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Little Ark Nursery & Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2025)
·
3.5(8 parent reviews) ·The Hope Centre, Bernard Road, Sheffield, S2 5BQ · Sheffield
Number of places
57 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2025
Local authority
Sheffield

About this day nursery

Little Ark Nursery, situated in Sheffield, is unfortunately ceasing operations from March 27th, 2026. The nursery, which has been serving the community since 2024 as part of the Hope Community Foundation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the city's development.

While the nursery concludes its services, The Hope Centre, where it was based, will continue to function as a venue for C3 Hope Church, conferences, meetings, and a hub for various small businesses and charities.

What it's like

This is a welcoming and inclusive setting, where children feel happy and safe to explore. Staff provide a very happy, safe and secure environment for children. The curriculum is sequenced and, overall, provides children with the skills they need before moving on to school.

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, for 51 weeks of the year.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2003

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Ark Nursery & Pre-School

Last inspected 25 April 2025 · Rachael Barrett

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

This is a welcoming and inclusive setting, where children feel happy and safe to explore. Staff provide a very happy, safe and secure environment for children. The curriculum is sequenced and, overall, provides children with the skills they need before moving on to school.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff help children to develop a love of books through a lending library and reading to them.
  • The setting provides staff with a range of training and support, positively impacting their practice.
  • Staff support children who speak English as an additional language by learning key words and incorporating cultural traditions.
  • Children have effective communication skills, expressing themselves clearly and confidently.
  • Children access outdoor play regularly and benefit from time spent outside, developing physical agility and investigating the natural environment.

Areas to develop

  • 1target existing support for staff to help specifically build on their individual skills and knowledge of how to implement the intended curriculum more consistently
  • 2ensure that staff take all opportunities to introduce new vocabulary to fully extend children's language and communication skills.
Inspection #10392192 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They comment on the consistent support they have received from staff while settling children in.

Parents also speak highly of the progress their children make, particularly with their independence.

Parents feel supported and staff have built very good relationships with them.

They have confidence in their child's safety at the setting.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make the best possible progress. Staff work in partnership with other professionals to ensure that children receive the specialist support and equipment they need, making timely referrals for education, health and care plans.

Outdoor space

Children access outdoor play regularly and benefit from time spent outside. They explore the inviting outdoor play space with confidence and independence, developing physical agility and investigating the natural environment.

Parent Reviews of Little Ark Nursery & Pre-School

3.5
(8)
Tupac Shekior
10 months ago

Avoid if you care about your child’s well-being—especially if they are Black or have additional needs. I removed both my children after witnessing poor care: babies left crying, runny noses ignored, and my six-month-old exposed to freezing temperatures—dressed in a coat that wasn’t his. As a Black mother of an autistic child, we were treated coldly. The manager, Catherine, was rude, shouted at me over the phone, and chased payment during lockdown when my child wasn’t attending due to illness and neglect. When I raised concerns with the nursery owner, he showed zero concern and took no action—completely complacent. Only Claire and Serena treated my children with warmth. They worked really hard but I wonder if staff are even appreciated? The rest of the team suffered under poor leadership. They claim to be “non-profit,” but act like a business that prioritises money over care. Taking my children out was the best decision I made. They are now safe, warm, and properly looked after. If you are a parent of colour or have a vulnerable child—please think twice.

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Jo Willis
2 years ago

Great staff and wonderful memories for my son, all 3 of our kids have been through and have loved it! Recommend!

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Colin Davies
2 years ago

Great team and newly refurbished outside play area as well.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Ark Nursery & Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Ofsted records show this provider has closed and was never graded. There's no inspection history to display.

Frequently asked about Little Ark Nursery & Pre-School

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