Little Acorns Nursery and Preschool

Padiham, Lancashire, BB12 8RF

Little Acorns is a superb nursery and preschool in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), which takes over from the former Adventure Tots childcare service. The new owners and excellent management team are highly experienced at running first class childcare nurseries, indeed to outstanding and award-winning levels. So, we have big plans for Little Acorns Nursery and welcome applications for weekday childcare places for babies aged 3 months plus, toddlers, and preschoolers under five.

We open from 7.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each weekday and only close for bank holidays and for a week over Christmas/New Year.

Located just off the A671, our Padiham childcare service may also suit those living or working near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham & Wood End. It’s also only a short journey from Accrington, Brierfield, Clayton-le-Moors, Fence, Whalley, Great Harwood, Tottleworth, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton. Blackburn is just 10 miles away.

Our Ethos & Approach

Little Acorns Nursery is a warm, homely environment where every child feels welcome, safe, valued and cared for. Our goal is to bring out the very best in each one of them, in all areas of their early years education and development. This will set them up with the best foundations for their success later in school as well as in life generally. Learning mostly through play in a fun, stimulating environment, they’ll have all the tools, activities and nurturing they need to absolutely thrive. In so doing, they’ll also become school-ready by the time they leave us around the age of five.

Every child has a Key Person allocated to them. This qualified early years professional will plan and oversee activities and a first class early years curriculum that’s tailor-made, just for them. After all, every child is unique. In this way, each child’s strengths can be optimised and any difficulties minimised. Using this approach, our little ones can become the very best they can be — in every area.

A Partnership with Parents

We also cooperate closely with parents/carers, encouraging regular two-way feedback on children’s progress. This ‘joined-up’ approach ensures their early years learning and development programme progresses in the right direction at all times, whether children are at home or at the nursery. Various open evenings, an online progress journal called Tapestry, parent workshops about the curriculum, a lending library and regular sharing of child assessments with parents all help to keep children right on track.

An Open Door Policy

At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, we are happy to receive phone calls from parents/carers about their children, for example if they would like to check they’re settling in OK. We operate in a transparent, open way, so parents/carers are free to drop in to see their child or the setting, even without an appointment. All we ask is that the busiest times of day (drop-off/pick-up) are avoided.

Book a Free Tour

To arrange a free tour of the nursery with your child, please complete the form below.

    I would like to come for a guided visit of the nursery/preschool.

    Your Name (required):

    Your Email (required):

    Your Telephone Number (required):

    Your Child's Name (required):

    If coming for a guided tour, please select your preferred weekday...

    ...and which is most convenient: Morning or Afternoon

    Please tick any additional requirement(s), as appropriate:
    I would like to register my child for a place at Little Acorns Nursery.
    I would like to be kept informed about open days.

    How did you discover Little Acorns Nursery? (Required) E.g. via a Google search, through local knowledge, or word of mouth etc.

    Anti-spam: Please type in the correct answer to the sum below (required):

    Little Acorns Nursery and Preschool

    Padiham, Lancashire, BB12 8RF

    Little Acorns is a superb nursery and preschool in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), which takes over from the former Adventure Tots childcare service. The new owners and excellent management team are highly experienced at running first class childcare nurseries, indeed to outstanding and award-winning levels. So, we have big plans for Little Acorns Nursery and welcome applications for weekday childcare places for babies aged 3 months plus, toddlers, and preschoolers under five.

    We open from 7.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each weekday and only close for bank holidays and for a week over Christmas/New Year.

    Located just off the A671, our Padiham childcare service may also suit those living or working near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham & Wood End. It’s also only a short journey from Accrington, Brierfield, Clayton-le-Moors, Fence, Whalley, Great Harwood, Tottleworth, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton. Blackburn is just 10 miles away.

    Our Ethos & Approach

    Little Acorns Nursery is a warm, homely environment where every child feels welcome, safe, valued and cared for. Our goal is to bring out the very best in each one of them, in all areas of their early years education and development. This will set them up with the best foundations for their success later in school as well as in life generally. Learning mostly through play in a fun, stimulating environment, they’ll have all the tools, activities and nurturing they need to absolutely thrive. In so doing, they’ll also become school-ready by the time they leave us around the age of five.

    Every child has a Key Person allocated to them. This qualified early years professional will plan and oversee activities and a first class early years curriculum that’s tailor-made, just for them. After all, every child is unique. In this way, each child’s strengths can be optimised and any difficulties minimised. Using this approach, our little ones can become the very best they can be — in every area.

    A Partnership with Parents

    We also cooperate closely with parents/carers, encouraging regular two-way feedback on children’s progress. This ‘joined-up’ approach ensures their early years learning and development programme progresses in the rigA Partnership with Parentsht direction at all times, whether children are at home or at the nursery. Various open evenings, an online progress journal called Tapestry, parent workshops about the curriculum, a lending library and regular sharing of child assessments with parents all help to keep children right on track.

    An Open Door Policy

    At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, we are happy to receive phone calls from parents/carers about their children, for example if they would like to check they’re settling in OK. We operate in a transparent, open way, so parents/carers are free to drop in to see their child or the setting, even without an appointment. All we ask is that the busiest times of day (drop-off/pick-up) are avoided.

    Book a Free Tour

    To arrange a free tour of the nursery with your child, please complete the form below.

      I would like to come for a guided visit of the nursery/preschool.

      Your Name (required):

      Your Email (required):

      Your Telephone Number (required):

      Your Child's Name (required):

      If coming for a guided tour, please select your preferred weekday...

      ...and which is most convenient: Morning or Afternoon

      Please tick any additional requirement(s), as appropriate:
      I would like to register my child for a place at Little Acorns Nursery.
      I would like to be kept informed about open days.

      How did you discover Little Acorns Nursery? (Required) E.g. via a Google search, through local knowledge, or word of mouth etc.

      Anti-spam: Please type in the correct answer to the sum below (required):

      Funded Childcare Places in Padiham

      Little Acorns Nursery supports all the standard Government childcare funding schemes available to eligible families. If you are confused by all the options, we would be happy to clarify eligibility requirements and assist you with your application if needed.

      Supported funding examples include free childcare hours for eligible babies (9 months +) and 2-year-olds, free funded hours for 3 and 4-year-olds (15 to 30 hours per week, as applicable), Tax-Free Childcare, Student Childcare Grants, Learner Support, the Care to Learn scheme, Childcare Vouchers, and childcare funding through Universal Credit. As you can see, there are lots of great childcare funding schemes available to help families, subject to eligibility of course. Let us know if you need any assistance or follow the bold/green links for more information.

      What Our Parents Say

      Little Acorns Nursery is fortunate to receive wonderful feedback from parents of children under our care. Take a look at one of their lovely comments below…

      I just want to say how happy my husband and I are with the nursery, you are all so very caring and professional. I don’t often get to drop Emilio off as I am working alot but when I do I get such a good feeling and my husband always has lovely things to say about you too, he always seems very happy when he comes home from nursery. I felt so emotional sending him at such a young age but you have made Emilio so welcome which made me feel instantly at ease.
      Thanks again xx

      • We support all Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families.

      Funded Childcare Places in Padiham

      Little Acorns Nursery supports all the standard Government childcare funding schemes available to eligible families. If you are confused by all the options, we would be happy to clarify eligibility requirements and assist you with your application if needed.

      Supported funding examples include free childcare hours for eligible babies (9 months +) and 2-year-olds, free funded hours for 3 and 4-year-olds (15 to 30 hours per week, as applicable), Tax-Free Childcare, Student Childcare Grants, Learner Support, the Care to Learn scheme, Childcare Vouchers, and childcare funding through Universal Credit. As you can see, there are lots of great childcare funding schemes available to help families, subject to eligibility of course. Let us know if you need any assistance or follow the bold/green links for more information.

      • We regularly receive positive feedback from parents about the quality of the childcare service we provide.

      What Our Parents Say

      Little Acorns Nursery is fortunate to receive wonderful feedback from parents of children under our care. Take a look at one of their lovely comments below…

      I just want to say how happy my husband and I are with the nursery, you are all so very caring and professional. I don’t often get to drop Emilio off as I am working alot but when I do I get such a good feeling and my husband always has lovely things to say about you too, he always seems very happy when he comes home from nursery. I felt so emotional sending him at such a young age but you have made Emilio so welcome which made me feel instantly at ease.
      Thanks again xx

      Ofsted: Little Acorns Nursery is a Good Provider of Childcare

      In their May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated Little Acorns Nursery as ‘Good’ in every category. Although that’s no surprise to our early years professionals, it’s wonderful to see it officially recognised. The Ofsted inspector made some glowing comments in her report too. She remarked that the nursery’s leaders “have designed an aspirational curriculum that is implemented in a well-sequenced way throughout the nursery” and that leaders and staff “support all children to make good progress in their learning.” She also recognised the close-knit team which provides “a welcoming environment for the children” where “Children develop strong bonds with each other.” She also confirmed that “Parents who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) talk positively about the nursery’s commitment to multi-agency working.” And, more generally, stated “Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem.” So — it’s clear that our approach is working well for little ones under our care.

      Learn more about Ofsted’s latest report here

      Little Acorns Nursery Padiham - Ofsted Report May 2025.
      Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider.

      Ofsted: Little Acorns Nursery is a Good Provider of Childcare

      In their May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated Little Acorns Nursery as ‘Good’ in every category. Although that’s no surprise to our early years professionals, it’s wonderful to see it officially recognised. The Ofsted inspector made some glowing comments in her report too. She remarked that the nursery’s leaders “have designed an aspirational curriculum that is implemented in a well-sequenced way throughout the nursery” and that leaders and staff “support all children to make good progress in their learning.” She also recognised the close-knit team which provides “a welcoming environment for the children” where “Children develop strong bonds with each other.” She also confirmed that “Parents who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) talk positively about the nursery’s commitment to multi-agency working.” And, more generally, stated “Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem.” So — it’s clear that our approach is working well for little ones under our care.

      Learn more about Ofsted’s latest report here

      Ofsted rates Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, as a Good Provider.
      Little Acorns Nursery Padiham - Ofsted Report May 2025.

      Contact Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham:

      ‘Absolutely amazing nursery, my little boy has been attending since he was 1, he is 2 and a half now. The staff are all lovely, kind and caring. The manager goes above and beyond for the children, if you ever need anything she sorts it out straight away!’

      ― Amelia P (Mother of Child)

      ‘Absolutely amazing nursery, my little boy has been attending since he was 1, he is 2 and a half now. The staff are all lovely, kind and caring. The manager goes above and beyond for the children, if you ever need anything she sorts it out straight away!’

      ― Amelia P (Mother of Child)

      • Little Acorns provides high quality childcare in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham & Wood End.
      • Little Acorns provides high quality childcare in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham & Wood End.
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