Puddle Lane Childcare

At Puddle Lane Childcare in Baxenden, we strive to create a nurturing, home-from-home environment where children feel happy, safe, and ready to thrive. Awarded Outstanding by Ofsted in February 2019, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework while fostering curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for the world around us. Encouraging resilience, teamwork, and independence. Fostering imaginative play, problem-solving, and exploration. Preparing children for the next stage in their journey through meaningful relationships and experiences. Activities and Community Involvement

We balance indoor and outdoor activities, offering diverse experiences that inspire learning and social development. Out and About: We attend local playgroups, enjoy singing sessions at the library, and help out at the Baxenden allotment, building friendships and community engagement. Visits and Experiences: Weekly visits from Julia and Dexter (sign language, music, and storytelling) and Jo Jingles (music, dance and storytelling) bring joy and learning. Creative Play: From puppets, storytelling and baby yoga to reading in our quiet area, we nurture creativity and imagination. Outdoor Spaces

Situated in Baxenden's picturesque countryside, we spend as much time as possible outdoors. Decking and Garden Areas: We have private, covered decking for year-round activities like bird watching and river play, a south-facing front lawn for summer fun, and an upcoming river-adjacent deck for pond dipping and wildlife exploration. The Great Outdoors: Forest School sessions connect children to nature through child-led exploration. Forest School

Forest School is a holistic, outdoor education program that enhances children's physical and mental well-being while fostering independence, resilience, and creativity. Regular woodland activities include:

Den building, fire lighting, and nature crafts. Identifying wildlife and plants. Storytelling, climbing, and hands-on exploration. These experiences nurture teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility, supporting lifelong learning and a love of nature. Animal School

Our Animal School provides unique opportunities to care for chickens, ducks, pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, and sheep. Younger children delight in collecting eggs, while older children build confidence through caring for larger animals. Benefits include:

Fostering empathy, responsibility, and communication skills. Promoting sensory development, curiosity, and physical activity. Supporting mental health and encouraging environmental awareness. Our Philosophy

Through rich, varied experiences, we ensure children are happy, safe, and confident learners who flourish in our care. A child who feels secure and content is ready to explore, learn, and grow—and that’s what matters most to us.