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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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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,...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
Excellent care. We really feel that our child is loved and cared for.
Excellent care. We really feel that our child is loved and cared for.
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!
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!
We are happy with the care that our daughter receives at the nursery.
We are happy with the care that our daughter receives at the nursery.
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...
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.
Thank you for your review, Danielle.
The genuine happiness of the child when leaving and bringing him back from the nursery makes you feel...
The genuine happiness of the child when leaving and bringing him back from the nursery makes you feel confident in the provided services.
Thank you, Daniel, for your review.
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...
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.
Thank you, Chelsea, for your review.
I like the layout very much and the space. Kids have got planned activities...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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Awards / Recognitions (0)
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Accreditations
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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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