Little Stars Nursery
GoodBirth to 5Open for decades
A pre-school in Sacriston for children from birth to 5, open sessions in term time, often mornings. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in March 2025. Open since 2022, with 16 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
DH7 6ABWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 31 March 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children skip through the door in the morning, eager to play with their friends.
They are warmly greeted by the familiar staff, who place a priority on children's confidence and happiness. Staff's warm and caring approach helps children to feel secure and supported to explore and learn. Staff know children well. They recognise how children's prior experiences can have an impact on their learning and development. Staff take full account of individual children's circumstances and preferences when planning activities and experiences, which, overall, helps them to meet their needs well.
The curriculum focuses on plenty of opportunities for children to play independently. Staff skilfully know when to support children and when to allow them to play unhindered. They give children time and space to develop their own ideas. This encourages children's curiosity and imaginative skills. For example, children dig up worms in the garden and create homes for them. Alongside this, staff plan focused activities that are, generally, based around what children need to learn next. This helps to ensure that all children are supported to make the progress that they are capable of. Overall, children develop positive attitudes and are keen to learn.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- plan group activities more precisely so that they consistently meet the needs of all children taking part n develop the outdoor space further to enhance the learning opportunities for children who prefer to learn outdoors n refine routines to better support children's good behaviour at times of transition.
- 31 March 2025Good Safeguarding: Yes
Still missing for Little Stars Nursery
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.