Appy Little Plums Day Nursery

In June 2024, bird-box building, books left in the park and a wish tree for parents gave Appy Little Plums Day Nursery a recognisable character. In June 2024, practical learning sat alongside community kindness and attention to children's emotions. This was childcare with a strong social purpose.

At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Outstanding and found safeguarding effective. The nursery has capacity for 54 children, with a current age range of 2 to 60 months, at 2 Alma Street in Leigh.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care, bringing these together rather than treating education as a separate part of the day. In June 2024, staff used children's interests and their next learning steps to shape activities, with stories, singing and conversation supporting language development.

Practical experiences gave children something to investigate and make. In June 2024, they grew vegetables, harvested them and cooked healthy food; outdoor work included making bird boxes with real tools. Younger children explored grass, flowers and natural sounds on park visits. These activities connected learning with things children could handle, hear and observe.

Community experiences extended that approach. In June 2024, children visited a nursing home, gave small gifts to residents locally and left books in the park for other people. Visits from police, firefighters and a dentist introduced different helping roles. Cultural celebrations also formed part of the programme.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received prompt, targeted help, supported by developmental assessments, external professionals and collaboration with parents, enabling excellent progress.

In June 2024, emotional wellbeing had a practical place in the day: older children discussed feelings, used positive affirmations and took part in yoga, while relaxation sessions and nursery spa days offered further opportunities to unwind. Staff supported children who had experienced adversity. Training, supervision and feedback helped practitioners develop their work.

Family support reached beyond daily conversations. In June 2024, home learning packs supplied activities for use at home, the nursery library supported shared reading, and the wish tree invited parents to express hopes for their children. Parents' views also informed access to clothes, food and nappies. At mealtimes, children helped decorate tables with flowers and talked with staff over healthy food.

The address is 2 Alma Street, Leigh, WN7 5JL. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm on weekdays, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In June 2024, before-school care ran from 7am to 9am and after-school care from 3.15pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Funded early education was offered for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Attendance and costs. The June 2024 offer included nursery provision and before- and after-school care. At a visit, how would today's sessions, funded hours and charges fit your intended week?
• Emotional wellbeing. Feelings discussions, yoga and relaxation featured in June 2024. This emphasis may matter to families seeking a gentle approach to building confidence.
• Learning beyond nursery. Home learning packs and the nursery library supported families in June 2024. Shared reading and activities at home were part of the wider learning experience.

Appy Little Plums merits consideration for families who value practical learning, emotional support and community experiences. Its June 2024 picture encompasses both before-school and after-school attendance alongside nursery care. The strongest reasons to consider it are the substance of that dated inspection: purposeful activities, targeted support and close work with families.