Little Foxes, Wigan

Gentle care for babies and purposeful early mathematics are the clearest strengths in Little Foxes, Wigan’s inspection picture. At its 19 November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were supported well.

Based at Iona House on Billinge Road, the nursery accepts children aged three to 60 months. The inspection gives families a useful balance: attentive relationships and thoughtful support, alongside specific improvements needed in literacy teaching and preschool routines.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children’s learning, development and care. Here, the November 2024 examples included learning number names through play, developing physical skills and practising the communication needed to share ideas with others. These are practical building blocks for later learning.

In November 2024, younger children encountered number vocabulary during play; older children practised counting in sequence and recognising written numbers. Books included stories and non-fiction, with opportunities to browse independently or alongside other children. However, book choices were often random rather than part of a sufficiently planned literacy sequence. Enjoying books and teaching carefully chosen knowledge were not yet consistently connected.

Preschool routines also needed attention in November 2024. Some transitions and shared routines became muddled, leaving children disengaged from the learning intended for them. This matters because the organisation of the day affects how much children gain from its activities.

In November 2024, babies shared familiar songs and gentle rocking with their key persons. Settling sessions for children sat alongside stay-and-play opportunities for parents, giving families a role in the adjustment to nursery life.

Support for SEND in November 2024 included assessments to identify learning gaps, planning for next steps and work with external specialists. Additional funding had bought outdoor equipment for physical development. This gives a concrete picture of how support was organised, rather than relying on a general promise of inclusion.

Staff training in November 2024 included the key-person role, with coaching and mentoring also part of professional development. Relationships with families included listening to parents’ views and responding to their needs.

The address is Iona House, Billinge Road, Wigan, WN3 6BL. Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holidays excluded. That opening window gives working parents a useful starting point for planning their week.

In November 2024, the nursery offered government-funded places for children aged nine months to four years and also received funding for disadvantaged children.

• Literacy planning. In November 2024, teaching needed a clearer sequence of literacy knowledge. Ask how books are now chosen and what children are intended to learn from them.
• Preschool routines. Some routines disrupted engagement in November 2024. A visit is an opportunity to discuss how transitions now keep children involved.
• Funded attendance. Funded provision included children aged nine months to four years in November 2024. What attendance arrangements and additional charges would apply to your family?

Little Foxes suits families who value key-person relationships, an all-year opening schedule and practical support for individual learning needs. The November 2024 judgement supports that choice, while literacy planning and preschool organisation deserve a direct conversation before joining.