The Little Explorers Standard

What is the Little Explorers Standard?

The Little Explorers Standard is our promise to every child and family, a commitment to exceptional care, high expectations and meaningful experiences every single day.

It defines how we work, how we support families and how we ensure every child thrives.

Safety Without Compromise

Safeguarding is paramount at Little Explorers and underpins everything we do.

All staff, regardless of role, are Paediatric First Aid trained, ensuring immediate response in the unlikely event of an emergency. We also have an onsite defibrillator to further strengthen our emergency preparedness.

Our nursery is fitted with CCTV both indoors and outdoors to support the safety and security of children, staff and the premises. CCTV is operated in line with our data protection and safeguarding policies.

We regularly practise fire evacuation and lockdown procedures so that staff are confident and prepared. These drills are carried out in a calm and age-appropriate manner to ensure children feel secure and reassured at all times.

We maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, including the use of a hospital-grade fogging machine to support a safe and healthy environment.

Highly Trained, Professional Staff

Every team member completes a comprehensive induction programme, followed by continuous professional development throughout their employment.

Our training goes beyond statutory requirements. Staff are supported through supervision, mentoring and ongoing development to ensure we consistently meet and exceed the Little Explorers Standard.

We pride ourselves on reflective practice. If something is not quite right, we act quickly, professionally and transparently to ensure a positive outcome.

Relationships at the Heart of Everything

We believe secure, positive relationships are the foundation of outstanding early years practice.

Our staff focus on:

Following children’s interests
Supporting curiosity and independence
Creating joyful, playful learning experiences
Developing confidence and resilience

We laugh, learn, explore and grow together, creating magical and memorable experiences for every child who passes through our doors.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

We provide a consistently caring, nurturing and homely environment where all children and families feel valued and respected.

We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and closing gaps in learning. Every child, regardless of background, ability or starting point, is supported to thrive.

We work closely with families to ensure children with SEND, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or those eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) receive targeted support and enriched experiences that enable them to make strong progress from their individual starting points.

Partnership with Families

Parents and carers are true partners in our setting.

We value open communication, welcome new ideas and actively encourage feedback. We understand that a child’s development is strongest when home and nursery work together in partnership.

Where families require additional support, we will always guide them towards the right services at the right time, recognising that wellbeing extends beyond the nursery walls.

Caring for Our Future

We are committed to doing our part for the environment.

We recognise the importance of the Early Years in shaping children’s awareness and attitudes. Through everyday experiences, we promote sustainability, responsibility and care for our planet in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.

Our Commitment

The Little Explorers Standard represents our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding care, education and service for every child and family.

It is not just a statement, it is how we operate, every day.

The Little Explorers Standard is committed to providing an outstanding provision of care and service for all children and families.