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Little Footprints Day Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2025)
·
4.8(5 parent reviews) ·Thundersley Junior & Infant School, 2 Dark Lane, BENFLEET, SS7 3PT · Essex
Number of places
70 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Little Footprints Day Nursery, established in 2006, is a family-operated childcare facility located on the grounds of Thundersley Primary School in Benfleet. The nursery prides itself on its homely atmosphere, fostered by the active involvement of the owners' family.

It offers a stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated rooms for different age groups: Teeny Weeny Toes (3 months to 1 year), Teeny Toes (1-2 years), Tiny Toes (2-3 years), and Big Toes (3-5 years). The nursery has expanded significantly since its inception, now featuring four purpose-built, bright classrooms that provide easy access to and views of the surrounding playing fields.

Little Footprints Day Nursery has received an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted, highlighting its commitment to high-quality care and education. The curriculum focuses on providing engaging activities tailored to each child's developmental stage.

The staff are carefully selected based on their qualifications and experience in working with young children and their families. The nursery also emphasises healthy eating, offering a variety of food options.

For those interested, a prospectus and registration form are available for download on their website, and the staff are readily available to answer any questions via phone or email.

What it's like

Children thrive in this highly engaging family-focused nursery that prioritises children's language development and emotional well-being. The well-planned curriculum is broad, ambitious and consistently implemented across all age groups. Staff interactions are warm and responsive and help children to feel emotionally secure.

Family-run nurseryOfsted OutstandingPurpose-built classroomsFocus on child developmentHealthy eating

Pricing & funding

Fees are billed monthly, with payment due by the 10th. The nursery charges a registration fee (refundable on start), alongside fees for emergency extra hours and late pick-ups. Meals and snacks are charged separately for extra hours and for children attending on funded hours.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Invoices are issued monthly and must be paid by the 10th of the month.
  • Registration fee is refunded on the first invoice, but is non-refundable if the child does not start.
  • Late pick-up fees apply for every 15 minutes of delay.
  • Additional fees apply for late invoice payments.
  • Meals and snacks can be purchased for emergency extra hours and funded children if required.

Key facts

Food

Meals provided, with an option for parents to provide their own after discussion; charges apply for meals with funded hours.

Opening hours

7am–7pm

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Session types

Full day, Sessional

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Footprints Day Nursery

Last inspected 29 July 2025 · Clare Ford

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

What it's like to attend

Children thrive in this highly engaging family-focused nursery that prioritises children's language development and emotional well-being. The well-planned curriculum is broad, ambitious and consistently implemented across all age groups. Staff interactions are warm and responsive and help children to feel emotionally secure.

Inspector highlights

  • Children benefit from a highly stimulating and language-rich environment. Staff demonstrate expert communication and interactions with children.
  • Children's well-being is exquisitely fostered. Staff use a consistent language of colours to help children identify and express their feelings.
  • Children with SEND are given every opportunity to make the progress they are capable of.
  • The curriculum actively promotes equality and diversity. Children explore identity through self-portraits.
  • Staff are wonderfully attuned to individual children's needs.
Inspection #10398765 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say that the nursery personally invests in their children.

They say that children are thriving and that they feel included, informed and valued.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are superbly prepared for the next stage in their education. The emotionally literate environment supports children to develop kindness and resilience. Children with SEND are given every opportunity to make the progress they are capable of. Extremely knowledgeable specialist staff have a clear and in-depth understanding of the individual needs of children.

Outdoor space

Older children make marks on the playground using sparkly water, developing early writing skills. The inspector observed the quality of teaching and interactions both inside and outdoors.

Parent Reviews of Little Footprints Day Nursery

4.8
(5)
Amy Redmond
7 years ago

Sending our daughter to Little Footprints is without doubt the best decision we could have made. The staff are fantastic & our little girl adores them all. All the team have a great relationship with both children & parents & they were fantastic in the transition period at the beginning as we all got used to our new routine & using childcare as I went back to work. Our little girl looks forward to going to Nursery & she is learning new things every day. She talks non stop about her friends, her teachers & what they have been doing each day. The variety of activities both for fun & development is vast they are always kept busy with new & exciting things. We live out of the area with a number of other childcare options closer but we wouldn’t consider anywhere else for her nor baby number 2 who is on the way & already registered to join from 2020!

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G B
7 years ago

I decided to ask my little girl what she thought about Litte Footprints and her response was.... I love my nursery, they are very kind to me even when i am feeling sad. I love my friends.... and we always do fun things.... This is exactly what I want to hear, and makes me leaving her in the morning that little bit easier. The staff are always happy to take that phone call when you ring to check they are ok... and I love the facebook page to see pictures of what they are up to :) I couldn't imagine leaving her anywhere else xxx

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Nicola Stevens
7 years ago

A committed, friendly and professional nursery that truely care for the childs wellbeing. I can leave my daughter in their care knowing she will thoroughly enjoy her day. Is encouraged to learn and explore her environment and her confidence has grown from strength to strength. The nursery is very accommodating and flexible and I would highly recommend them.

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Joanne Brough
7 years ago

My son loves going to little footprints all the staff are lovely and being to see what they have been up to on the private Facebook page is great I would highly recommend them.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Footprints Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2013

  • July 2025Outstanding
  • November 2019Outstanding
  • April 2013Outstanding

Frequently asked about Little Footprints Day Nursery

About the setting

Little Footprints Day Nursery registered in 2012. The nursery employs 29 members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 5, 18 staff hold a qualification at level 3 and one holds a qualification at level 2. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. The nursery provides funded early education for all eligible children.

URN
EY447924
Registered person
Little Footprints Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Outstanding

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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