Little Ducklings Day Nursery

A conversation about a vampire squid captures the character of Little Ducklings: in May 2023, children were extending their vocabulary through stories and exploring what happens beneath the sea. The detail matters. Familiar books became starting points for questions and new knowledge, rather than simply something to listen to.

Ofsted rated Little Ducklings Day Nursery Outstanding at its 4 May 2023 inspection. On Campbell Road in Woodley, Reading, the nursery accepts children from 3 months to 5 years. Its inspection account gives families a detailed picture of learning and care at that date.

In May 2023, babies explored paint and other materials through their senses, while songs accompanied by puppets prompted smiles. Younger children practised sharing through block play; preschool children encouraged one another through an obstacle course. These examples show how learning included both practical exploration and getting along with other children.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 examples included language through stories, coordination through serving food and scientific curiosity through outdoor play.

Outdoors that month, younger children investigated water marks disappearing through evaporation. Older children climbed and tackled obstacles, practising physical skills and assessing risk. During reflection time, children discussed feelings and recalled their day, with opportunities for each child to contribute. Conversations about school uniforms also gave older children space to think about their next step.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found exceptional developmental progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and judged safeguarding effective, with dietary requirements and safe sleep procedures followed.

In May 2023, staff responded to babies' individual signals and adapted care to their needs. Settling support was tailored to families, and staff exchanged information with parents about children's development and ways to continue learning at home. This made communication part of the care itself.

Mealtimes also offered practical learning that month: babies chose food for their plates, older children served potatoes using tongs, and toddlers practised drinking from open cups. Regular staff supervision and training supported the team's development, with colleagues sharing what they had learned.

The address is Campbell Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 3NA. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures at Christmas and on bank holidays.

In May 2023, the nursery received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a statement of today's funding terms.

• An inspection-era picture. The detailed examples date from May 2023. A visit should explore how story conversations, outdoor challenges and reflection time work now.
• Attendance and costs. Opening hours run from 8am to 6pm. What booking patterns, current funded arrangements and meal or consumable charges would apply to your child's attendance?

Little Ducklings suits families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years within a weekday opening window. Its May 2023 account gives substantial reasons to value its approach: responsive baby care, thoughtful conversation and practical opportunities for independence. The Outstanding judgement belongs to that inspection date; the examples beneath it explain why it matters.