The Little Lot Nursery

At its July 2025 inspection, Little Lot combined hatching chicks and growing vegetables with visits to Reception classrooms: nature study alongside preparation for school. In July 2025, children explored life cycles through eggs and chrysalises, then drew inspiration from baby robins discovered in a flowerpot.

The Little Lot Nursery has 32 places for children aged 24 to 59 months, on the Stockton Heath Primary School site in Warrington. At its July 2025 inspection, Ofsted judged it Good overall, found safeguarding effective and recognised effective support and progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care, bringing play and everyday routines into children's education. In July 2025, dough and sand activities helped children strengthen their hands before tackling pencil control. Learning built on what children already knew, with assessments informing individual teaching and small-group work.

Stories were shared in age groups, and books went home for families to enjoy together. A music teacher introduced rhythm and music exploration. Children also constructed obstacle courses together and practised climbing, combining cooperation with manageable physical challenges.

Nature gave learning a concrete subject. Growing fruit and vegetables complemented the hatching activities, while photographs of the robins prompted conversation and drawing. These were experiences children could observe, discuss and represent for themselves.

In July 2025, children formed close relationships with staff and one another. Gentle explanations accompanied care routines, and younger children used small steps to reach the changing table. Toilet use and handwashing were taught as independence skills.

Staff discussed emerging SEND needs with parents and worked with the local authority outreach team. Parents' evenings provided opportunities to discuss development and ways to continue learning at home. Additional funding supported sensory resources and meals for disadvantaged children.

School preparation included visits to Reception classrooms and the playground, with lunch eaten in the school hall each day. The curriculum was aligned with the host school's learning. Familiarity with those spaces offered practical preparation for the move onwards.

The address is Stockton Heath Primary School, West Avenue, Stockton Heath, Warrington, WA4 6HX. Opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays.

In July 2025, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-old children. Attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place: families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• Mealtime independence. In July 2025, adults cut up food and teaching children to handle cutlery was inconsistent. Ask how lunch now helps children practise these skills before school.
• Staff development. The July 2025 improvement priorities included a planned approach to developing staff practice over time. Ask what training has followed and how it changes children's daily experience.
• School-holiday cover. Term-time opening means this setting suits a school-calendar routine. Families needing year-round childcare will need a separate holiday arrangement.

For families seeking term-time childcare with practical preparation for school, Little Lot merits consideration. Its July 2025 experience brought together nature exploration, music, shared stories and familiarity with Reception spaces. The improvement priorities are useful questions for a visit, especially how staff develop independence at lunch and strengthen their own practice.