Learners today. Leaders Tomorrow
At Little Ducklings Day Nursery, we are committed to providing a happy, safe, and caring environment where children can thrive and develop their skills and knowledge. Our nursery is located in Wombwell, Barnsley, and is privately owned by Michelle Murdoch, who has a clear vision to provide the best care possible for all children and parents.
Our Team
Our team is led by Michelle Murdoch, our nursery owner, who has a level 3 qualification in childcare. Our manager, Lydia Holgate, has a level 5 qualification in childcare and is responsible for Health & Safety, Behaviour Management, and is our Safeguarding Officer. Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced practitioners who are passionate about providing high-quality childcare.
Nursery Learning Environment
Our nursery is designed to provide a stimulating and safe environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and develop their skills. We have a range of activities and resources that cater to the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs.
Activities
Our nursery offers a wide range of activities that cater to the needs and interests of all children. These activities include arts and crafts, music, singing, and outdoor play. Our practitioners work closely with children to design and implement activities that are tailored to their needs and interests.
Parental Involvement
We believe that parental involvement is crucial in a child's development. Therefore, we encourage parents to participate in our nursery activities, attend parent-teacher conferences, and receive regular updates on their child's progress.
Sessions & Fees
We offer various sessions to cater to the needs of all parents. Our sessions include full-day sessions, morning sessions, and afternoon sessions. Our fees vary depending on the age of the child and the type of session. Please see our website for more information on our fees.
Funding
We offer funding options for 2-year-olds and 3-4-year-olds. Our funding options include 15 hours of care per week for 2-year-olds and 15 or 30 hours of care per week for 3-4-year-olds. Please see our website for more information on our funding options.
Contact Us
If you would like to know more about our nursery or would like to schedule a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Staff and Management Issues
Many reviewers expressed disappointment and frustration with the staff and management at the nursery. Multiple reviewers mentioned being called daily to collect their children, with one reviewer specifying that this was due to the staff allowing their child to sleep through the day, leading to poor sleeping habits and behavioral issues. Another reviewer stated that the management was "abysmal" and mentioned having issues with lost items and injuries to their child.
Lack of Professionalism
Several reviewers were unhappy with the level of professionalism displayed by the staff and management. One reviewer described the management as "not professional at all" and stated that it was "shocking" considering the cost of the nursery. Another reviewer mentioned that they would "avoid" the nursery due to these issues.
Poor Experience and Withdrawal
Many reviewers had a poor experience at the nursery and ultimately withdrew their children. One reviewer stated that they did not have a good experience and would not recommend the nursery. Another reviewer pulled their child out after only a few months, citing unspecified reasons.
Positive Experiences
On the other hand, some reviewers had a positive experience at the nursery. One reviewer stated that their daughter "absolutely loves" attending the nursery and has settled in quickly. Another reviewer mentioned that their daughter has "thrived" at the nursery and has made many friends. They praised the staff as being "friendly, welcoming, and professional".
