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...
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.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year
Minimum attendance
2 days per week
Full days available
Yes
Half day sessions offered
Yes
Owner
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
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
Yes
Consumables 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
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
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.
This nursery accepts funded places. We don't yet have enough detail to show your funded price here.
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
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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 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.
Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
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...
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 Review Card•
Overall Experience
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...
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 M P (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
We viewed a few different nurseries before we decided on Little Learning Ladder. The staff here are really friendly and know all the children's names, I like that it feels personal not just as a number. I know she has had a good day when she's covered in paint, been playing outside and is always...
We viewed a few different nurseries before we decided on Little Learning Ladder. The staff here are really friendly and know all the children's names, I like that it feels personal not just as a number. I know she has had a good day when she's covered in paint, been playing outside and is always excited to get to nursery.
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Review from Robyn M (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
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...
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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Review from B D (Father of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
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.
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 A A (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
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...
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 G P (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Little Learning Ladder looks after both my children. The care they provide is exceptional. Their settling in process is what really stood out for me, they really cater for each individual child. They have supported my daughter with toilet training and myself when I felt like giving up.
Thanks to...
Little Learning Ladder looks after both my children. The care they provide is exceptional. Their settling in process is what really stood out for me, they really cater for each individual child. They have supported my daughter with toilet training and myself when I felt like giving up.
Thanks to all at Little Learning Ladder.
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Review from Annie T (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son is attending Little Learning Ladder since he was 6 months. It's been 7 months now and I can see the great impact the nursery has on him. Every single day he is learning something new. He is 13 months now and he is already eating on his own, I can tell that he loves messing with the sand or...
My son is attending Little Learning Ladder since he was 6 months. It's been 7 months now and I can see the great impact the nursery has on him. Every single day he is learning something new. He is 13 months now and he is already eating on his own, I can tell that he loves messing with the sand or the colours and he has an amazing time with the other children in his class. The most amazing part is when the weather is nice and they go outside for a walk by the canal or at the "garden" of the nursery. My little one loves that part of the day. The staff are amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their help and patience.
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No Rating
Review from Paul W (Father of Child) published on 9 April 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My twins have been attending now for two years and the nursery has grown wonderfully in this time. The staff are attentive and the kids enjoy their days. They have even been taught Spanish by the Spanish member of staff, which they love showing off. Very well run and a good facilities.
My twins have been attending now for two years and the nursery has grown wonderfully in this time. The staff are attentive and the kids enjoy their days. They have even been taught Spanish by the Spanish member of staff, which they love showing off. Very well run and a good facilities.
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Review from Antara M (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My child goes to Little Learning Ladder after school club. He is very happy to go there. He eats every day whatever he is given. He got some appreciation for his works. It is a great encouragement for him. So this is a good experience for us. If some more educational activities take place it will...
My child goes to Little Learning Ladder after school club. He is very happy to go there. He eats every day whatever he is given. He got some appreciation for his works. It is a great encouragement for him. So this is a good experience for us. If some more educational activities take place it will be more enthusiastic for every child.
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Review from Feyi A (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Little Learning Ladder has proven to be a safe, clean, hygienic and great learning and developing environment for my child.
Little Learning Ladder has proven to be a safe, clean, hygienic and great learning and developing environment for my child.
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
News
There are no news items for Little Learning Ladder.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events for Little Learning Ladder.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Little Learning Ladder.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Little Learning Ladder.
Meet the Team (4)
Melissa McNameeJob Title Nursery ManagerJoined 2025
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 Job Title Early Years EducatorJoined 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.
Jess Job Title Early Years EducatorJoined 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!
Lauren Job Title Deputy ManagerJoined 2023
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.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Little Learning Ladder to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Learning Ladder has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
