Little Explorers Nursery, led by Director Amanda Simkins, offers high-quality childcare across two Birmingham branches: Sheldon and Hodge Hill. Amanda, a mother of four and an experienced Early Years teacher, founded the nursery with a deep understanding of families' needs, especially regarding affordability and children with additional needs.
The nursery aims to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children aged 0-5 years (Sheldon) and 9 months-5 years (Hodge Hill) can thrive. They focus on play-based learning that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), encouraging independence, confidence, and self-expression.
A key aspect of their approach is the strong involvement of a Parent Committee, fostering collaboration to continuously improve the children's experience. Little Explorers is dedicated to supporting local families with flexible and affordable childcare options, ensuring every child feels valued and inspired to learn within a supportive and engaging setting.
What it's like
Children enjoy coming to nursery and settle quickly in a safe environment. Staff provide a wide range of activities for children, including messy play, obstacle courses, and creative activities like painting hero shields. Children develop their independence and enjoy singing and making music.
Fees are structured by branch, offering hourly rates, half days, and full days. Optional daily extras such as meals, hygiene items, and enrichment workshops are charged separately. An all-inclusive package is available for funded children to cover additional nursery resources.
Funding accepted
Good to know
Opening hours
Sheldon: Early Bird 7:30am, Full Day 8:00am-6:00pm, Half Day 8:00am-1:00pm or 1:00pm-6:00pm; Hodge Hill: 8:00am-6:00pm (term-time only), Early Bird 8:00am, Full Day 9:00am-6:00pm, Half Day 8:00am-1:00pm or 1:00pm-6:00pm, Two full days 9:00am-4:30pm
Age range
0-5 years (Sheldon branch); 9 months-5 years (Hodge Hill branch)
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2019
Last inspected 8 July 2022 · Jos Bucknall
What it's like to attend
Children enjoy coming to nursery and settle quickly in a safe environment. Staff provide a wide range of activities for children, including messy play, obstacle courses, and creative activities like painting hero shields. Children develop their independence and enjoy singing and making music.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak highly of how the staff support them with children's development, through daily feedback, parents meetings and an online journal.
Parents appreciate the help they receive with sharing tips on how to potty train and how to access other agencies for support where necessary.
Inclusion & environment
The special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) coordinator has a good overview of how children who are on the SEND register are developing. The paperwork to seek additional support is completed in a timely manner. This ensures support from other agencies is swiftly implemented to help children who need any additional input to make good progress in their learning.
Children enjoy the outside area. They enjoy water play as they investigate a fountain that is powered by solar panels. They develop their creativity and early mark making skills at they paint hero shields. Most children are able to access outdoor activities as staff generally position themselves around the garden to provide help and ensure children's safety.
Recently inquired about nursery support for my child with suspected autism and non-verbal communication. When discussing potential triggers for head-banging behavior, the staff member seemed dismissive, stating they couldn't guarantee that interruptions wouldn't occur. I was expecting a more supportive and solution-focused approach, such as discussing strategies to reduce impact. Unfortunately, this interaction left me feeling concerned about the nursery's ability to cater to children with special needs. Would appreciate more training and understanding in this area. Unfortunately, this interaction didn't leave a positive impression. Might not be the best fit for families with similar needs.
Read on Google
My daughter has been going to Little Explorers for over 3 years now and absolutely loves nursery. The staff are lovely, caring and brilliant at their jobs. I’m very happy with how she has progressed since attending and I’m also pleased they’re getting her prepared for when she leaves to go to school this year. I love the fact they have an app so you can see what your child is getting up to during the day, what they’re eating and any observations the staff have carried out to see areas your child has progressed in. I just want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of the staff for being amazing and so lovely! I would definitely recommend Little Explorers to anyone looking for a nursery in the area!
Read on Google
My daughter has been attending here since she was 4 months old now 2. She absolutely loves the setting and the staff. She goes in smiling and comes out exactly the same way. They take amazing care of the children and keep you up to date with baby days of what your child is doing throughout the day such as nappies, eating etc. I can’t rate this nursery enough exceptional care and staff are amazing xx
Read on Google
My little one absolutely loves going to nursery. The staff made it so easy for him to transaction from his first nursery to here. The staff are amazing are really put the children first, are great with communication and ready to help however they can. They let the kids learn and play and get as messy as they can which I love to see. It just means they’ve had a lovely fun day. Highly recommend!
Read on Google
What a lovely nursery ! Can't recommend enough... Our daughter has been going to this nursery for 8 months now, she is learning new skills all the time and sensory play at the nursery has really helped her along with this. The staff are excellent and very engaging with her. They not only look at group activities and also 1 on 1 time with the kids with storytime and singing, dancing. It's a very friendly homely atmosphere with staff members knowing children well. I like the variety of activities they offer, the effort they put to make the days as fun as can be but educating children at the same time. The manager, Annmarie, is very much involved in knowing the staff, children, parents and activities on top of all other managerial duties and she definitely encourage good behaviour and self-esteem in children. There's a lovely garden area and the baby and big rooms are well decorated and equipped. They also ensure dietary requirements are met with healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. We love getting pictures/progress of the children via the Facebook group, the Newsletter or on the app. I would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone!! Thank you Annmarie and the whole team for your kindness and support! x
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Little Explorers Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Date: July 2022
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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
