Little Waves Day Nursery
GoodBirth to 8+Long established
A day nursery in Seaham for children from birth to 8+, open 08:00 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in September 2024. Open since 2016, with 48 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
SR7 7SHWhat 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, 26 September 2024 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children settle quickly as they arrive. They are happy, confident and eager to participate in the activities available. These are carefully planned by staff to support children's interests. For example, some children show an interest in reading magazines rather than books, so staff incorporate these in the role play. Children excitedly say, 'I've done it!' as they walk across the balancing beam, which they proudly demonstrate to staff. Staff respond using positive and encouraging language. They celebrate children's efforts and successes, which enables children to feel safe and secure.
Behaviour and attitudes are very good. Children show high levels of concentration for extended periods of time as they are engrossed in their activity. Staff sensitively help children to follow the boundaries and routines of the nursery as they provide a positive role model of mutual understanding and respect. Children attentively listen to staff and use good manners. For example, young children state, 'If we all share, there are enough bricks for everyone!' Children follow instructions and hold hands with each other as they form a circle for whole-group sessions. They listen to each other and wait patiently for their turn. This helps to prepare them for school.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- make sure that staff consistently ask children questions that deepen their thinking and allow them to solve more challenging problems n ensure that staff training is more clearly focused on improving outcomes for children.
- 26 September 2024Good
- 23 January 2019Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 2 of the last 2 graded inspections.
Still missing for Little Waves Day 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.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.