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Little Ducklings

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2021)
·Drake Primary School, Fairfields, Thetford, IP24 1JW · Norfolk
Number of places
76 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2021
Local authority
Norfolk

About this day nursery

Little Ducklings Childcare is an early years setting located in Thetford, Norfolk, operating as part of Drake Primary School. Established in 2004, it complements the main school, which has been serving the community since 1978.

The primary school, known for often being oversubscribed, is situated on the Fairfields Estate, on the northern edge of Thetford. This historic town, once a significant Anglo-Saxon settlement and reputedly the capital of the Iceni tribe where Queen Boudicca resided, offers both rich history and convenient transport links.

Little Ducklings provides a nurturing environment for children, preparing them for their educational journey while benefiting from its integration with a well-regarded primary school. The childcare facility offers a structured booking system for sessions and communicates policies regarding fees and attendance clearly to parents.

They provide drinks and snacks and offer options for funded places.

What it's like

Children benefit from meaningful learning across a curriculum that is designed to give them the knowledge they will need when they start school. They have access to a range of lovely indoor and outdoor activities that take into account all areas of learning. Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe, having good relationships with staff who model taking turns and introduce new vocabulary.

Pricing & funding

Fees include on-site drinks and snacks, but meal costs are billed separately for funded hours. Standard charges apply during sickness, holidays, and bank holiday closures, although meal fees are refunded during these periods. A registration fee is required to secure a place, except for funded-only children.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • A non-refundable registration fee of £30 applies per child, except for those receiving Early Years Funding.
  • Fees include all drinks and snacks prepared on-site.
  • Full fees apply during sickness and holidays, but meal fees are refunded.
  • Funding of 15 or 30 hours per week can be used during term time, excluding meal costs.
  • Funded children can bring a packed lunch instead of paying meal fees, if done for all sessions.
  • Closed on bank holidays; standard charges apply but meal fees are refunded.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, from 7.30am until 5.30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2004

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Ducklings

Last inspected 23 July 2021 · Jacqui Mason

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

Children benefit from meaningful learning across a curriculum that is designed to give them the knowledge they will need when they start school. They have access to a range of lovely indoor and outdoor activities that take into account all areas of learning. Children are happy and demonstrate that they feel safe, having good relationships with staff who model taking turns and introduce new vocabulary.

Inspector highlights

  • Children benefit from meaningful learning across a curriculum that is designed to give them the knowledge they will need when they start school.
  • Children take part enthusiastically in planned, adult-led activities, such as discussing famous artists and creating their own artwork.
  • There are exceptionally close links between the setting and the host school, forming a secure basis for children transitioning to Reception Year.
  • Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and provide a broad range of activities, including sensory activities for babies.
  • Children develop good language and communication skills, with staff interacting skilfully and actively supporting vocabulary development.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to be fully aware of where children are in their learning, in order to build more precisely on what they already know and can do
  • 2provide staff with more regular supervision opportunities, to support their practice further.
Inspection #10126696 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The provider, managers and staff are committed to a high-quality care and learning experience for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Children who learn best from being outdoors are able to do so. They have access to a range of lovely indoor and outdoor activities that take into account all areas of learning. Older children are keen to join in during 'forest school' in the school woodland area, where they enthusiastically run around and practise their physical skills.

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2021

Date: December 2012

  • July 2021Good
  • September 2019Requires improvement
  • December 2012Outstanding

Frequently asked about Little Ducklings

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more