Puddleducks Day Nursery is based in the pretty village of Croughton, near Brackley, Northamptonshire. We provide daily weekday care for children from six months to school age. You can choose from full-time and part-time places, divided into morning and afternoon sessions (minimum two sessions per week).
- We will provide a caring, homely, stimulating, secure and happy environment where both you and your children can feel relaxed and confident, a place you will be happy they can be left safely.
- To build your child's sense of responsibility and self-confidence.
- We will encourage our staff and yourselves to work together to make sure your child is provided with the most appropriate, effective care and development opportunities.
- To provide regularly changing and stimulating activities in all areas of learning which will encourage your child to explore, discover and feel able to question.
- We will encourage development of their spoken language and listening skills.
- Create opportunities for your child to form stable relationships with both their peers and adults.
- Together nurture their pre-school years in all areas of learning to give them the best possible launch into school life.
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Your children are welcome on a full or part-time basis, however, we do not accept children for less than two sessions per week. This is for your child's benefit as it makes settling into Nursery life much easier as it is more regular for them.
The Nursery is a very safe single storey building.
We have a Baby room, which is both warm and secure, offering stimulating play, music, comfort and lots of love and affection. We have a separate sleep room, which is fully equipped with cots where each baby has their own bedding and can bring along with them their own comforters. Outside play for this age group (3-18 months) is separate from that of the older children, however, there are times throughout the day when the age groups may mix.
In the Toddler room, from 18 months to 3 years, it is relaxed and fun! Where early learning is combined very much with fun. There is much creativity and all the things you might not want in your own kitchen!
The Pre-school room, from 3 to school, is more structured, at times, with tables and chairs where we follow pre-school guidelines from the Local Education Authority. Although learning is still all done through play, even at this great age!
There will be messy play for all ages, where your children will play with water, sand, play dough and all manner of other lovely things! They will paint, chalk and draw. They will also cook, basic foods, learn what ingredients are used etc..
Outside there is a playground for all sorts of play, we aim to carry on all areas of learning out here as well as inside. We try to go outside at least twice a day, weather permitting.
The toilet facilities are especially designed with children in mind, all children starting with us on a daily basis will be provided with a tooth brush for use after meal times.
As a footnote to this section, whatever age your child is, we will allow them to progress at their own pace and in their own time to allow them to feel confident and relaxed as they learn, and it is not only the babies who get lots of cuddles, whatever your child's age, there will be plenty of whatever they need to make them happy.
Our staff are all vetted and approved according to Government guidelines, which include all relevant health and police checks, our staff to child ratio is always as it should be according to the Children's Act 1989.
Our staff are appropriately qualified, again according to Government guidelines and also offer a number of working apprenticeships.
We always try to have a varied age range, which we feel provides a broader scope of experiences and encourages both new and old ideas.
We also offer work experience placements to local schools and colleges, however this is over and above our normal staffing levels, and the students are closely supervised at all times.
Our Nursery promotes equal opportunities while at all times holding the interest and welfare of the children as our highest priority.
Each child is valued as an individual regardless of race, creed, cultural background, ability or gender.
Our learning programme encourages children to develop their understanding and awareness and awareness of cultures and background other than their own and show respect for others as individuals.
The Nursery is owned by Lesley Grant, who has a family of her own. Lesley has 3 children, William and twins George and Olivia.
As a working mother she is able to fully appreciate how important childcare is to you. With this in mind the way the Nursery has been set up and run, is to provide as close to home from home as possible for your children. She has established a very homely, secure and safe place for you to bring them, where they will be well cared for in the way you would want them to be.