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Little Explorers Eccles

Ofsted: Good
(Sept 2023)
·
4.7(14 parent reviews)
·Brighthouse, Bright Road, Manchester, M30 0WG · Salford
Number of places
72 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2023
Local authority
Salford

About this day nursery

Little Explorers Eccles Nursery offers a unique childcare approach, inspired by successful Scandinavian models, prioritising outdoor learning and embracing all weather conditions. The nursery believes in fostering resilience and self-confidence by allowing children to engage with managed risks and challenges, teaching them to navigate natural hazards and utilise tools safely and purposefully.

They cater to children from birth to five years old, including funded 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. The nursery boasts spacious, open-plan learning areas spanning 250 sq m and extensive outdoor play spaces of over 600 sq m, designed by an accredited 'Learning Through Landscapes' team.

Daily routines are structured yet flexible, incorporating continuous provision, adult-led activities, and celebrating diverse cultural festivals. The dedicated team, with expertise in supporting children with additional needs and English as an Additional Language, are committed to ongoing training and creating a nurturing environment.

Our ethos

Inspired by Scandinavian models, Little Explorers Eccles prioritises outdoor learning in all weather, aiming to foster resilience and self-confidence through managed risks and challenges. They believe in purposeful learning, integrating continuous provision, adult-led activities, and cultural celebrations within a nurturing environment.

What it's like

The provider has made several improvements since the last inspection and these have made a positive difference to the quality of care and education that children receive. There is now a progressive curriculum in place that builds on what children already know and can do and staff are working hard to embed this. As a result, children have a positive attitude to learning; they are engaged, motivated and concentrate well.

Scandinavian-inspired outdoor learningAge range: 0-5 yearsManaged risk-taking and challengeSpacious indoor and outdoor facilitiesSupport for SEND and EAL children

Pricing & funding

Fees effective from April 2026 vary by site. Swinton & Eccles offers full-time weekly, full-day, half-day, school-hours, and hourly options alongside a session consumable fee. Langworthy Pre-school charges a weekly rate or a morning session rate which includes snacks.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees are payable in advance.
  • Fees are charged for 52 weeks a year.
  • A sibling discount of 10% is available for children taking a full-time place.
  • Langworthy Pre-school morning session fee includes fruit and snack.

Key facts

Food

Nutritious, healthy meals and snacks cooked on site daily, offering options for all dietary requirements.

Opening hours

7:30 - 18:00

Age range

0-5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2014

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Explorers Eccles

Last inspected 20 September 2023 · Karen Cox

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

The provider has made several improvements since the last inspection and these have made a positive difference to the quality of care and education that children receive. There is now a progressive curriculum in place that builds on what children already know and can do and staff are working hard to embed this. As a result, children have a positive attitude to learning; they are engaged, motivated and concentrate well.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders have welcomed support from the local authority and have been receptive to suggestions to improve practice and provision.
  • Staff are kind, caring and nurturing in their approach.
  • Staff provide many opportunities for children to develop their fine motor skills.
  • Children's communication and language are given high regard.
  • Staff feel supported in their role and enjoy their work with children.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance opportunities for children to develop their independence even more during planned activities and daily routines
  • 2implement plans to develop the outdoor area, to ensure that children benefit from more varied and stimulating learning experiences.
Inspection #10302556 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Staff recognise the importance of children having access to the outdoors to build on their well-being and physical development. Children have regular access to the garden each day, but the curriculum planning and resources for this area do not provide as many highly stimulating play and learning experiences.

Parent Reviews of Little Explorers Eccles

4.7
(14)
Simona Florea
6 months ago

My son has been attending Little Explorers since he was 10 months old, and we couldn’t be happier. He’s now 2 years old and absolutely loves going every day! The staff are so lovely, caring, and patient — they really make the children feel safe and happy. It’s wonderful to see how much he’s learned and grown since joining. I truly appreciate the warm atmosphere and the genuine attention they give to each child. Highly recommend Little Explorers to any parent looking for a nurturing nursery! ❤️

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adrian lita
6 months ago

Our son is going to nursery here.i can't express in enough kind words how good the people and the staff are.they are caring and supportive. They are well trained and just good examples for the little ones. Amazing balance between traditional and multicultural, We are so proud to make this decision to bring our son here and we will bring our youngest as well. Definitely recommend it.

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Chloe Hansell
a year ago

My daughter started at Little Explorers Eccles last week and I couldn't speak more highly of the staff there. She's 2 and a half and has never been away from me or been around other children before but she has settled in beautifully in such a short time and I really think it's due to how amazing the staff are. They are so lovely and caring. I was so nervous about sending my little one to nursery but I was instantly put at ease after seeing the nursery and how great the staff are with the children. I would 100% recommended Little Explorers to anyone looking for a nursery for their little ones.

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B H
10 months ago

My daughter went to Little Explorers from January to July and she had an amazing journey! The staff were so kind and caring — they really treated her like one of their own. She was always happy to go in and came home smiling. I’m really grateful for the love and support they gave her and would definitely recommend it to other parents.

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Shannon Heneghan
2 years ago

Both of my children attend Little Explorers! I have nearly 3 years experience here and have loved every minute and so have my children! The bonds they have made with staff as well as friends have been amazing! Both of my children have dietary issues and I have felt very much supported with these and any issues with changing their routines have been met with complete support and professionalism! Would absolutely recommend

Read on Google

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Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023

Date: July 2016

  • September 2023Good
  • May 2023Inadequate
  • April 2019Good
  • October 2018Good
  • July 2016Good

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