Where little minds grow and shine!
At Shining Stars Nursery, we take pride in being a renowned childcare provider, dedicated to delivering exceptional care and education to children aged 0-5 years old. With multiple branches located in Bolton, Blackburn, and Preston, we have established a reputation for providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth, creativity, and independence.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where children can thrive, explore, and learn. We strive to create a sense of belonging, building strong relationships with families, and respecting diversity in all its forms. Our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional care; we aim to create an environment where every child is valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.
Our Services
We offer a comprehensive range of services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Our experienced and qualified childcare practitioners provide a balanced approach, combining child-led exploration and adult-led guidance. Our nurseries are equipped with a wide range of nursery toys and resources, art and craft, dressing-up, I.C.T. equipment, and much more.
Our services include:
- A rich, stimulating nursery experience that enables children to achieve their full potential
- Access to outdoor activities, swimming lessons, and exciting annual trips
- A diverse range of activities designed to engage and inspire children in hands-on learning experiences
- Regular trips to enriching destinations such as libraries, farms, and play centres
- A dedicated team of highly trained and qualified childcare practitioners who are passionate about the development and progress of your children
Our Ethos
Our ethos is built around a balanced approach, combining child-led exploration and adult-led guidance. We believe in fostering a sense of awe and wonder while also preparing children to navigate their educational journey with confidence and readiness for future academic milestones. We provide a safe and nurturing learning environment where children are encouraged to take the lead in their discoveries, fostering independence and creativity.
Our Commitment
We are committed to respecting and valuing diversity in all its forms, including social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs. We warmly welcome children with special or additional needs, striving to create an inclusive environment where every child is fully included and supported. Our commitment extends to providing exceptional care, education, and support to each child, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.
Unsatisfactory Working Conditions and Lack of Standards
Concerns about Staff Knowledge and Assessment
Natalie Harvey, a former employee, expressed her disappointment and disturbance at the nursery's deficiencies in staff knowledge and assessment processes. She pointed out that staff members were unaware of the children they were assessing and would amend their assessments to appear correct in case of an OFSTED inspection.
Unhealthy Snack Habits and Poor Independence
The reviewer criticized the nursery's unhealthy snack policy, allowing children to bring their own snacks, including junk food, instead of promoting healthy eating habits. Moreover, she felt that the staff failed to encourage independence in pre-school children, often choosing to feed them instead.
Shortfalls in Staffing, Resources, and Activities
The author highlighted several areas of concern, including: inadequate staffing, with staff members sometimes supervising both rooms without adhering to the required ratio; poor resources for children; and disorganized group activities and poor planning. The absence of an outdoor play area was also a major issue.
Obligation to Report to OFSTED
As a qualified Nursery Practitioner, Natalie Harvey has stated her intention to report her experiences and concerns to OFSTED, emphasizing the need for accountability and improvement at the nursery.

Be the first to review Shining Stars Nursery.
Write a Review