Ladybird Heaton Norris

Language learning gives Ladybird Heaton Norris its clearest character: a hidden rattle, repeated games and visual cues turn play into opportunities to communicate. At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding and found effective safeguarding, exceptional support for children with SEND and rapid progress for those children.

Based at All Saints C Of E School in Stockport, the nursery has 16 places in total for children aged 24 to 60 months. Its term-time calendar suits families whose childcare needs follow school terms.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care; here, the January 2024 examples show learning through play, conversation and practical tasks. Children searched beneath beakers for a golden-egg rattle, with staff repeating the game to encourage spoken requests. A small game had a clear purpose: giving children a reason to use words.

In January 2024, speech and understanding checks helped staff pitch conversations to each child's development. Signs and pictures supported communication throughout the day, while circle-time gestures made expectations easier to understand. These were concrete ways of helping children follow both language and routines.

Physical learning also shaped the curriculum that January. Drawing and painting on the floor gave children opportunities to develop shoulder strength and stability. Maths included exploring height by climbing onto something, linking an idea to an action rather than treating it only as a spoken instruction.

In January 2024, introductory visits to children's homes helped staff begin relationships with families. Advice and training for parents supported learning at home, giving the partnership a practical purpose beyond exchanging updates.

That January, a pastoral manager coordinated support involving other agencies, with parents helping agree action plans and staff knowing children's individual targets. Everyday independence mattered too: children practised fastening their coats, with time to finish the task themselves.

The address is All Saints C Of E School, Churchill Street, Stockport, SK4 1ND. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In January 2024, funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of the funding provision.

The nursery operated within All Saints C.E. Primary School in January 2024, when some preschool staff also worked part time in the school's nursery class. That shared staffing supported continuity when children moved to school. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Term-time timetable. The school-holiday closure and 9am to 3pm opening window need to fit your working arrangements.
• Starting arrangements. How are introductory home visits and settling organised for a child joining now?
• Moving to school. Shared staffing supported transition in January 2024, but families need to make a separate Reception application.

Ladybird Heaton Norris suits families seeking term-time childcare with a school-day opening window. Its January 2024 strengths were specific: communication woven into games and routines, practical independence and close work with parents. The school partnership supported children's transition in January 2024, while the holiday closure is a central practical consideration.