Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Preston, Blackburn & Skelmersdale
Rosy Apple Childcare has been dedicated to providing exceptional early years education and childcare since 1989. Founded by Sharon Alexander, a former children's nurse with extensive experience in child development, we operate multiple nurseries across Preston, Blackburn, and Skelmersdale. Our approach combines the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasizes child-led learning and natural development, with Scandinavian Forest School principles that promote outdoor exploration. Each nursery offers purpose-designed environments with secure facilities, qualified staff, and flexible childcare solutions for children aged 3 months to 5 years. We hold prestigious awards including the NDNA E-Quality Award and Millies Mark for paediatric first aid excellence.Our team includes specialists in early years education who implement innovative practices such as the Curiosity Approach and Hygge-inspired interiors. With operating hours from 7:30am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year, we provide full-daycare services that include funded places for eligible children and holiday care options. Our commitment to quality has established us as a trusted provider in the local community, with multiple locations offering both indoor and outdoor learning environments tailored to each child's developmental needs.
Services
Daycare Services
Forest School Learning
Reggio Emilia Approach
After-School Care
Holiday Clubs
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with Early Years Professional Status qualifications
- Award-winning implementation of Forest School outdoor learning
- Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to child-led development
- Secure facilities with purpose-designed indoor and outdoor spaces
- Flexible funding options including 30-hour entitlement programs
Associations and certifications
- NDNA E-Quality Award
- Millies Mark
- Lancashire Quality Award
- Lancashire STEP into Quality Award
Services
Daycare Services
Our full-daycare provision caters to children aged 3 months to 5 years across three Lancashire locations. Each nursery features secure entrances, wheelchair access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Our qualified staff implement personalized care plans while maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio for optimal attention. The service includes nutritious meals prepared on-site and flexible booking options to accommodate working parents.
Forest School Learning
Forest School sessions develop children's resilience and environmental awareness through hands-on outdoor experiences. Our trained practitioners lead activities like nature exploration, risk assessment exercises, and seasonal learning in purpose-built outdoor spaces. This approach enhances physical development, communication skills, and natural curiosity while meeting national curriculum requirements for early years education.
Reggio Emilia Approach
This educational philosophy emphasizes child-initiated learning through exploration and creative expression. Our nurseries feature stimulating environments with natural materials, project-based activities, and documentation of children's progress through photographs and learning journals. The approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning experiences tailored to each child's interests.
After-School Care
Our after-school provision supports working families by offering care beyond standard nursery hours. The service includes supervised play activities, homework assistance, and access to outdoor facilities. Children benefit from continuity of care with familiar staff members while enjoying structured yet flexible routines that promote social development and independence.
Holiday Clubs
Available during school holidays, our themed activity clubs provide engaging experiences for children aged up to 8 years. The program includes arts and crafts, physical activities, themed projects, and special events while maintaining our commitment to safety and quality care. Parents appreciate the convenience of continued care during term breaks within their regular nursery environment.
People
Sharon Alexander
Nursery Owner / Managing Director
Founder of Rosy Apple Childcare with over 30 years' experience in child development. Former children's nurse and behavior advisor, Sharon established Little Achievers Day Nursery in 2005. She specializes in Forest School leadership and Reggio Emilia methodology, holding Early Years Professional Status qualifications.
Wendy Reith
Quality Assurance Manager
Qualified childcare professional with Level 4 Children's Care, Learning and Development certification. Joined Rosy Apple in 2009, progressing from Senior Practitioner to Quality Assurance Manager. Specializes in Reggio Emilia Approach implementation and early brain development research while managing staff training programs.
Jonny Alexander
Business Development and Finance Manager
Childcare sector specialist with over 20 years' experience. Oversees financial operations and strategic development for Rosy Apple Childcare. Implements continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards across all nursery locations.
Gina
Nursery Lead Professional
Forest School certified practitioner managing daily nursery operations. Coordinates educational programs and staff development while ensuring adherence to quality standards. Specializes in outdoor learning methodologies and child development assessments.
Andrea
Nursery Lead Professional
Experienced early years educator leading the Skelmersdale nursery. Holds Millies Mark certification for paediatric first aid excellence. Focuses on sensory development and community engagement while maintaining the highest care standards for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
Questions
What childcare age ranges do you accommodate?
We provide care for children from 3 months old up to 5 years, with specialized programs for different developmental stages across our nursery settings.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we accept funded places for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds including 30-hour entitlement programs, which can be used either term-time or spread across 51 weeks.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All our staff are qualified in early years care with many holding Level 3 and 4 certifications. We have specialists in Forest School leadership and Reggio Emilia Approach implementation.
Are your nurseries open all year?
Our nurseries operate 51 weeks annually, closing only for bank holidays and a short Christmas period, with consistent staffing throughout the year.
What outdoor facilities do you provide?
Each location features purpose-designed outdoor spaces with natural elements, covered areas for all-weather use, and Forest School environments promoting physical development and nature exploration.
How do you support child transitions?
We implement gradual settling-in periods with parental involvement, flexible room transitions, and consistent key carer systems to ensure smooth adaptation for new children.
