Business Details
Trusted Child Care and Early Education in Salisbury
Puddleducks Early Years is a dedicated childcare provider with over two decades of experience in early years education. Our approach prioritises individualised learning through play, fostering self-esteem and independence in children aged 2-5. Located in a unique woodland setting adjacent to Harnham Infant School in Salisbury, we combine indoor and outdoor environments to create a stimulating space for holistic development. Our team of qualified professionals, led by owner Kirsty Merrifield, maintains strong family partnerships to support each child's educational journey.With two specially designed rooms and extensive outdoor facilities including a mud kitchen and woodland explorers area, we deliver a curriculum that aligns with Ofsted standards while maintaining a nurturing, child-centred ethos. Our commitment to quality care is evidenced by our Ofsted registration (2638131) and ongoing focus on continuous improvement.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning
Inclusion Support
Parent Partnerships
Extracurricular Activities
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of early years education expertise from our owner-led team
- Unique woodland environment supporting outdoor learning and exploration
- Family-centred approach with daily parent-carer communication
- Specialised SENCO support for inclusive learning environments
- Customised transition programmes preparing children for school readiness
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic outside resources
Friendly and welcoming staff
Improved speech and confidence
Safe environment
Positive, caring ethos
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows national early years standards while embracing child-led exploration. Qualified practitioners deliver structured activities alongside free play in both indoor and outdoor settings. Daily group sessions develop social skills while individualised plans track each child's progress towards key developmental milestones.
Outdoor Learning
Woodland areas with mud kitchens, chicken coops, and custom play structures support nature-based education. Children engage in sensory experiences that develop motor skills and environmental awareness through supervised outdoor adventures in all weather conditions.
Inclusion Support
Our SENCO coordinates tailored support plans for children with additional needs. Staff receive regular training in inclusive practices while maintaining small group ratios to ensure individual attention and seamless integration into all activities.
Parent Partnerships
Daily updates through Tapestry journals maintain open communication channels. Regular parent meetings and home-reading schemes strengthen learning continuity while family events foster community connections and shared educational goals.
Extracurricular Activities
Weekly yoga sessions, cooking classes, and woodland explorers clubs extend learning beyond core hours. These activities develop physical coordination, creative expression, and environmental stewardship through structured yet playful experiences.
People
Kirsty Merrifield
Owner
With 20 years' experience in early years education, Kirsty leads our team as both owner and practitioner. Her background includes SENCO roles and management positions. She actively participates in daily operations while maintaining strong family connections to enhance children's learning experiences.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children aged 2-5 years through our Ducklings (2-3 years) and Ducks (3-5 years) rooms.
How do you support school readiness?
Our curriculum develops essential skills through play-based learning, with transition programmes and school liaison activities preparing children for reception class.
What outdoor activities are available?
Children access woodland areas with mud kitchens, custom play structures, chicken coops, and seasonal exploration activities throughout the day.
How do you handle special educational needs?
Our dedicated SENCO creates individual support plans while staff receive regular inclusion training to accommodate diverse learning requirements.
How do you communicate with parents?
Daily updates via Tapestry journals, regular parent meetings, and informal conversations at drop-off/collection maintain open communication channels.
What safety measures are in place?
Secure premises with controlled access, nut-free environment, staff trained in paediatric first aid, and strict attendance monitoring procedures.
