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Little Learning Ladder believes every child is unique, so each child's interests, ideas, and personality are at the heart of the approach. The warm, nurturing environment gives children the confidence to explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
The...
Nestled within the iconic Chips Building in New Islington, just moments from Manchester City Centre, Little Learning Ladder is a family-run nursery where children are known, valued and encouraged to flourish.
Little Learning Ladder believes every child is unique, so each child's interests, ideas, and personality are at the heart of the approach. The warm, nurturing environment gives children the confidence to explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
The child-centred approach combines carefully planned adult-led activities with opportunities for children to take the lead. The nursery embraces “in the moment” learning, using children's natural curiosity and interests to create meaningful experiences and extend learning through play and everyday discoveries.
The dedicated team draws inspiration from a variety of educational approaches, creating an environment where children are encouraged to wonder, investigate, experiment, and ask questions. The aim is for every child to feel excited about learning and confident to try new things.
Above all, Little Learning Ladder believes children learn best when they feel happy, safe, secure, and valued. The team takes time to build strong relationships with every child and family, creating a welcoming, close-knit community where parents can feel confident that each child is receiving exceptional care and opportunities to thrive.
Flexible childcare for modern families
The nursery recognises that family life is busy, which is why Little Learning Ladder is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am–7.00pm, 52 weeks of the year, closing only on Bank Holidays.
From a child's first steps through the early years, the aim is to provide a home-from-home environment where children can grow in confidence, develop independence, and discover the joy of learning.
Prospective families are invited to discover Little Learning Ladder and experience the welcoming environment firsthand.
Type of Service
- Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all yearAttendance patterns offered
All Year
Minimum attendance
- 2 days per week
Full days available
YesHalf day sessions offered
YesOwner
- Rob Little
- Private Owned
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
Meals Provided
YesMeal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
YesConsumables provided include
Nappies, Wipes, Nappy Cream, Suncream
Opening Times
- Monday07:30-19:00
- Tuesday07:30-19:00
- Wednesday07:30-19:00
- Thursday07:30-19:00
- Friday07:30-19:00
When Closed
- Bank Holidays
Funding & Fees
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£357/ month
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
2 days per week
£235
3 days per week
£357
5 days per week
£894
Adjust for your situation
What this price covers
- Standard chargeable day 7:30am to 7:00pm (11.5 hours)
- 22.4 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
- Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Nappies, Wipes, Nappy Cream and Suncream
Price without government funding: £980 / month (£75 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
- £623/month more than the funded price.
- This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
- Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 51 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
- This nursery applies up to 7.5 funded hours per day, stretched across 51 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 22.4 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
- We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Little Learning Ladder to get a personalised quote:
Little Learning Ladder Reviews (71)
Little Learning Ladder has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.789) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Learning Ladder has 71 reviews.
My daughter started a year ago. She goes to the nursery every day with joy and I can see from this that we have chosen a good place for her. All members of the staff are helpful, kind and smiling (this means a lot to me). The system they use is transparent and easy to use. Every day I get detailed...
My daughter started a year ago. She goes to the nursery every day with joy and I can see from this that we have chosen a good place for her. All members of the staff are helpful, kind and smiling (this means a lot to me). The system they use is transparent and easy to use. Every day I get detailed information about my daughter's day. The meals are varied and healthy! (I'm glad they drink water and eat fruit every day.) I thank all the workers that my daughter is happy when she spends her time in the nursery.
Complete bait and switch. Bad business practices. Waited 2...
Complete bait and switch. Bad business practices. Waited 2 months to get him into Little Learning Ladder. Paid the deposit and registration fee, only to be told he would not be able to attend due to their own abilities.
No secure outdoor play area at all. Construction work for over 2 months had closed the outdoor play area.
Upon registering with LLL, all families receive a min of 6 settling sessions over a 2-week period. Following this initial settling-in period, our Nursery Manager requested to meet with you to address concerns regarding social communication difficulties & related behaviors. The NM discussed the...
Upon registering with LLL, all families receive a min of 6 settling sessions over a 2-week period. Following this initial settling-in period, our Nursery Manager requested to meet with you to address concerns regarding social communication difficulties & related behaviors. The NM discussed the prevalence of children with special educational needs in our preschool cohort & expressed apprehension about our ability to adequately support your child alongside the existing children. Suggestions were made, such as potentially reducing your child's sessions, which you chose not to pursue. Despite this, due to an upcoming trip, we agreed to continue the placement with frequent reviews. After 4 weeks, we decided that we could no longer safely maintain the placement. Following consultations with both parents, a mutual agreement was made for a 4-week notice period. It is important to note that independent regulatory bodies have conducted investigations and refuted the allegations made against us.
The support and advice we've received from the nursery staff have been...
The support and advice we've received from the nursery staff have been invaluable. They go above and beyond to ensure that our son receives the best care and attention possible. We're especially grateful to all the key workers who have played a significant role in his growth and development. It's clear that they put their heart and soul into their work, and it truly shows in the way they interact with the children.
Moreover, our son loves attending the nursery. This speaks volumes about the positive and welcoming atmosphere that the nursery provides.
Overall, we wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their child. Thank you to the entire team for everything you do!
Ever since my daughter joined Little Learning Ladder it has always felt like she was at a home away from home. Every room she has been in, the staff have been so supportive, kind and caring. The focus on her development has been outstanding. I am so glad I chose to send her to Little Learning...
Ever since my daughter joined Little Learning Ladder it has always felt like she was at a home away from home. Every room she has been in, the staff have been so supportive, kind and caring. The focus on her development has been outstanding. I am so glad I chose to send her to Little Learning Ladder. Would 100% recommend them!
Excellent nursery with competent and caring staff. Well run with a diverse array of daily activities for all ages up to four years, including a delicious menu prepared by a kitchen which caters to all culinary requirements. It's a pleasure to take our son to this establishment and cannot recommend...
Excellent nursery with competent and caring staff. Well run with a diverse array of daily activities for all ages up to four years, including a delicious menu prepared by a kitchen which caters to all culinary requirements. It's a pleasure to take our son to this establishment and cannot recommend it highly enough.
I can’t recommend Little Learning Ladder enough. All the staff are very friendly and take excellent care. Our little boy has come on leaps and bounds with his speech, walking and eating since joining. The app is great also as you can see updates throughout the day. I would highly recommend this...
I can’t recommend Little Learning Ladder enough. All the staff are very friendly and take excellent care. Our little boy has come on leaps and bounds with his speech, walking and eating since joining. The app is great also as you can see updates throughout the day. I would highly recommend this nursery to other parents.
My little girl has been attending this nursery for almost 3 years, it is filled with love and laughter from the minute they enter the doors. She has grown so much since she started and has made so many friends and learnt so much. Gemma and the team make learning fun and ensure the children are...
My little girl has been attending this nursery for almost 3 years, it is filled with love and laughter from the minute they enter the doors. She has grown so much since she started and has made so many friends and learnt so much. Gemma and the team make learning fun and ensure the children are taught everything from education to religion and even down to hygiene and kindness. The only thing I am sad about is that she has to leave to go to junior school as she loves the nursery so much as do I. Choosing a nursery is so daunting but I promise you will not be disappointed with this choice!
Since my daughter started here when she was three months old her communication and movement have come on leaps and bounds, staff are all welcoming and make parents feel externally comfortable. Would 100% recommend it.
Since my daughter started here when she was three months old her communication and movement have come on leaps and bounds, staff are all welcoming and make parents feel externally comfortable. Would 100% recommend it.
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.
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.
Thank you for your lovely words which will be communicated to the team.
Kind regards
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...
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!
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...
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.
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...
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!
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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!
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...
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.
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
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Meet the Team (4)

Hello! I’m Melissa, the Nursery Manager at Little Learning Ladder since January 2025. I bring 18 years of experience in early years education and...
Hello! I’m Melissa, the Nursery Manager at Little Learning Ladder since January 2025. I bring 18 years of experience in early years education and hold a level 6 qualification in childhood studies. Childcare is my passion, and I am dedicated to ensuring every child receives the best start in life. At Little Learning Ladder, we work hard to provide a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. I look forward to being part of your child's early years journey!

Kiera is a L3 Early Years Educator who works in our pre-school 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 is based in our under two's unit, 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!

Lauren is our Deputy Manager at LLL and plays a key role in supporting both children and staff every day. She is passionate about creating a warm,...
Lauren is our Deputy Manager at LLL and plays a key role in supporting both children and staff every day. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Lauren works closely with families and the nursery team to ensure high standards of care and education, helping to provide the very best experiences for all children. Her approachable nature, dedication, and wealth of experience make her a valued member of the LLL team.
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