Little Learners in Stockport

About this day nursery

Little Learners, established in 2022, operates during school term times, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm, catering to children aged 2 to 4 years. The setting provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where children are emotionally secure and happy.

Staff effectively use simple systems, such as a bell to signal routine changes and pictorial timetables, which children respond to positively, promoting good behaviour. The nursery offers a varied and engaging curriculum, with activities carefully planned to align with children's interests, fostering their motivation to learn.

A notable aspect of the provision is its inclusive nature, with staff nurturing each child's unique personality through kind and caring interactions. Every planned activity is individualised, focusing on children's personal next steps to ensure good progress.

Little Learners places a high value on children's views, incorporating them into daily activities, thereby fostering a strong sense of self-worth. The physical environment is purposefully designed to be stimulating and organised, enabling children to thrive.

Children at Little Learners engage with nature through diverse activities, including spotting wildlife by the canal, tending to garden plants, and going on nature walks, which helps them develop an appreciation for the living world and empathy. The team has a strong reputation in the local community for supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

All four childcare staff members are qualified at level 2 or above, and the manager holds qualified teacher status. Staff work well together to promote children's safety, with clear delegation of tasks for supervision and equipment checks.

A particular strength highlighted in the "Good" rated Ofsted report (30 April 2025) is the quality of teaching supporting children's emerging language skills, through ongoing narration, open questions, and story time, leading to confident communication. Children are also encouraged to take books home from a lending library, reinforcing learning and strengthening parent partnerships.

While the setting excels in many areas, including hygiene practices for personal care, it aims to further enhance children's privacy during these routines and strengthen links with professionals like speech and language therapists to fully benefit from their expertise.

What it's like

Leaders and staff have created a warm and inviting atmosphere, welcoming children with enthusiastic hellos and friendly smiles. Children are emotionally secure and happy. Staff teach children about nature and the living world through an enjoyable range of activities, helping them appreciate nature and developing their empathy.