery had no designated outdoor play space. Children went out daily into the local community, remembered the route to the community garden and practised road safety with staff. Outdoor learning therefore involved journeys beyond the premises, rather than simply moving into an adjoining garden.

At the January 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and positive support for children with special educational needs or disabilities and those learning English as an additional language, with staff involving other professionals to help children progress. This gives families a dated assessment of both protection and individual support.

In January 2025, parents knew their child's key person and the next steps in their learning. Family photographs prompted conversations about familiar people and experiences, while organised family events brought parents into children's learning. These were concrete ways of linking home and nursery life.

Five childcare staff were employed at that time. This is a staffing snapshot, not a statement about how many adults work with a particular group today.

Sessions and Attendance

The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm. It operates throughout the year, closing on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year. The closing time matters for families planning an afternoon collection around work.

Getting There

The address is Think For The Future Centre, 81 Sherwin Road, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2FB.

Funding and Paid Extras

In January 2025, the nursery provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Families should obtain a current written quotation for prices.

• Outdoor arrangements. In January 2025, daily outings supplied outdoor experiences rather than a designated play area. On a visit, discuss how these journeys work for your child's age and mobility.
• Younger children's participation. Some younger children lost interest in large-group learning in January 2025. Ask how group activities have been adapted and how children now practise putting resources away, the other improvement required then.

Think For The Future Tots suits families who value a nursery with nine places in total and an emphasis, seen in January 2025, on conversation, stories and community experiences. The Good judgement provides a useful starting point. Outdoor arrangements and younger children's participation deserve particular attention when deciding whether its day fits your child.