Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Keswick
Little Monkeys Day Nursery & Pre School Day Nursery & Pre School is nestled in Braithwaite, a quaint village on the outskirts of Keswick within the Lake District. Our nursery occupies a converted dormer bungalow with expansive views of Skiddaw, offering a stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years. Owned and managed by Laura Fradsham, a BTEC National Diploma holder in Childhood Studies and BA Hons graduate in Working with Children and Families, we combine academic excellence with hands-on experience. Laura, a qualified Forest School Practitioner, has cultivated a team of dedicated professionals committed to early years education.Recognised by Ofsted and accredited with Smile 4 Life, the Healthy Families Cumbria Pledge, and Millie's Mark, we prioritise safety, health, and holistic development. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage, fostering self-regulation and emotional intelligence. We maintain a 5-star hygiene rating and provide freshly prepared meals, reflecting our commitment to nutrition. Partnerships with parents ensure each child's unique needs are met, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-School
Forest School
Healthy Meals
Safeguarding Training
Highlights and features
- We are Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' for early years provision.
- Our team includes Forest School Practitioners and paediatric first aid specialists.
- We maintain a 5-star hygiene rating from the Local Authority.
- All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.
- Our menus are accredited by the Smile 4 Life and Healthy Families Pledge.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Smile 4 Life
- Healthy Families Cumbria Pledge
- Millie's Mark
Services
Day Nursery
Our day nursery provides full-time care for children aged 0-5 years. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage, we focus on emotional development and self-regulation. Qualified practitioners create individualised learning plans, ensuring each child's needs are met in a safe, stimulating environment.
Pre-School
Our pre-school programme prepares children for formal education. Using Forest School principles, we develop social skills and independence. Activities align with government guidelines, ensuring school readiness through play-based learning and structured routines in a nurturing setting.
Forest School
Forest School sessions enhance physical development and environmental awareness. Qualified practitioners lead nature-based activities that build confidence and problem-solving skills. This approach supports emotional regulation and fosters a lifelong appreciation for outdoor exploration in a safe, supervised environment.
Healthy Meals
We provide balanced, nutritious meals prepared on-site by our qualified cook. Menus meet Smile 4 Life standards, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our approach promotes healthy eating habits, accommodating dietary requirements while educating children about food choices and preparation.
Safeguarding Training
All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and regular safeguarding training. Our designated leads ensure compliance with child protection policies. We maintain transparent communication with parents and authorities, prioritising children's safety and wellbeing in all aspects of care.
People
Laura Fradsham
Proprietor and Operational Manager
Laura holds a BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies and a BA Hons in Working with Children. As a Forest School Practitioner and DSL, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to lead our team in delivering exceptional childcare.
Amy B
Manager
Amy is an Early Years Teacher and Forest School Practitioner with a BSc in Mathematics and Physics. She coordinates special educational needs provision and safeguarding, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Nat
Deputy Manager
Nat holds a Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care and coordinates British Values education. As a second DSL, she supports safeguarding procedures and staff training, maintaining our commitment to child protection and educational excellence.
Tracey
Nursery Cook
Tracey manages our on-site kitchen with a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification. She prepares nutritious meals meeting Smile 4 Life standards, ensuring children receive balanced nutrition while learning about healthy eating habits.
Becky
Senior Practitioner
Becky holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and coordinates school readiness programmes. She implements structured learning activities, supporting children's transition to formal education while maintaining focus on emotional development and independence.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children from 0 to 5 years old.
Are your staff qualified in paediatric first aid?
Yes, 100% of our staff hold Millie's Mark accreditation.
Do you follow government childcare guidelines?
We strictly adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
How do you promote healthy eating?
Our menus meet Smile 4 Life and Healthy Families Pledge standards.
Can parents get involved in their child's education?
We actively encourage parental participation in care and learning.
