Little Tots, Peterborough Mother & Baby Nursery

A mother-and-baby nursery within H M Prison, Little Tots has capacity for 13 children at its Saville Road address in Peterborough. Its setting makes the practical fit especially important for families considering it.

At the 20 April 2023 inspection, Ofsted concluded that the provision met requirements, but no early years children were present, so the visit could not assess the quality of provision or its impact on children. The findings therefore concern staff explanations, premises and documentation rather than observed daily care.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the April 2023 curriculum plans connected children's existing abilities and interests with what they would learn next. Initial assessments were intended to help staff choose those next steps for each child.

In April 2023, language development had a concrete setting in the cosy corner, where staff planned to use books and familiar songs to encourage communication. This gave their intentions a practical shape, especially for very young children.

Outdoor opportunities were also part of the April 2023 plans. Staff discussed fresh air and physical activity, alongside proposed outings to community groups and local shops. These were intended to extend children's experiences beyond the nursery's premises.

At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that the provider understood child protection concerns and the procedures needed to respond to them. Staff also explained their approach to supervision, behaviour and helping children build secure relationships.

In April 2023, the planned relationship with parents began early and included daily conversations about children's experiences. Staff discussed responding to individual learning needs and helping children value differences; these were explanations of their intended practice.

Healthy eating and oral health featured in the April 2023 discussions, with staff describing nutritious food and conversations about caring for teeth. The team also had plans for further training with the local authority.

The address is H M Prison, Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PD.

In April 2023, opening hours ran from 8am until noon and from 1.30pm until 5pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; Thursday opening was from 8am until noon. Thursday afternoons and Fridays were set aside for staff training and development. That split opening pattern matters when assessing how attendance would fit a family's routine.

• Understanding the inspection outcome. The April 2023 visit assessed requirements while no early years children were present. Its outcome should be read with that limit in mind.
• Access and attendance. This nursery operates within H M Prison, and its April 2023 hours included a midday break. Who can use the nursery, which ages can attend, and how does attendance work now?

Little Tots warrants consideration for families seeking mother-and-baby provision within this prison setting. Its April 2023 plans put communication, individual learning and relationships with parents into concrete terms. The requirements outcome is useful, but it provides a narrower basis for judging care than a visit observing children in their daily activities.