Business Details
Outstanding Childcare and Early Years Education in Padiham
At Little Acorns Nursery, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional childcare and early years education in a nurturing, homely environment. Our experienced team, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in May 2025, combines structured play with child-led activities to foster holistic development for children aged 3 months to 5 years. We maintain high staff-to-child ratios1:3 for babies, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:8 for preschoolersto ensure personalised attention. Our curriculum, designed to optimise learning through play, aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, preparing children for school and life beyond. We prioritise strong partnerships with parents, offering regular updates via our online journal 'Tapestry' and maintaining an open-door policy for visits.Located in Padiham, our spacious, single-storey facility features dedicated age-specific indoor and outdoor areas, including a sensory zone, mud kitchen, and trike track. With flexible full-day and half-day sessions available Monday to Friday, we cater to families across Lancashire, including Padiham, Burnley, and Blackburn. Our commitment to quality is reflected in glowing parent testimonials, highlighting our caring staff, nutritious meals, and dedication to meeting individual needs, including those with special educational requirements.
Services
Baby Care
Toddler Care
Preschool Care
Outdoor Learning
Parent Partnerships
Special Educational Needs Support
Highlights and features
- We maintain high staff-to-child ratios for personalised attention
- Our Ofsted-rated 'Good' curriculum aligns with EYFS standards
- Dedicated age-specific indoor and outdoor learning environments
- Regular parent updates via our online journal 'Tapestry'
- Nutritious, locally-sourced meals catering to dietary requirements
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Lovely staff
Welcoming environment
Children thrive
Excellent curriculum
Best nursery experience
Services
Baby Care
Our Baby Room provides a calm, stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 2 years. With a 1:3 staff ratio, we focus on sensory play, communication development, and physical milestones through age-appropriate activities. Each baby receives individualised attention in a secure setting featuring sleep zones, sensory equipment, and tactile learning materials. Our practitioners prioritise emotional bonding and early language development while maintaining strict safety standards.
Toddler Care
For 2-3 year olds, we balance structured activities with free play in our Big Room and dedicated toddler space. Staff introduce literacy, numeracy, and creative arts through themed play while encouraging social skills and independence. The 1:4 staff ratio ensures close monitoring of developmental progress against EYFS goals. Outdoor exploration and physical play complement indoor learning in our purpose-designed facilities.
Preschool Care
Our preschool programme prepares 3-5 year olds for formal education through advanced curriculum elements including mathematics, literacy, and scientific understanding. With a 1:8 staff ratio, children engage in project-based learning, outdoor excursions, and transition preparation activities. The School Readiness Room focuses on fine motor skills, self-care abilities, and confidence-building exercises to ensure smooth primary school integration.
Outdoor Learning
Our extensive outdoor facilities feature trike tracks, mud kitchens, and wild gardens that promote physical development and environmental awareness. Children explore planting areas, engage in construction play, and participate in nature-based learning activities daily. The secure, multi-zone outdoor space supports risk assessment skills and collaborative play while meeting EYFS outdoor learning requirements through structured and free-play sessions.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain transparent communication through daily updates, 'Tapestry' progress journals, and regular parent workshops. Our open-door policy allows spontaneous visits while scheduled meetings discuss developmental assessments and curriculum planning. This collaborative approach ensures consistency between home and nursery environments, with SEND support coordinated through multi-agency partnerships as highlighted in our Ofsted report.
Questions
What is Little Acorns Nursery's Ofsted rating?
We received a 'Good' rating in all categories during our May 2025 Ofsted inspection, recognising our aspirational curriculum and supportive environment.
Do you offer government-funded childcare places?
Yes, we support all standard government schemes including 15-30 free hours for 3-4 year olds, Tax-Free Childcare, and Universal Credit-related funding.
Can I visit the nursery before enrolling my child?
Absolutely—we offer free guided tours with your child at convenient times, allowing you to experience our facilities and meet staff members.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, closing only for bank holidays and one week over Christmas/New Year.
How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Our chef provides freshly prepared meals with vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher options available upon request, using locally sourced ingredients.
What staff qualifications do you have?
All team members hold relevant childcare qualifications with specific EYFS expertise, maintaining required staff-to-child ratios across all age groups.
