Little Stars Preschool

Our recent staff training session provided a valuable opportunity for the team to come together, reflect on our practice, and continue developing the high-quality care and learning experiences we provide for children.

During our safer sleep workshop, we revisited current guidance and discussed the importance of consistently implementing safe sleep practices across the setting. This gave staff the chance to reflect on our everyday routines, ensure we are meeting all recommendations, and share good practice to maintain the highest standards of safety and wellbeing for every child in our care. Regular discussions such as these are essential in helping staff remain confident, informed, and united in their approach.

We also spent time planning meaningful and intensive interactions for the spring term, focusing on how we can create rich learning opportunities that support children’s development through purposeful play, communication, and engagement. Staff discussed the importance of modelling high-quality language, extending children’s thinking, and being actively involved in play to help children build confidence, curiosity, and stronger communication skills. These experiential learning opportunities are vital in helping children achieve their full potential and develop the skills needed for future learning.

One of the most valuable aspects of these sessions is the opportunity for staff to come together termly to reflect, evaluate, and discuss practice as a team. Collaborative discussions allow us to celebrate strengths, recognise the positive impact of our work, and openly share challenges in a supportive environment. By working together, sharing ideas, and problem-solving collectively, we continue to strengthen our practice and ensure consistency across the setting. These opportunities also help build staff confidence, encourage professional growth, and reinforce a positive team culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Of course, all of this was enjoyed alongside some gorgeous pizza and endless cups of tea — the perfect way to bring everyone together for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and teamwork!

This week is bee week 🐝

We have been creative painting, cutting, sticking and writing bee’s

We enjoyed learning all about bee’s and the different jobs they do. We have read a lovely story about ‘Bee ing’ kind and tasted honey 🍯

This week we have learning all about David Attenborough and the amazing work he has done over the years.
Today we are celebrating his 100th birthday by having a little party at preschool.
The children have blown us away with how much they have loved learning about all the different animals and plants. We have also been discussing and thinking about what we can do to help our planet at preschool and at home 🌏

We also looked at all the different ways of transport and how Sir David would be able to travel around the world

As a team we have voted for Sam for this award, As Little Stars Senco Sam works tirelessly to support the children at our setting, following our ethos helping a children reach higher, Sam supports families through the process from giving advice, gaining support and referrals, leasing with professional’s gaining support for our children, securing many Ehcp’s and places with specialist settings, Sam goes above and beyond and this is what makes Little stars so unique. We feel this award would be so well deserved to celebrate Sam’s hard work and efforts and would appreciate any parents who have had support to nominate Sam. Thank you so much Rachel and team ⭐️

https://www.facebook.com/100064573278897/posts/1388019156693847/?

🌟 We’re excited to announce the first winners of the Stockport SEND Superstars Award! 🌟

Team Award: Autisk Youth Volunteers, a group of neurodiverse young people who give their time to support others and help everyone feel welcome and included.
Individual Award: Shannon, a dedicated Teaching Assistant at St Winifred’s RC Primary School, whose creativity and care have helped a young child grow in confidence and develop a real sense of belonging at school.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate. Your stories highlighted so many examples of kindness, commitment and meaningful impact. We’ll be recognising all nominees for the amazing support they provide at our end-of-year celebration.

Nominations are open again. If you know someone who deserves recognition, tell us who they are and what they did that made a difference.
👉 https://orlo.uk/P5vDM
Read more at: https://orlo.uk/pCfkH

Stockport SEND Local Offer

This week is deaf awareness week….
Here are some helpful hints and tips …

We’re just a few days out from the end of the month, and we’re delighted to announce that our Employee of the Month for April is Natalie.

Over the past few months, Natalie’s confidence within the preschool has grown significantly. She is deeply dedicated and committed to the children in her care and is able to adapt seamlessly across all age groups.

Natalie has also been investing heavily in her professional development, completing a number of courses outside of nursery to expand her knowledge and bring new ideas into her practice at Little Stars. Her enthusiasm for learning directly benefits the children and the wider team.

She is a true team player who consistently looks out for others and makes sure everyone is okay. Natalie is never afraid to get stuck in, whatever the task, and is a real asset to our team.

Thank you, Natalie, for being a shining star not just this month, but every month.

Natalie has received a voucher for a meal
Out to enjoy ☺️

Over the last few weeks, the staff team have been incredibly busy, continuing their professional development to further enhance the care and education we provide.

Rachel has completed several Special Educational Needs (SEN) courses, strengthening her ability to support children with additional needs, as well as building her knowledge more broadly across early years practice.

Natalie and Sarah have both completed a two-week course to become Physical Champions within our preschool. This has deepened our understanding of the importance of physical development in children under five and provided us with practical tools and ideas to implement positive changes, particularly within our toddler groups.

Natalie is also completing a two-week course on the WellComm Speech and Language Programme. This will ensure that all staff at Little Stars are WellComm trained. The tool enables us to quickly identify any speech and language delays or areas where children may need additional support. Early identification allows for timely intervention, giving children the best possible outcomes. It also supports us in embedding high-quality speech and language activities into our everyday planning. Since using WellComm over the past few years, we have consistently seen fantastic progress in the children at Little Stars.

Both Kate and I have enrolled onto a 12-month NDNA Maths Champion course. This will enable us to lead mathematical development within the setting, supporting both our team and the children to build confidence and skills in early maths. I am really excited to be completing this alongside Kate and look forward to the positive impact it will have across our setting.

Libby, our apprentice, is progressing brilliantly through her programme and is working towards becoming a Level 3 practitioner. She is incredibly committed and dedicated, and this is clearly reflected in her work every day.
I am so proud of our team and their continued commitment to professional development, ensuring that the children and families at Little Stars receive the very best outcomes.

Don’t forget today is open day please pop along and have a look around out lovely setting ready for a September start ⭐️

Nursery Open Day 🌟

We are delighted to invite you to our Open Day on Saturday 2nd May, from 10:00am – 12:00pm!
This is a fantastic opportunity for families looking for September 2026 places to come and explore everything we have to offer.

At Little Stars, we are a predominantly funded setting, open Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm (term time only). We also offer flexible options for parents who wish to purchase additional sessions or are not eligible for funding. Funding is available from the term after your child’s second birthday.

✨ On the day, you will be able to:
• Take a full tour of our nursery and outdoor learning environment
• Meet our friendly, dedicated team
• Learn how our nursery operates day-to-day
• See examples of activities and learning experiences
• Ask any questions about funding, meals, hours, and more

Little Stars has been proudly open for eight years and is a thriving, welcoming preschool. We are incredibly proud of our committed staff and the wonderful feedback we receive from our families.

📩 If you would like to attend, please message us on the number below so we have an idea of numbers.
👶 If you decide you’d like a place, you’ll be able to complete all enrolment paperwork on the day ready for September. We warmly encourage you to bring your little ones along so they can experience the setting too!

We can’t wait to meet you and hope you’ll become part of our Little Stars family 💫

Nursery Open Day 🌟

We are delighted to invite you to our Open Day on Saturday 2nd May, from 10:00am – 12:00pm!
This is a fantastic opportunity for families looking for September 2026 places to come and explore everything we have to offer.

At Little Stars, we are a predominantly funded setting, open Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm (term time only). We also offer flexible options for parents who wish to purchase additional sessions or are not eligible for funding. Funding is available from the term after your child’s second birthday.

✨ On the day, you will be able to:
• Take a full tour of our nursery and outdoor learning environment
• Meet our friendly, dedicated team
• Learn how our nursery operates day-to-day
• See examples of activities and learning experiences
• Ask any questions about funding, meals, hours, and more

Little Stars has been proudly open for eight years and is a thriving, welcoming preschool. We are incredibly proud of our committed staff and the wonderful feedback we receive from our families.

📩 If you would like to attend, please message us on the number below so we have an idea of numbers.
👶 If you decide you’d like a place, you’ll be able to complete all enrolment paperwork on the day ready for September. We warmly encourage you to bring your little ones along so they can experience the setting too!

We can’t wait to meet you and hope you’ll become part of our Little Stars family 💫