Little Dragons Day Nursery

In August 2022, pipette experiments and creative work with natural materials gave Little Dragons Day Nursery a recognisable character. At its August 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding, with children developing independence and learning through carefully extended play. That is a dated judgement, rather than a description of today's practice.

Based within primary-school grounds in Towcester, the nursery has capacity for 32 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its size is a whole-setting limit, not a measure of how many children share an activity or room.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. In parent terms, education and everyday care belong together: conversation, physical activity and play contribute to children's development.

In August 2022, younger children squeezed pipettes to combine vinegar with bicarbonate of soda, exploring bubbling reactions while exercising small hand muscles. Older children used natural materials creatively in the forest school area and discussed leaves changing colour. These examples connect practical exploration with language and knowledge of the natural world.

Makaton signs accompanied speech and play in August 2022, giving children another way to communicate. Music activities introduced rhythm through tapping sticks, while outdoor tea-making prompted discussion about colour changes. Staff also brought subtraction into conversations about children approaching their move to school.

At the August 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to report concerns and positioning themselves to supervise children indoors and outside.

During August 2022, children practised fastening outdoor clothing and persevered with balancing on a wooden beam. These small tasks made independence tangible. Staff shared detailed developmental information with families and held parent meetings, creating opportunities to discuss children's development in detail.

School preparation in August 2022 included advice for parents and opportunities for children to explore school grounds and classrooms. A dentist visit also provided a starting point for conversations about teeth and health.

The address is Pattishall C Of E Primary School, Towcester, NN12 8NE. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In August 2022, funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds. This describes participation at that time.

The nursery operates within school grounds. Attending does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Planning attendance. With an 8am to 6pm opening window and holiday closures, what booking pattern and funded-hours arrangements would apply to your child?
• Moving to school. The August 2022 examples included classroom visits and advice for families. That preparation does not guarantee a Reception place.

Little Dragons suits families seeking nursery care within primary-school grounds, with weekday opening across the year. Its strongest documented qualities come from August 2022: practical exploration, communication woven into play and children practising independence. Those concrete examples give the Outstanding judgement substance, while its age remains relevant to a parent's decision.