Little Learning Ladder

The Chips, 2 Lampwick Lane, New Islington, Manchester M4 6BU
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9.6 66 Reviews
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 nursery follows a child-centred approach providing a combination of child and adult led activities with lots of opportunities for "in the moment" learning. The team take inspiration from a variety of approaches which helps to foster a love of learning, igniting awe and wonder in children. The child's interest lies at the heart of everything they do at Little Learning Ladder.

The nursery opens from 7.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 52 weeks per year, only closing on Bank Holidays.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

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

Funding & Fees

  • Morning session 0730 - 1pm £53.20,
    Afternoon session 1pm - 7pm £53.20,
    Full Day 0730 - 7pm £75.40,
    Full Time Monday to Friday 7.30am - 7pm £333.51,
    Weekly Morning Sessions £239.43,
    Weekly afternoon sessions £239.43,
    Weekly School Hours (9-3) £278.26

  • Discount offered for 5 day sessions.

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

Little Learning Ladder Reviews (66)

Total of 66, showing 41-60
9.6

Little Learning Ladder has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.630) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Learning Ladder has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 58
  • 6
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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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Review from Angela B (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I really cannot put into words how much my daughter loves and has developed at Little Learning Ladder. The team are so friendly and know her as well as we do. From the settles, my child has felt at ease in the nursery as it is such a welcoming environment. Every day she learns a new word or skill as
she is encouraged by the team. Even the nursery management know her character and likes/dislikes. We are kept updated daily as it happens about what she’s been doing, what she’s eaten, learnt and different activities she has done. It is so reassuring to know that she is kept entertained and is making new friends. We also love how culturally diverse the learning is from learning about different festivals and countries to sampling different foods. I really cannot thank the team enough. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Such a great nursery to bring your child to. We’ve moved from the Netherlands to Manchester. Firstly, I didn’t want to bring my son to a Nursery, but during the introduction day this completely changed. The care they have for the kids and they keep you posted of everything during the day. It’s wonderful.
Very good Nursery.

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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care. We really feel that our child is loved and cared for.

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Review from Grace O (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love this nursery! My daughter is so happy here and the staff are so warm and genuinely caring. I feel so at ease leaving her. The activities are interesting, the staff are so supportive. Communication is great and via parent zone app. Highly recommend!

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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are happy with the care that our daughter receives at the nursery.

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Review from Danielle F (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started at Little Learning Ladder a couple of months ago after a recommendation from two friends and has settled so quickly, especially at only 10 months. The staff spent so much time on lots of settle days to make sure she was happy and got to know her key worker and the other members
of the team. It’s such a nice atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. After spending a lot of time there during settles, I could see how much the babies bond with the staff and are so well cared for. They do loads of activities, take them out to see the ducks and have a great outside space. I go away knowing she’s happy, having fun, eating well and learning lots.

Reply from Gemma Turner at Little Learning Ladder

Thank you for your review, Danielle.

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Review from Daniel B (Father of Child) published on 23 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery staff are very patient and caring. The settlement process was extremely important for a smooth transition to the full-time program and they answered all the questions thoroughly.
The genuine happiness of the child when leaving and bringing him back from the nursery makes you feel confident
in the provided services.

Reply from Gemma Turner at Little Learning Ladder

Thank you, Daniel, for your review.

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Review from Chelsea C (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has settled in so well at this nursery and I have already seen such a big change in her in just a few months. The staff are all so pleasant, they really do love the children, it is so nice to see. The updates are regular throughout the day informing you on what your child is up to and on their
wellbeing. My baby adores her key worker, I couldn’t ask for a better keyworker or nursery for her.

Reply from Gemma Turner at Little Learning Ladder

Thank you, Chelsea, for your review.

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Review from Julia K (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been just over 11 months since we started at Little Learning Ladder and I have always been pleased with the care my son was getting at the nursery. The staff loves the children and this is important for the mother.
I like the layout very much and the space. Kids have got planned activities and
plenty of educative toys. I also like outside area and that it's so close to the city centre where I work.

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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son started at Little Learning Ladder he has come on leaps and bounds. I was very apprehensive about him starting nursery and they were very reassuring, keeping me up to date constantly. He has become so much more sociable and his development is going from strength to strength.

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Review from Marie Therese H (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are delighted that our daughter loves her time at Little Learning Ladder. We have been sending our daughter to L.L.L since she was 11 months old and she has developed in her confidence, learning and social skills due to the care and attention given by staff. Our daughter has been able to develop
very strong and positive relationships with her Keyworkers and all other staff working at L.L.L.
We have been very happy with the range of activities our daughter gets involved in and the learning opportunities that are given to her which have resulted in her increased confidence with reading, arts, counting and socialising with adults and her peers.

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Review from Emily G (Aunt of Child) published on 11 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nephew has been coming to Little Learning Ladder for 5 months now. As the person who drops him of and collects him 90% of the time due to his mums work, I feel that they provide me with all the information I need to pass on to mum. The online connect system is amazing for his mum as she can track
his progress, and receive updates during the day on how he is.
Loved the settling in period as we felt there was no pressure for him to settle in an allocated amount of time, its all based on his (and mums) needs.
The 3-week menu is varied and nutritious and I like the fact it is cooked all on site.


State of the art emergency procedures (which I cannot go into due to this being public) but I am in no doubt that if anything bad were to happen my nephew would be safe and secure until we managed to get to him.
The outside space for a city centre nursery is second to none


The management is really amazing, and are always there to listen, and offer advice. The opening hours are great

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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Learning Ladder is a lovely nursery with amazing staff who couldn't be more pleased to see our daughter every morning and vice versa.
They were very supportive when it took time to settle and always offer detailed feedback at the end of the day.
It's very reassuring to know your baby is having
a lovely day with people you like and trust. The extended baby room and facilities are a great improvement.

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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was originally looking for a childminder, however, Little Learning Ladder was recommended by a friend. My 8-month-old daughter benefitted from an extended settling in process. She is settled and loves going to nursery. The girls are fantastic and I couldn't wish for a better place or people for my
little girl.

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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nursery environment is completely homely. Kids feel it's their second home. As all staff are on their toes all the time. My experience throughout the year was very good with all. Kids are learning many things at nursery. The nursery staff making efforts to get kids independent in doing their own things
e.g eating, brush teeth etc, and provide observations and regularly communicate to parents. Kids have so many activities to do in the nursery like crafts, painting different types of toys.

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Review from B D (Father of Child) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, we have been very happy with Little Learning Ladder. The staff are very friendly and have developed a good relationship with our daughter. Our daughter has spent about 3 years at Little Learning Ladder and she has learnt important skills.

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Review from Robyn M (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so pleased I decided to send my daughter to the Little Learning Ladder. She loves it and is so settled there. The staff are wonderful and have built lovely relationships with my daughter. As a first time mum, going back to work full-time, I never worry about my daughter, as I know she is being
well cared for and having a lovely time.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.630)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.630) 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.630 for Little Learning Ladder is calculated as follows: ( (187 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.63

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Learning Ladder is based on 17 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, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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)

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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.
... Read more
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.
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Kiera

Kiera

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2016

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.
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Jess

Jess

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2022

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!
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Deanna

Deanna

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2023

Deanna is currently maternity cover for our Pre-school room leader, she is based in our pre-school and have a genuine passion for getting our older children school ready.

Deanna holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years.
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Christine

Christine

Job Title: Nursery Cook

Joined: 2017

I have several years of experience in catering and joined the team at LLL in 2017. I enjoy preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals for the children in our care.
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