Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Cheltenham
Established in Cheltenham, Little Smarties provides a nurturing environment for early childhood development. Our team of highly qualified professionals, many holding NVQ Level 3 or higher, combine expertise with genuine care to create an exceptional learning experience. Recognised with three consecutive OFSTED Outstanding ratings, we maintain rigorous standards in both education and safety. Our organic, chef-prepared meals support children's health while our Key Person policy ensures individualised attention. With over 20 years' experience in childcare, our leadership team combines academic excellence - including postgraduate qualifications in childcare and economics - with practical expertise.We prioritise parental partnership through home visits, regular progress updates, and open communication channels. Our purpose-built facilities feature age-specific learning spaces, secure outdoor areas, and state-of-the-art baby suites designed to stimulate development. Committed to continuous improvement, we maintain 5-star hygiene standards and invest in ongoing staff training to ensure the highest quality care.
Services
Baby Care
Little Explorers
Little Learners
Learning Centre
Preschool Room
Highlights and features
- Three consecutive OFSTED Outstanding ratings for educational quality
- Organic, nutritionist-approved meals prepared on-site daily
- Experienced NVQ-qualified staff with low turnover rates
- Personalised Key Person approach for individual child development
- Home visits prior to enrollment for smooth transition support
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Loving environment
Experienced staff
Organic meals
Outstanding OFSTED
Excellent communication
Services
Baby Care
Our dedicated baby suite provides a secure, stimulating environment for infants. Featuring underfloor heating, separate sleeping areas, and a no-shoes policy, we ensure optimal comfort and hygiene. Staff conduct home visits prior to enrollment to understand individual routines, which we replicate to maintain consistency. The outdoor play area with weather protection allows year-round exploration while our milk kitchen ensures proper bottle preparation.
Little Explorers
Designed for transitioning toddlers, this program facilitates gradual adaptation through play-dates in new environments. Our ground-floor facility encourages physical development through age-appropriate activities like construction play and sensory exploration. Staff focus on social skills development during mealtimes while maintaining individualised care through designated key persons who monitor progress and communicate regularly with parents.
Learning Centre
Following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, our Learning Centre develops core competencies through play-based learning. Staff facilitate activities covering communication, physical development, literacy, and mathematics. The curriculum incorporates expressive arts and understanding of the world, with learning experiences tailored to children's interests. Our upstairs facility provides dedicated space for creative exploration and critical thinking exercises.
Preschool Room
This program prepares children for formal education through structured learning aligned with primary school standards. Staff focus on developing independence and academic readiness while maintaining EYFS principles. We offer transition support to local schools and provide regular progress updates. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social skills through interactive activities that build confidence for school environments.
Organic Catering
Our two full-time chefs prepare three freshly cooked organic meals daily, following a 13-day rotating menu. The kitchen maintains 5-star hygiene standards with temperature monitoring and strict food safety protocols. We accommodate allergies and dietary requirements while encouraging children to try new foods through peer influence. Nutritional value is prioritised over cost considerations in all meal planning.
People
Gerard Gray
Owner
Holds first-class economics degree from Birmingham University, MBA from London Business School, and Early Years Professional Status from Gloucestershire University. Oversees nursery operations and strategic development while maintaining close involvement in daily childcare practices.
Gisela Gray
Owner
Qualified in theatre studies with teaching credentials in music, dance, and drama. Manages creative programming and staff training while ensuring the nursery's educational approach incorporates performing arts elements to enhance child development.
Sam
Nursery Manager
NVQ Level 5 qualified childcare professional with over 15 years' experience. Leads daily operations, staff supervision, and child development assessments while maintaining OFSTED compliance standards across all nursery programs.
Rachel
Nursery Manager
Senior manager with NVQ Level 5 qualification and 15+ years in early years education. Focuses on parent communication, staff mentoring, and implementing individualised learning plans that align with OFSTED's Outstanding-rated educational framework.
Questions
What OFSTED ratings has Little Smarties received?
We've received three consecutive Outstanding ratings in our last two inspections, a rare achievement reflecting our exceptional educational quality and childcare standards.
How does the nursery accommodate food allergies?
Our chefs prepare modified meals for children with allergies while maintaining strict separation protocols. Parents receive detailed menu information and can discuss specific requirements with our kitchen team.
What qualifications do staff hold?
All staff have at least NVQ Level 3, with managers holding NVQ Level 5 and specialist qualifications. First aid training is mandatory for all team members.
How does the transition process work between age groups?
Children move through play-dates in new rooms with assigned key persons, ensuring gradual adaptation while maintaining continuity of care and communication with parents.
What are the nursery's operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm, excluding public holidays and one week over Christmas, with flexible childcare voucher payment options available.
Reviews (3)
Aimee Perry
Dec 31, 2019
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My son has settled really well in to this nursery over the last six weeks and that is thanks to the staff in the baby room who have been wonderful. They have created a warm, friendly atmosphere and the babies all seem to love exploring the toys and activities. Id highly recommend it.
Isabella Wynn
Jan 15, 2019
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Unprofessional staff in the baby suite. Uncomfortable environment. Fed food to children that had fell on the floor. Disappointed! If I could put no stars I would!
BouncyCastleMan -Gloucestershire
Nov 09, 2017
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I'm so pleased my twins have really settled in well at Little Smarties Nursery, the staff especially Laura are fantastic and wonderful, there so happy their and have come on leaps and bounds, they communicate very well between the staff and the parents.
