Little Learning Ladder

The Chips, 2 Lampwick Lane, New Islington, Manchester M4 6BU
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9.5 63 Reviews
  • Little Learning Ladder, Manchester
Little Learning Ladder is a family-run, high-quality childcare setting based in the Iconic Chips Building, situated in New Islington on the Outskirts of Manchester City Centre.

The dedicated team of highly qualified, nurturing practitioners have smiley faces and know how to make every child feel special. They're versatile and can be captain of a pirate ship one minute and a chirpy bus driver the next.

They are committed and understand a toilet break will never be a secret again. They proudly sing out of tune in front of lots of laughing little people. They love to hug and drink numerous cups of pretend tea, they can read books upside down with numerous interruptions on every page.

They count heads of lots of moving little people and keep them safe and secure at all times. In addition to the love and care given to each child, the team are experts in Early Years education following the EYFS framework. They are Paediatric First Aid qualified with the added safety benefits of an on-site defibrillator and specialist DE choking equipment.

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Care Provided by Little Learning Ladder

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Rob Little
  • Person in charge
  • Melissa McNamee (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 35
  • Total Places for Children
  • 80
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-19:00
    Tuesday 07:30-19:00
    Wednesday 07:30-19:00
    Thursday 07:30-19:00
    Friday 07:30-19:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Learning Ladder

  • Morning session 0730 - 1pm £47.50,
    Afternoon session 1pm - 7pm £47.50,
    Full Day 0730 - 7pm £67.33,
    Full Time Monday to Friday 7.30am - 7pm £297.78,
    Weekly Morning Sessions £213.78,
    Weekly afternoon sessions £213.78.

  • Discount offered for 5 day sessions.

Little Learning Ladder Reviews (63)

Total of 63, showing 21-40
9.5

Little Learning Ladder has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.539) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Learning Ladder has 63 reviews.

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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nicest nursery and people. This nursery has made any worries I had go away especially when my daughter started at three months old. I feel very comfortable leaving her. Wouldn’t change the nursery for the world.

Reply from Johanna Little, Admin at Little Learning Ladder

Thank you for your lovely words which will be communicated to the team.


Kind regards


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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since my little boy started at this nursery when he was six months old we have all been made to feel very welcome! The team really try to help you with your individual baby's needs and even though his original Key Worker moved to another room he already feels very at home here. I think we will be here
for a long time!

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Review from Rebecca R (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The settle in process for my daughter was amazing. The staff worked the number of sessions around how well my baby settled into the environment. They made sure both my baby and I were comfortable and ensured I could attend the sessions until I felt ready to leave her alone. The nursery made a difficult
transition a lot more relaxed with their approach.
By personally attending some of the settle in sessions also allowed me to get to know the staff so I felt like I wasn't leaving my baby with strangers.
The nursery staff are so enthusiastic and really show love and care with their personal approach.
We had issues with our baby refusing a bottle and being breastfed and the team were amazing at helping to try transition my baby onto a bottle with breastmilk.
Covid has obviously caused the nursery to change their usual processes but being new during the pandemic I still think everything runs smoothly and the team do everything they can to make things comfortable.

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Review from Jamie L (Father of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Little Learning Ladder for nearly six months now and I can't recommend this place highly enough. From the settling process to the current day every staff member at Little Learning Ladder have been excellent. The team really know their stuff and it's very clear that they passionately
care for the children that they are looking after. I feel that my son's development has been massively enhanced by attending Little Learning Ladder and this is due to the time taken by his key worker and the Red Room team to plan engaging activities for him to try.
The updates that we receive on the Parentzone app are great, it's so reassuring to know that my son is being so well looked after and he always looks so happy in the pics and videos that we receive. It's so nice to see what he's doing and great to read the observations by his key worker.
The nursery also provides well balanced and nutritious meals, which my son clearly enjoys!
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Little Learning Ladder anyone looking for a great nursery!

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Review from Ina K (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My baby had the smoothest transition to nursery thanks to Little Learning Ladder. She has a great time every day, enjoys a range of lovely activities, plays outside in the playground, and even goes on little walks now to explore the surrounding area. Staff have been nurturing her since in the first
days and in particular, she’s managed to build great relationships with her key staff despite the initial language barriers. My little one has been flourishing in Little Learning Ladder and I would very much recommend it to parents looking for a nursery in the city centre.

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Review from Antoinette B (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot praise the staff enough, the daily updates on the activities undertaken to help with my child’s development is second to none. The difference in my child’s abilities and confidence has increased dramatically and she is always full of smiles. I know my child is safe, and well catered for each
day, and for a parent, I couldn’t wish for a better team.

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Review from Vincent R (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been attending Little Learning Ladder since day one and I have to say I dread the day when it’s time to say goodbye to everyone when he leaves for school. They are truly exceptional in their field and treat each child as the individual they are. I love their fun, friendly approach
to things and I never feel like I can’t approach them for anything. The manager runs a tight ship, but that’s evident in how awesome her staff are. I don’t think the kitchen staff get praised enough for the amazing food they supply every day. I can’t recommend this nursery enough and as an LGBT parent, I love how inclusive and welcoming they are to all families from all backgrounds. Thank you for being incredible.

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Little Learning Ladder since May 2019 and I can’t fault the care he receives from the staff. We appreciate all the hard work from the staff, especially during the hardest year. My son loves being at nursery he can’t wait to go every day so thank you to all the Little Learning
Ladder staff for making it such a loving wonderful environment for the children.

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Review from Sok G (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started there 4 months ago and he is absolutely loving it. We are very pleased with the nursery and the development of our son (he is now 18months) since they are taking the best care of our son and at the same time they're doing many different learning activities. Our son is bilingual and he
already understands both English and his mother language, thanks to the nursery. Thank you Little Learning Ladder.

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Review from Gergana B (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Can’t recommend enough! My son has been in Little Learning Ladder since he was 10 months old and through all the years we’ve been super happy with the care and attention he’s received. This year feels like they have stepped it up even more. During the pandemic they have made sure to provide support,
reassurance and a safe place for our little ones to go back to learn, develop and thrive and experience some sort of normality when there’s chaos all around. We are so grateful. Thank you for all you do.

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Review from Rachel F (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I only have good words to say about Little Learning Ladder. They have helped my 2-year-old son so much with his speech which is behind. Little Learning Ladder created a care plan for him and the staff provide us with daily updates regarding how he is getting on. Through the help of the staff, his speech
is progressing so much. Our son has been at Little Learning Ladder since he was 10 months old and he loves it. Little Learning Ladder is so welcoming and culturally diverse which is the environment we wanted our son to be part of. Thank you for everything you do!

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Review from Susan M (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery management team and every member of staff truly care about the kids. They are all so friendly, approachable and professional.
They try their best to update parents throughout the day via their online portal which I absolutely to love to see.
My daughter seems so happy attending Little
Learning Ladder and to me that’s all that matters.
I would highly recommend.
We appreciate you staff at Little Learning Ladder.

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Review from Jo R (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t wish for a warmer, more nurturing environment for my daughter. All the staff are so friendly and attentive; you feel they know their stuff and that they genuinely care. So well managed and great communication. I’m delighted my daughter has the opportunity to grow and develop in such a positive
place.

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Review from P D (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased that my child loves his time at Little Learning Ladder. The staff are so fantastic and supportive. I can be assured that he will be looked after well. It's a place where we feel safe in leaving our child during the day. There are many educational activities for kids to learn and explore.
My child has so much fun times. Cannot thank all the staff and management team enough. Really highly recommended.

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Review from Reema S (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves it here. He settled in straight away (didn’t even look back the first day ) the staff are amazing and really know the children on an individual level. Since starting, my son has come on leaps and bounds with speaking, stopped the bottle and started potty training. As a parent, communication
on the app is amazing. I love the pictures and I always feel like all the staff are approachable and have time for me no matter what. All I can say is my son wakes up on Saturday and asks to go to nursery.

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Review from Helen Y (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery that has taken superb care of my son for two-and-a-half years. A happy, enriching and caring environment for children with brilliant staff. I am very grateful to all at Little Learning Ladder and my son has benefitted greatly from his attendance.

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Review from Harrison L (Father of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful nursery. Little Learning Ladder does a fantastic job of balancing professionalism and genuine warmth. Our boy joined at 11-months-old and we have always felt he is well looked after here. Before visiting, we thought the physical space might be cramped but they seem to use every inch
of it to create well-designed environments for the children.

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Review from Houda T (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my son to Little Learning Ladder in October 2020, it was definitely the best decision we made for him. He used to cry going to his previous nursery but now he absolutely loves going to this nursery and made friends so quickly. The staff and the management are amazing and are loving and caring
and communicate well with us. The nursery’s ethics are great and more importantly, our son is very happy there, so thank you.

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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been in this wonderful nursery since 5 months old, she is now 3 years and she keeps enjoying going every day. The staff are well prepared and excellent and the management is kind and wonderful. Our experience with the nursery is really good, as a parent, I like the way they care my child,
the activities they do, the environment and cleaning of the whole nursery, the food, security and the way they keep us informed and communicate about my child and changes/updates about the nursery. They do care about the development of our child and assess her frequently which is very important for us as parents, to be aware of our child's goals and growing process. I will recommend this nursery to all parents looking for an outstanding nursery in the heart of the city centre in Manchester.

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Review from Danusca J (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy is in his last year at the nursery, having attended since he was around 6 months old. He loves nursery and has built strong bonds with his key workers, other staff and has made plenty of friends. He has been supported at each stage of his development and staff have tried their best to
help establish a routine that is consistent with the one he has at home when this was identified as an important factor in improving his behaviour and well being. Any concerns have always been addressed quickly and myself and my little boy’s Dad have been able to build a relationship with different key workers and management. Most importantly; my little boy is happy, feels safe to express himself and feels loved and loves the staff as though they’re an extended part of his family. I’m looking forward to working with staff to get him ready for his transition into school in September of this year.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.539)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.539) out of 10 for Little Learning Ladder is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.601 for Little Learning Ladder is calculated as follows: ( (166 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.601

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.938 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Learning Ladder is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 80 number of registered child places is 16. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.938

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (6)

Ellie

Ellie

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2019

Ellie is Level 3 Early Years Educator who has just completed a degree in Childhood studies. She is a warm, kind individual who loves working with children.


Ellie is based in our Baby room but you will often see her working with all ages.


Shanice

Shanice

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2016

Shanice is the Room leader of our Baby room, she started with us straight from school and completed an apprenticeship in Early Years, followed by her Level 3.


Shanice has a warm, friendly personality and the children love her.


Kiera

Kiera

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2016

Kiera is a L3 Early Years Educator who works in our 2 - 3 year old room. Kiera is our only team member who has worked with every age group at Little Learning Ladder.


The children love Kiera, she is extremely passionate about Early years development.


Jess

Jess

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2022

Jess is based in our toddler room, she is qualified for Level 3 and is working towards her Level 5 in Early Years.


Jess is a wonderful role model and is passionate about Early Years education!


Porcha

Porcha

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2021

Porcha started at LLL as an apprentice in Early Years, she has recently been promoted to Room Leader of the toddler room. Porcha is an asset to our team.


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Melissa McNamee

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2025

Hello, My name is Melissa and I have been the nursery Manager at Little Learning Ladder since January 2025. I have 18 years worth of experience in early years and a level 6 qualification in childhood studies and early years. Childcare has always been my passion. I believe that every child should have the best start in life! At Little Learning Ladder we strive towards creating the best environment for children to learn, grow and develop.


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