Welcome to Little Stars
Little Stars is Ampthill's premiere childcare facility. We have been caring for children in Ampthill and the surrounding areas for over 17 years.
We offer parents a competitively priced flexibility of sessions, caring for children from birth to school age. Your child will be cared for in a safe and stimulating environment by a team of dedicated staff members who are competent carers and educators.
Our emphasis has always been on the children learning through fun, we encourage each child to reach their individual maximum potential. Our aim is for each child to enter mainstream education with confidence, social skills, respect for others and the educational knowledge to make their future path through life a happy one.
Ofsted Registered
Our site is registered with Ofsted. Ofsted carry out inspections on all registered childcare provisions to ensure the children's care and educational needs are met.
We were graded good by Ofsted - under EY 287543.
“Practitioners are caring and interact well with the children, sensitively encouraging good communication and social skills. Children respond positively to this and so develop essential skills that support their independent interactions. Teaching is strong because practitioners and senior managers have a thorough knowledge of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. They ensure that all children are offered the support required in order to make good progress"- Ofsted, August 2013
To read the inspection reports please follow the link;
Included in the Price
Weekly classes with Zumbatonics (zumba for the under 5's).
Weekly music sessions with Al the Music Man. See www.althemusicman.co.uk for more information.
Childcare with a Homely Feel
Little Stars prides itself on having a homely feel. It is our experience that our children flourish in an environment where they feel safe, secure and loved. We are a very close unit and this promotes a close relationship between staff members and children.
Little Stars really is one big happy family, our children always feel at home during their time in our care, we feel this is what makes us unique, and we are sure you will too.
Informal, Friendly and above all Fun!
We see our setting as being quite informal and believe this benefits the children, parents and staff. We are always available to discuss any concerns that parents may have and offer flexible sessions of childcare that are suitable to you.
The Little Stars Team
Little Stars team of dedicated staff consists of qualified and experienced Nursery Nurses and registered childminders. All of whom hold a current Police Check – CRB Fully Enhanced disclosure. They all also hold a current First Aid in Childcare certificate. At Little Stars the staff are consistently updating their training in all areas of childcare. Our current team have been with us for 3 years, showing their dedication as well as giving the children continuity of care.
Your Child's Day
Your child’s day will have been carefully planned in advance by the staff team. We adhere to the government guidelines as set out in the following educational programme;
EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage
This came into place in September 2012, and covers all children from birth to 5 years.
Prospectus
Our Setting
We offer a high standard childcare and education for children from birth age to school age. Our setting is divided into welcoming and sitmulating areas which are based on age, stage and ability. These areas include a baby area, classroom area to support the children to become school ready and a quiet reading area. There are also multiple messy activity areas. We have separate sleeping areas to ensure your children are not disturbed. At the back of the setting we have a fully secured large garden, which also includes an undercover area.
Our Childcare Approach
We strongly believe that learning through play offers your child the best opportunities for personal and educational development. We follow the EYFS seven areas which are;
| Personal, Social and Emotional Developement | Communication and Language | Physical Development | Literacy |
| Mathematics | Understanding the world | Expressive Art and Design |
Nursery Education Funding (N.E.F)
A child becomes eligible for a free nursery place for 15 hours per week from the beginning of term following their third birthday. We offer “flexible free entitlement” to parents and are part of the Directory of Providers who offer free places in Central Bedfordshire. We also offer 2 year old funding, for fully flexable entitlement of 15 hours. Please see the managers for more information.
Application Process
Our application process could not be easier. Just contact the Nursery (01525 404046) to arrange a visit. During the visit our Nursery managment will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and you'll be given a full prospectus although this can be sent separatley before the visit. Trial sessions can be arranged that are flexible to your needs. These are not charged and there is no registration fee.
Photobook
Little Plans for a Big Future
The staff and management team at Little Stars continually strive to improve the business, whilst maintaining a high level of childcare.
Our recent improvements include an interior makeover of the nursery, we make sure the children always feel that they are in an inviting and stimulating environment with a homley feel.
We currently have a Zumbatonics class, and a music session with Music Man Al every week. Both have CRB's and are fully trained.
The garden area has come on well, the children are encouraged to grow fruit and vegetables as well as flowers. We are introducing a herb garden for the summer of 2014. We are also increasing our range of natural resources for the children to explore. We now have a rolling snack and a rolling lunch to ensure childrens play is not interrupted.
Plans for the Future Include
- In 2013, we expanded into the whole building at Queens Road. We are continuing to self evaluate and provide activities and resources to meet the childrens next steps, which provide suitable challenges for the children to meet.
- We will be developing the sensory area and resources for the younger children.
Promoting Healthy Eating
We joined the "Under 5's Healthy Eating Award" programme in September 2009. We implemented improvements in line with this government run award, concentrating on encouraging children to have the knowledge to be able to make healthy eating choices, good oral hygiene and understand the need for daily physical activity. Whilst giving the children this knowledge and understanding, we ensure the activities are fun and stimulating.
Little Stars Sessions
Little Stars offers a variety of sessions to suit the parents of the children in our care. These range from one morning/afternoon to full time places.
Our fees are determined by the amount of sessions your child attends, the more your child attends the more money you save.
We also offer concessions for siblings of children already attending.
We are open Monday to Friday form 8.00 to 6.00. We open for 51 weeks of the year, closing for only bank holidays and a week over the Christmas period.
NEF [nursery Education Funding] is in place, and is available to your child from the term after their 3rd Birthday. We accept all work place vouchers and have accounts already set up with several different voucher companies.
A full fee structure is available in our information pack, which will be given to you when you arrange to come for your initial visit to Little Stars.
Parent and Child Feedback
"Thank you for everything you have done for Lily. She's been very happy at Little Stars, and that's the best we could ask for"
You were always there with a cuddle for Sam when I left him, and that meant a lot to him, you provide a relaxed and homely atmosphere for the children"
"Thank you for playing your part in making Jack what he is today"
"Thank you for looking after me and giving me so much fun"
"Thank you for looking after me for all this time, I am a big boy now but I promise never to forget all the wonderful things you have taught me"
"See you at the big-boy nursery, love Harry"
Contact Us
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How to Find Little Stars
Contact Us
Email us at:
littlestars1@virginmedia.comLittle Stars Nursery
Telephone:
01525 404046
Address:
Little Stars Nursery
21 - 23 Queens Road, Ampthill
Bedfordshire MK45 2TD
Opening Hours and Fees
We open 51 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm offering a variety of sessions from one morning/afternoon to full-time.
We offer a competitively prices sessions, with a scale of discounts based on the amount of sessions purchased. All fees are payable in advanced and we except childcare vouchers.