Tag Archive for: free childcare

Fabulous Reviews & Ratings for Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Parent feedback is one of the best ways for parents to gauge the quality of childcare provision when selecting a nursery for their child. Getting the choice right is incredibly important too; after all, it’s a major part of setting up children’s learning and development foundations. With that in mind, have you ever checked out the reviews, ratings and testimonials for Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham? If not, take a look below. We highlight some of the wonderful feedback received from parents of children under our care. It’s full of 5-star ratings and glowing comments and, needless to say, staff at Little Acorns Nursery are delighted! We’d like to thank each and every parent who has left such positive feedback; it’s hugely appreciated. When such positive feedback arrives, it makes our day, so a big ‘thank you’ goes out to all our parent reviewers. Take a look at some of the wonderful things parents past and present have said about Little Acorns Nursery below.

How is Little Acorns Nursery Rated by Parents?

The nursery scores 5 stars out of 5 on Google.
It scores 10 out of 10 on DayNurseries.co.uk
24 out of 24 ratings are full marks – no exceptions!

Details are correct at the time of publishing (late March 2025).

Below, we highlight just some of the wonderful feedback from parents. Every one of them also scored the nursery 5 stars out of a possible 5, with no exceptions — perfect feedback, in other words. At the end, we include a link where you can read the full versions if you’d like to see significantly greater detail.

“The best nursery around”

“Impressive nursery… Highly recommend”

“Couldn’t recommend this nursery enough.”

“Fantastic nursery.”

“IMPRESSIVE! Wow just where to begin about this amazing nursery.”

“I would not go anywhere else for my childcare! It’s like home from home.”

“I honestly cannot recommend Little Acorns enough. I have used many settings … and Little Acorns is by far the best I have used yet. The manager and all of the team are fantastic. They really do go above and beyond. No issue is too big/small.”

Zoe A.
(via Day Nurseries, 2024)

“From the get-go after looking around several nurseries, I knew this was the one we were going to choose.”

“Having a child with SEN has not fazed this nursery at all. I 100% recommend this nursery to everyone and anyone.”

“We moved our little boy to Little Acorns from another local nursery … We’re so happy we made the move!”

“If I could give 10 stars I would do. My little boy absolutely loves coming to nursery, cannot thank the staff enough.”

“Best nursery in Burnley … The staff go above and beyond with the children … You won’t find a better nursery setting in the area.”

“The nursery has gone through a complete renovation and they have excellent resources/rooms alongside amazing, welcoming and attentive staff.”

“I recommend this nursery from the bottom of my heart. The staff is absolutely amazing, they took the care to another level and I can definitely say I wouldn’t trust anyone else to look after my kids as I trust them! The environment is absolutely wonderful”

Alina G.
(via Day Nurseries, 2024)

“I couldn’t recommend this nursery enough. He’s got such a good relationship with his team leader, it’s lovely to see she goes above and beyond!”

“All the staff are amazing, I never have a worry with how he is as I trust them 100%. If I had another child … I wouldn’t want to place them anywhere else”

“My son absolutely loves it here … I barely get a goodbye from him he’s that excited to be there. He has come on so much … All the staff are absolutely amazing.”

“Little Acorns is a fabulous nursery. My son loves going and has come on leaps and bounds … I’m so happy with the nursery that I’ve booked my daughter in to start.”

“An amazing nursery with all the safety and facilities any mum would want for their child … my child loves going and I love how they have helped him grow with his speech and confidence”

“If you are questioning if this nursery is for you, stop it. It is. Your child will be happy, safe and nurtured here. I quite literally cannot recommend the staff or this nursery highly enough!”

“Absolutely amazing nursery … The staff are all lovely, kind and caring. The manager goes above and beyond for the children … They have all supported his struggles with speech and language and always provide detailed reports of how his day has been.”

Amelia P.
(via Day Nurseries, 2025)

The full versions of the parent reviews can be found on the Day Nurseries website and on our Google profile. Check them out for lots more detail and fabulous feedback for this well-regarded Padiham nursery and preschool.

A Nursery Place for Your Child at Little Acorns, Padiham

Your little one deserves the very best!

As you can see from the wonderful parent feedback, Little Acorns is an outstandingly good nursery. With star ratings and feedback as good as this, it is hard to beat as a childcare service in Padiham, Lancashire. If you’d like to explore the possibility of sending your baby, toddler, or preschooler under five to this wonderful nursery, please get in touch. We’re happy to answer questions, show you and your child around, discuss childcare funding options and more.

Located in Padiham, Lancashire, Little Acorns Nursery may also suit families living in towns and villages nearby including Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

Simple Bird Feeders – A Fun & Worthwhile Activity for Children

A fantastic way to encourage children to connect with nature is by making homemade bird feeders.One fantastic way to encourage children to connect with nature from an early age is by making homemade bird feeders. It’s a hugely popular activity amongst children of all ages, so today’s post is all about how to get started with your child. Although bird feeders can be made at any time of the year, the activity is perfectly suited to the winter and early spring. At this time, wild birds like robins, blackbirds, doves, and sparrows are really struggling to find food. And, with World Wildlife Day arriving in the first week of March, it’s very timely. Take a look!

Why Make Bird Feeders with Your Child?

Making bird feeders is a wonderful way to nurture children’s curiosity, creativity, and understanding of the natural world that’s just outside their door. The activity is also a great way to introduce children to the importance of caring for wildlife, which often struggles to survive in the coldest months of the year. As well as helping wild birds survive, making homemade bird feeders will bring delightful birds closer and provide an enjoyable and educational experience for children. Through this hands-on activity, they will soon learn about different types of birds, what they eat, and how we can help them thrive. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to encourage fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and a love of the outdoors.

Easy Bird Feeder Ideas for Children

Our suggestions below will give parents/carers some ideas for the kind of bird feeders children can make. However, they should be undertaken under appropriate adult supervision, paying close attention to safety, well-being, and allergies, etc*. Some of the bird feeder ideas are extremely simple, while others offer greater potential for creativity. Take a look and see what may be suitable for your child.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

  • What You’ll Need:
    • Making pine cone bird feeders.A large, dry pine cone
    • Some string or garden twine
    • Peanut butter (or suet for a nut-free alternative)
    • Some birdseed
    • A shallow dish or bowl

  • Instructions:
  • A finished pine cone bird feeder.Tie a piece of string securely around the top of the pine cone to create a hanger. Then, let your child spread peanut butter all over the pine cone using a spoon or butter knife. Next, roll the sticky pine cone in a tray of birdseed until it is fully coated. Once completely covered in birdseed, hang it outside on a tree branch or hook and watch as birds come to enjoy their treats!

Monkey Nut Garland Feeder

  • What You’ll Need:
    • Monkey nuts (unroasted peanuts in their outer shells)
    • A darning needle (for adult use only) …
    • Or children can use a spent matchstick to make the holes
    • Strong thread or relatively thin string

  • Instructions:
  • Monkey nut garland bird feeder.Carefully thread the string through the outer shell of the monkey nuts, tying knots if needed to keep them spaced apart. Once you have a long garland, either tie the ends together to form a loop that can be suspended vertically or attach each end to stretch them horizontally between branches of twigs on a tree or bush. Once birds are used to the new addition to the garden, watch as blue tits, great tits and others enjoy cracking open the shells!

Recycled Carton Feeder

  • What You’ll Need:
    • A clean, empty milk or juice carton
    • Scissors (to be used by adults only for the youngest children)
    • Some string or garden twine
    • Some birdseed
    • Markers, stickers, or non-toxic paint for decoration

  • Instructions:
  • Recycled milk carton bird feeder.Cut out one or more large holes on the sides of the carton to create openings (adults should do this part for younger children). Thread can be attached at the top – try trapping it under the lid or get an adult to thread it through a hole. Let your child decorate the feeder with paint, stickers, or non-toxic markers. Fill the carton up to the opening(s) with birdseed and hang it up in your garden or balcony.

Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

  • What You’ll Need:
    • One variant of a water bottle bird feeder.A clean, empty clear plastic water bottle
    • Scissors or a knife (to be used only by an adult)
    • Some string or garden twine
    • Two wooden spoons or sticks (optional)
    • Some birdseed

  • Instructions:
  • Plastic bottle bird feeder.There are a few options for this type of bird feeder, as indicated in the photo examples. Either way, small feeding holes or ‘hatches’ will need to be cut (by a supervising adult) as openings. Optionally, cut small holes on opposite sides of the bottle and insert wooden spoons or sticks through them to create perches.  Fill the bottle with birdseed and tie a string to hang it outside. Watch as birds land on the perches and enjoy their treats!

Apple Bird Feeder

  • What You’ll Need:
    • An apple
    • Some string …
    • or a garden cane or stake
    • That’s it!

  • Instructions:
  • A super-simple bird feeder made from an apple.Expose some of an apple’s sides by removing some of the skin. Then, either attach string through (or around) the apple and hang it from a branch outside, or push a stick into it (carefully aimed away from you in case it goes right through) and push the other end into the ground. Watch as birds peck away at the tasty treat! Blackbirds, in particular, love apples!

Which Bird Feed is Best?

There is a huge variety of bird food on the market and it can therefore be difficult to know which type to purchase. While there are many ready-made ‘birdseed’ mixes available, we have found that many types of harder seeds within such mixes go to waste as they are not eaten. So, what’s best?

  • A greater spotted woodpecker.Our personal favourite and key recommendation is sunflower hearts. These are the little kernels inside sunflower seeds and the good news is that by buying them as sunflower ‘hearts’, birds don’t need to remove the shells. Robins, blackbirds, doves, dunnocks, bluetits, great tits and pigeons love them! They’re generally inexpensive, in our experience, and are available widely, including in supermarkets.
  • Wild bird ‘suet balls’ are also a huge hit with garden birds, whether put into commercial suet ball ‘cage’ feeders, suspended on s string, or crushed up to put into children’s homemade bird feeders. They’re available widely, including in most supermarkets, and birds love them! However, ensure they are made from proper suet, which should feel rather hard and be crumbly when crushed, not soft and malleable.
  • Bird-safe peanuts (unroasted) are another obvious option and are popular with birds. However, they present a choking hazard, so keep them away from young children and supervise closely if you do use them. Note too that they are a choking hazard for chicks and fledgling birds that are around in Spring and early Summer. So, if you do decide to use peanuts, it’s best to crush or chop them into tiny pieces (Mum or Dad should help with that part) so they’re more easily eaten and the potential choking aspect minimised. Also, inspect peanuts for signs of mould (e.g. dark dots or flour-like dust) before putting them out for birds because mould can make birds ill — or even prove fatal.

As a side note, we think feeding mealworms is a bit mean (to the mealworms), so we don’t recommend that. With so many other foods available, there really is no need for mealworms to have to suffer in our view. Perhaps that’s a potential lesson in empathy and responsibility for children to learn from too.

What Birds Might You Spot?

Download our free poster that identifies 40 different bird species.Once your bird feeder is in place, keep an eye out for common garden birds. Typically, birds that are attracted to bird feeders in gardens include robins, bluetits, sparrows, and dunnocks although it does depend on what food you put out for them. Children are also likely to see larger birds like blackbirds, doves, pigeons, magpies and even crows, as they are likely to scavenge underneath for seeds that have dropped from the feeders. To help children identify which birds visit, ensure you have printed out our free bird-spotting identification sheet for your child. It features 40 British birds that children can try to spot. Children can tick them off, using the included tick boxes, as each one is spotted. It’s a great way to add extra interest and learn to recognise different species.

Final Thoughts

Making bird feeders is a wonderful way to help wildlife while also providing a fun and educational activity for children. It’s a chance to get creative, develop new skills, and foster a love for nature that can last a lifetime. What’s more, spending time in and around nature is incredibly beneficial to children (and adults!). So, why not give this incredibly worthwhile activity a try this weekend and see which birds come to visit? Have fun and happy bird feeding!

Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

The Natural Choice for Childcare in Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns is a first-class nursery in Padiham, Lancashire. Here, children are given a wonderful start in a warm, homely environment with caring staff and a curriculum that brings out the best in them. As well as fabulous indoor facilities, children can enjoy our lovely garden where they can explore the wild zone and get close to nature under the care of our childcare practitioners. It’s a wonderful childcare setting that supports funded childcare through free, government-backed childcare schemes for eligible children as young as just 9 months and right up to children aged 3 and 4. To learn more, arrange a visit with your child, call us, message us, or apply for a place today. We’ll be delighted to meet you!

As a nursery and preschool in Padiham, we may also be a convenient choice for families in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

*Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Always supervise young children when using scissors, peanut butter, or small items that could pose a choking hazard.
  • Make sure bird feeders are securely fastened to prevent them falling and hurting birds or children.
  • Choose bird-friendly ingredients with no added sugar or salt.
  • Wash hands after handling birdseed or peanut butter to maintain hygiene.
  • Be mindful of bird food ingredients if your child has allergies, for example nuts.

Why Every Child Should Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Even the youngest children cannot resist playing musical instruments.Even the youngest children seem to have an affinity towards playing a musical instrument. Put any child in front of a piano, guitar, or drum, or hand them a tambourine or shaker and they’ll immediately engage in generating sound and rhythm. It seems to be instinctive and children find music-making almost compelling — and great fun to boot. What’s more, children seem naturally keen to become better at playing instruments and, in time, to be able to play a recognisable tune. With that being the case, it’s often very easy to encourage them to take lessons, whether formally or informally, often leading to a lifelong vocational skill. What many parents may not know, however, is just how beneficial learning to play musical instruments is to little ones. Indeed, learning to play benefits them in often profound ways and that’s what we take a look at in today’s post.

The Educational Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

It Boosts Reading Skills

Learning to play a musical instrument and read music naturally boosts mathematical and reading skills.When children play a musical instrument, learning to read music is a natural progression. Although it is communicated using different symbols, reading music is akin to reading words in a book. There is a flow from one side of the page to the other, every detail needs to be taken into consideration, and the left side of the brain is doing the work. Indeed, the left side of the brain controls reasoning and processes language. Whether reading music or words, each mark means something and communicates something to the reader. As such, children who learn to read music and do so regularly may find that it also helps them to read words in books.

It Enhances Mathematical Skills

Music is deeply linked to mathematics and indeed one of the first things children will learn when playing or learning music is to count the beats in a bar. Music, they will discover, is a real-life, tangible, application of maths. There are notes that last a full beat, two beats, fractions of a beat and so on. So, when children learn a musical instrument and play musical pieces, they also get a mathematical workout for their brains.

Playing Music Supports the EYFS Curriculum

As well as helping with mathematics and reading, playing a musical instrument helps children in other areas of the EYFS curriculum. Creativity, communication, personal and social development, and understanding the world are all supported through the endeavour. It’s a powerful skill to master.

The Physiological Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

It Aids Cognitive Development

Playing a musical instrument boosts cognitive development, motor skills, coordination and listening skills.Learning to play a musical instrument and read music requires thought, deep concentration, and analysis. All such activity is great exercise for a child’s developing brain. It gets synapses firing, helps in the development of new connections, and truly enhances cognitive development. It’s rather like a multi-gym for the brain!

It Helps Boost Motor & Coordination Skills

Learning to play musical instruments also requires fine control over movement and good coordination. Practising helps children hone such skills, with the brain learning how to coordinate hand-eye movements and the coordination of the hand, finger and arm movements needed for successful playing.

Music Improves Listening Skills

Good listening skills are incredibly important in life, particularly during childhood. When they listen attentively, children will learn far more deeply. Playing a musical instrument, learning to read music, and analysing music and rhythm naturally encourage children to listen closely. By doing so, they’ll catch on to the small details as well as the overall picture. And, by practising deeply focused listening, they will naturally become more adept at it in their day-to-day lives, at school, and later as adults in business. Indeed, active listening is one of the most powerful tools for any consultant to master.

The Social Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

It Can Boost Children’s Social Circles

Getting involved in music often helps children increase social circles.When children learn to play a musical instrument, collaboration is a natural next step. Whether joining a band, writing songs as part of a team, or playing in the school orchestra, such collaboration is a fabulous way for children to make new friends and acquaintances. Through making music, their friendship circles will naturally grow and that’s a wonderful benefit.

A Boost to Interpersonal Skills

Such musical collaboration also boosts interpersonal skills. Examples include leadership, teamwork, cooperation, support, problem-solving, speaking, debating, persuasion, good manners, and more. These are transferable skills that will stand them in good stead as they grow older and move from nursery, through school and perhaps higher education, right into adulthood.

A Window to the World

There are a myriad of different styles and types of music. Many have roots in specific cultures or perhaps stem from particular countries and this is often easy to recognise. Because of this, music can spark children’s imaginations and allow them to be transported to faraway places. So, through widening their knowledge of music, children can get a glimpse into different cultures, religions, countries and societies. It really can expand their view of the world and the people within it.

The Personal Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

It Boosts Well-Being

Playing a musical instrument improves well-being, boosts confidence, and facilitates self-expression and creativity.Music is almost magical in its ability to set moods. It can bring calm and reduce stress, for example. It can make us – and children – more meditative and reflective, more energetic and ‘pumped’, and anything in between. It can and often does lift our spirits too. It’s a wonderful way for children to experience and even change emotions and, when chosen appropriately, is good for their well-being.

It Facilitates Self-Expression

Playing music on an instrument, composing melodies, and writing songs are fabulous ways for children to express themselves. Music is a great vehicle for their creativity and allows them to express feelings and emotions in ways that may simply be impossible through any other medium. It’s also worth noting that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ type of music; it’s so subjective that children can make it sound however they deem fit; it’s entirely their choice and that’s likely to be something that’s welcomed in early childhood.

It Boosts Children’s Confidence

Children get a great sense of achievement when they learn a skill like playing a musical instrument. Positive feedback from peers solidifies this and children’s self-confidence and self-esteem will receive a boost as a result. That can only be a good thing and one that will encourage them to continue improving or even attempt additional new skills.

It Teaches the Benefits of Tenacity

Learning that practising any skill will improve it is an important life lesson for any child. Playing a musical instrument is a great example and one that demonstrates the benefits of perseverance to improve outcomes. Through striving to learn to play an instrument, they’ll discover the positive effects of trial and error, patience, persistence, and an unwavering focus to their efforts. As they’ll see, the results from such endeavours are transformative. What’s more, the same approach can also be used to enhance other areas of their learning.

Playing a Musical Instrument is a Delight!

The results attainable from learning to play a musical instrument are nothing short of life-changing in many ways. Playing music, or listening to an instrument played well, are amongst life’s great delights. What’s more, it’s all great fun for children. They’ll often love performing their new skill. They’ll feel empowered and they’ll enjoy spending time with the friends they’ve made during the process.

Start Them Early!

It's never too early for little ones to start playing a musical instrument.Even the youngest of children will take pleasure from shaking a homemade shaker, beating a box or drum, or jangling a tambourine. Such things are great starting points to introduce little ones to musical instruments. They can later progress to more advanced instruments like ocarinas, recorders, keyboards, guitars and so on.

Mozart was 3 when he started learning piano, 5 when he wrote his first concerto, and 6 when he began performing at the imperial court.

Encouragement from parents or from a relative who can play is worth its weight in gold too, and may even help fast-track a child’s musical learning. What’s most important, though, is to give every child the chance to try this hugely beneficial and enjoyable opportunity. Music can potentially open children’s worlds to a whole new host of possibilities. It could even lead to a career in music, performance, production, or the creative industries.

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool, Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. At Little Acorns Nursery, we know how beneficial learning to play an instrument is for under fives. Indeed, children at this Padiham nursery have multiple opportunities for making sounds, tapping out rhythms, and making music of some kind — along with a whole host of other sensory and creative activities. Such activities are hugely beneficial and, what’s more, the children thoroughly enjoy them. We therefore hope parents and carers can encourage children to continue their musical journey when at home. Music making is so good for them — and who knows what heights it could take them to!

If you’d like to learn more about a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, please get in touch. We support all the childcare funding schemes on offer to eligible families, making it more affordable to Lancashire families. We may also be a convenient childcare choice for families nearby in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Simply choose a button to get started:

Toothbrushing for Under-5s — Let’s Get Lancashire Brushing!

Children can learn about brushing teeth by following their parents' examples.Today we bring you a guide to toothbrushing for under-fives, inspired by children at Little Acorns Nursery taking part in Lancashire’s Let’s Get Lancashire Brushing campaign. An initiative of Lancashire County Council Public Health, the programme is designed to educate and encourage young children, including toddlers, to brush teeth for 2 minutes twice a day using age-appropriate toothpaste. What’s more, their message is that it’s never too young to begin and can even start before the first tooth has surfaced. At Little Acorns Nursery, the programme is supervised by staff and is intended to take place in tandem with toothbrushing at home — it does not replace it. Nursery staff guide children to establish a positive and proactive routine around toothbrushing, to foster good habits around oral hygiene, and thereby minimise tooth decay and problems associated with it.

“Children who start brushing at a young age tend to have healthier teeth as they get older.”— Lancashire County Council Public Health.

As part of the “Let’s Get Lancashire Brushing” initiative:

  • Children at Little Acorns have each received a free toothbrush (replaced every quarter), a toothbrush holder, toothpaste, a brushing timer set for 2 minutes, and interactive learning resources that will help encourage them to brush regularly and thoroughly;
  • Children’s families have received information leaflets about the campaign along with a reusable toothbrushing chart. If needed, more can be requested from your local Family Hub, Lancashire’s Healthy Young People and Families Service or via a family’s health visitor.
  • Learn more about the Let’s Get Lancashire Brushing initiative here.

Little Acorns children have loved taking part in this scheme and the good news is that appropriate toothbrushing has already become embedded in their daily routine. This approach is a great way to encourage children to look after their teeth from an early age. That’s something that’s known to keep teeth, gums, and oral health in good order as children get older, thereby reducing the need for fillings and the prospect of losing teeth.

“Taking care of your children’s teeth is essential for them to eat, drink, smile, talk, sing – and even shout, as well as protecting them from tooth decay!”— Michael Green, cabinet member for Health & Wellbeing.

Quick Guide to Brushing Children’s Teeth

Children’s teeth should be brushed twice per day, including once in the evening before bedtime. Brush for 2 minutes each time and, where possible, encourage children to spit out excess toothpaste. This may not be possible, of course, for babies and the youngest children. There is no need to rinse. Some additional guidelines for brushing children’s teeth follow:

Babies

  • The NHS recommends that you start brushing babies’ teeth as soon as one or more teeth have begun to appear.
  • Use an infant’s toothbrush, a “finger brush”, or a piece of clean gauze wrapped around a clean finger.
  • Use just a smear of toothpaste.
  • Use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing a minimum of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, unless a qualified dentist recommends the use of family toothpaste containing 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride. (Source: NHS).

Children 3 to 6 Years

  • Brush under adult supervision.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  • As with babies, the NHS recommends the use of children’s fluoride toothpaste containing a minimum of 1,000ppm of fluoride, unless a qualified dentist recommends the use of family toothpaste containing 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
  • Encourage the child to spit out excess foam after brushing.
  • Don’t rinse – the fluoride toothpaste will not work as well.

Children Aged 7 or More

  • Children aged 7 or more should now be able to brush independently. However, they should be monitored to ensure they brush each time for the full 2 minutes.
  • They should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush.
  • Children of this age should use a family toothpaste containing 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
  • The child should spit out excess foam after brushing but, as with younger children, not rinse.

Supervising

Sit your baby or infant on your knee (taller/older children can stand), in front of a mirror so that you can both see the reflection as you brush their teeth.When brushing a baby or infant’s teeth, one of the best approaches is to sit them on your knee (taller/older children can stand), in front of a mirror so that you can both see their reflection. Tilt their head slightly backwards onto your chest and face them away from you towards the mirror. In this way, they can see how you are brushing their teeth and learn from your example. Small circular movements on their teeth and gums are a good way to start when they’re very young. Ensure all areas of their teeth and adjacent gums are brushed. By using the mirror approach, they will see how best to brush teeth and pick up the idea as they grow older. Once they learn to brush teeth independently, however, ensure you continue to supervise them. In this way, you can ensure that they remain thorough and spend a minimum of 2 minutes brushing each time. Guide children’s hands if they need help. An egg timer is useful as a reminder and may also be used to inject a bit of fun into the activity.

Safety tip: Never let children run around when they’re brushing their teeth; it’s dangerous and they could potentially end up hurt.

Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Please get in touch if you’d like to explore a possible nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, Lancashire. As well as providing for Padiham families, we’re located conveniently close to those in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. We provide a first-class early years education and high-quality weekday childcare for families. We also support many of the free childcare schemes funded by the UK Government, making it much more affordable for Lancashire families.

Interested in a nursery place for your child? Choose a button to start your child’s journey at Little Acorns Nursery:

The Essential Guide to Primary School Applications

Parents of 3- and 4-year-olds have limited time in which to apply for a school place for their child. Primary school applications need to be received by mid-January at the latest, which is earlier than for secondary schools. And, for parents who are deferring a child’s school start until they’re five, don’t be fooled into thinking you have more time for your application — you simply don’t! In today’s Essential Guide to Primary School Applications we outline the key dates, rules, and advice to help parents submit applications on time, increase chances of receiving an offer for a preferred school, and avoid disappointment.

When do Parents Need to Apply for a Primary School Place?

The standard deadline for primary school applications is the 15th of January.Primary school applications need to be submitted while the child is three or, at the very latest, has very recently had their fourth birthday. Because applications received on time are processed first, failure to apply by the due date means a child is less likely to receive an offer for their preferred school — places may no longer be available that late in the day.

The application deadline itself is January the 15th at 11:59 pm. Note, however, that it’s usually different for ‘in-year’ applications* where a child may, for example, have moved into a new area mid-year. At the time of writing (late November), there is therefore only limited time remaining for applications, so time is of the essence if your child is three or recently became four.

What if I Want My Child to Start Primary School at the Age of 5 Not 4?

Most children in England begin Primary School when they’re four. However, from a legal standpoint, children can defer starting school to when they reach Compulsory School Age which, in essence, arrives on or soon after they have turned five. It’s a personal choice and perhaps more of a conundrum for summer-born children whose birthdays fall between the beginning of April and the end of August. These children would either be amongst the youngest in the year if they begin school at the age of four, or amongst the oldest if they begin at the age of five. What’s more, it is not be up to the parents whether a child deferring until five goes into Reception Year with mostly younger children — or info Year One with mostly older children. That decision is made by local authorities and schools although the child’s abilities, needs, and best interests will be important decision factors.

Whether they start school at 4 or 5, a child’s Primary School Application must be submitted while the child is three or, at the very latest, has just reached the age of four.

That’s important, so don’t be caught out if you are deferring your child’s start until they’re five.

*In-year applications

This guide focuses primarily on primary school applications made for children starting at the beginning of the standard academic year (in the September term). Applications made outside of the standard timing are also possible, for example, for a family that moves house in the middle of an academic year. For such scenarios, it’s important to realise that some of the rules and timings are different. Deadlines, for example, may not be the same and alternative or even additional applications forms may be required in some circumstances. It’s similar for those who missed the mid-January application deadline as such families will need to fill in and submit a late application form. Priority for places, however, is usually given to those who applied on time by the standard mid-January deadline. More details about late and in-year applications will be available on your local authority website.

How to Select Your Preferred Primary School(s)

Choosing a primary school that's conveniently close makes sense.Choosing a primary school for a child is an important step for any family. Somewhere conveniently close makes sense — and indeed is one of the most important criteria for offers, as we’ll see later. After all, you don’t want to be late dropping off or picking up your child because you’re stuck in a traffic jam miles away. Somewhere local will also mean your child has friends who are conveniently close by, which is another good thing. And, of course, if your child’s sibling already attends, then that school would usually be a natural first choice, assuming you’re happy with it of course.

Parents/carers will also want to gather feedback from parents whose children already attend schools on their radar. Ofsted reports and performance tables are also a gold mine of information. Online ratings and reviews by previous or existing parents are also useful indicators to consider.

One of the best things a parent can do, however, is visit the contending schools, particularly if the child accompanies them. Open days/evenings are great but some schools also accept appointments. Ask teachers and heads any questions to learn as much as you can about each school. Ask yourself questions too. How does the school feel? Does it have a good atmosphere? Can you see your child fitting in? What did your child think about it on their visit? Does the school have all the kinds of facilities and resources that you’d like your child to have access to? Do they cater well if your child has SEND if applicable? Is the school too small, too large, or just right? How do children do there? All these questions need consideration and a visit will help answer them.

You will need to select three schools on your application, so ensure you research and visit several so that you can make an informed choice. It’s important to get it right, particularly for the sake of your child.

A hugely worthwhile measure for parents to take is to check whether schools on their shortlist are likely to be oversubscribed. Data from previous years is likely to be a good indicator of this and usually such information can be supplied by local authority admissions staff and/or schools themselves. If a school on a parent’s shortlist has a history of being oversubscribed, then it’s very wise to ensure that at least one other school on a parent’s shortlist is not. Otherwise, if three oversubscribed schools are marked down on the application form it’s likely to lead to disappointment and an offer from a school that has perhaps not even been considered.

Although parents can specify their three preferred schools, in order of preference, the final decision is not theirs. The final offer is decided for their child by local admission authorities in tandem with schools although the parent’s list of preferred schools, and the order they’re listed, will be taken into consideration.

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

Although the eligibility criteria for school places are not identical for all locations, there are several factors that are fairly standard.While the eligibility criteria for school places are not identical for all locations, there are several factors that are fairly standard. For example, schools closest to a child and those where a sibling already attends are usually favoured. Children may also be more likely to be accepted at a school where a parent has worked for 2 or more years. Church/faith schools are often also more likely to accept children who share the same faith. Additional school admissions criteria can be found here.

How to Apply for a Primary School Place

Once you’ve decided on your three preferred primary schools and your preferred order, make your application by the mid-January deadline. This is done through your local authority website although be aware that some ‘non-catchment’ schools, including faith-based schools (e.g. Catholic) and academies may require a supplementary form to be submitted. Summer-born children deferring until five may also need to submit an extra form and submit it by the same January deadline. Research will be required on the part of the parent/carer in such scenarios to ensure all application requirements are met.

Include a Valid Email Address

Include a valid email address on your application. By so doing, you’ll receive your offer as quickly as possible. Those not including one will be notified by post, so are likely to receive their offer several days later than they might otherwise have done.

How to Accept an Offer

The generally-accepted wisdom is to accept whichever school is offered. That’s so that your child has a school place to fall back on even if you appeal, change your mind, or put your child on the waiting list for a different school (all are options). Accepting an offer will not adversely affect an appeal, by the way, so there’s nothing to lose by ensuring your child has the original offer secured.

Offers need to be accepted by the acceptance deadline specified on the offer communication received. Failure to accept in time may mean the offered place is withdrawn and given to a different child, so this is important.

When Do Parents Receive Their Child’s School Offer?

Primary school offers for those who applied on time are released on the 16th of April or the next working day if that falls on a weekend or public holiday.Primary school offers are first sent, by email, to those who applied on time and included a valid email address on their forms. Offers to such families are released on the morning of the 16th of April or the next working day if that happens to fall on a weekend or public holiday. Others who supplied an email address on their application, but who applied late in respect of the 15 January deadline, will usually receive offers via email the same day, although later on. Others, without an email address specified on applications, will receive offers via Second Class post, so are likely to see offers later than the 16th of April. Some local authorities, however, allow people to log onto a portal to view offers from that date. Note that those applying ‘in-year’ receive offers on different dates to the standard ones specified above.

The good news is that most families receive an offer for a school that they listed as one of their three preferences. Only a tiny percentage do not and, indeed, in 2023 that percentage was just 1.4%. Local authorities have a duty in such cases to offer a child an alternative school place. This is usually the closest one with an available space.

Little Acorns Nursery: Helping Under-5s Become School-Ready in Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Little Acorns Nursery is a wonderful childcare service in Padiham, and convenient for families nearby in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End in Lancashire. At Little Acorns Nursery, babies, toddlers and children under five are looked after, valued, loved and given a fabulous early years education. Our learning and development programme is designed to bring out the best in them. We nurture them in every area of the curriculum and their personal development so that, by the time they leave us, they’re the best version of themselves and school-ready. In this way, they’ll hit the ground running when they begin primary school and are set up for success.

To learn more about a place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, get in touch today, apply for a place, or arrange for a visit to see this wonderful setting for yourself. We’ll be pleased to welcome you and your little one to the Little Acorns family.

Free Childcare for Working Families in Padiham (Including for Babies 9m+)

Little Acorns Nursery supports the new childcare scheme for eligible children including babies aged just 9 months.Today, we remind Padiham families that Little Acorns Nursery supports the new — free — childcare scheme for eligible children including babies as young as just 9 months of age. Although it’s available only to eligible working families, the bar to entry is fairly low. The childcare funding is therefore attainable for many families. This free childcare is not just limited to babies either and, what’s more, it’s due to become even more generous from September 2025. In our guide below we’ll outline who is eligible, how much childcare funding they can access, how many childcare hours that equates to, and what the eligibility criteria are. If you’re the parent of a baby, toddler, or child up to three years old, this is for you.

Background to the New Childcare Funding

The newly funded places are a real game-changer for working families and stem from Government plans announced back in March 2023’s Spring Budget. The idea was to make it easier for women, in particular, to rejoin the workforce following the birth of a child as well as helping the economy and the child being looked after. As we’ve reported before, beginning early years education early in a child’s life results in many advantages including better outcomes far into the individual’s life.

The funding promised in 2023 has now finally kicked in, having commenced at the start of September this year (2024). The free childcare funding scheme is therefore now active, including for nursery places at Little Acorns in Padiham.

How Much Free Childcare Can Eligible Babies & Children Access?

The scheme provides 570 hours per year (1140 from September 2025) of free childcare to children aged 9 months to 3 years.For those working families who are eligible, the scheme provides 570 hours per year of free childcare to children aged from 9 months to 3 years. This is normally taken as 15 hours per week for 38 weeks, usually aligning with the standard educational term-time weeks for school timetables. That said, it may be possible to stretch the hours over more weeks of the year if your childcare provider is able to accommodate such flexibility.

What’s This About it Being Even More Generous from September 2025?

As we mentioned in our introduction, the free childcare allowance for eligible babies (9m+) and children up to the age of 3 is set to increase next year. From September 2025, the free childcare allowance will double from 570 hours to 1140. Again, that will normally be taken over 38 term-time weeks, equating to 30 hours per week, but childcare settings may be able to stretch the hours in some cases. So, for example, you could utilise fewer hours per week but over more weeks of the year if your childcare provider is able to accommodate it.

Who is Eligible for the Childcare Funding for Children 9m-3y?

There are four main criteria for this specific type of childcare funding.We’ll try to simplify the eligibility criteria for you. Whether it’s for a baby aged 9 months, a toddler of 1 or 2, or a child aged 3 or 4, there are essentially four main criteria for this specific type of childcare funding:

  1. It is intended for children of working families;
  2. Parents (or a parent and their partner) cannot be earning more than £100,000 per annum;
  3. They should expect to earn the National Minimum Wage (or Living Wage) or more for the equivalent of at least 16 hours each, per week, during the next quarter;
  4. They must have a National Insurance number.

The four factors above are a guide to the main criteria. That said, there are several other rules, exceptions or caveats to check for in specific situations. For example, these may affect foster carers, the self-employed, people beginning new jobs, those earning irregular incomes, people on sick leave or annual leave, unemployed people who receive certain benefits, and others. Full details of eligibility requirements for working families can be found here.

What Happens Once Children Reach the Age of Three?

All 3 and 4-year-olds living in England are eligible to receive 570 hours of free childcare per year.Well, it’s good news. It’s already the case that all 3 and 4-year-olds living in England are eligible to receive 570 hours (15 per week) of free childcare anyway. That’s available under what’s known as ‘Universal Entitlement’, a Government childcare funding scheme that’s been around for some time. What’s more, those working families that are eligible for the ‘new’ free childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years are also likely to be eligible for a top-up of their child’s Universal Entitlement once they reach the ages of 3 and 4. In those cases, they’ll be entitled to 30 hours per week over 38 weeks (or however the 1140 free hours are spread out). That’s because the eligibility criteria are the same (see section above).

Combined, This Represents Free Childcare Hours from 9 Months to School Age for Eligible Children

It all means that eligible children of working families may be able to take free childcare hours right from the age of 9 months until they’re 4, at which age they will usually leave nursery/preschool to begin Primary School. This combination of free childcare schemes, which are open to so many, should really help families financially and career-wise. It should also help the child thrive, have better life outcomes, and benefit the economy as a whole.

Check Your Eligibility & Start Your Application

Simply check how many free childcare hours your child may be eligible for here and then, if eligible, you can begin your application here.

Applications are accepted for babies once they reach the age of 23 weeks (just over 5 months of age). If successful, you’ll receive a code which will be required by your childcare provider. Note that you’ll also need to confirm your eligibility once every quarter in order to continue receiving the free childcare hours.

Free & Fee-Paying Childcare at Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, we support fee-paying childcare as well as a whole range of government-funded childcare schemes. What’s common to all nursery placements, though, is that children receive love, care and respect in a home-from-home environment that brings out the best in each one of them. We nurture every child so they become the very best version of themselves in readiness for primary school and a successful future.

We are a high-quality nursery and preschool in Padiham, also located conveniently close to families in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. Get in touch today to request a nursery place for your child, arrange a guided tour, or ask any questions — we’ll be happy to help:

The Incredible Power of Reading With Children Under 5

In study after study, reading with under-fives has been shown to transform their early years education, with benefits that extend from early childhood right into adulthood.Parents and caregivers have a simple yet incredibly powerful tool at their disposal to significantly boost the education of children under five: reading with them. In study after study, this simple activity has been shown to transform a child’s early years of education, giving children short-, medium-, and long-term benefits that even extend into adulthood. With that in mind, we take a look today at the many benefits and incredible power of reading with children, especially those under five.

Read with children, not just to them for the most positive impact.

That’s important as the most profound benefits to children come about when you read with them rather than just to them. It’s a case of involving and immersing them in the reading, which can be done in a variety of different ways to make it more interactive. We’ll explain more about how parents can do that later in this article*. First, though, let’s take a look at the benefits of reading with under-fives.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Reading With Your Child?

It turns out that reading with little ones punches well above its weight when it comes to enhancing young lives. In a nutshell, some of the key benefits of reading with children include significantly improved cognitive, emotional, and social development. Indeed, some of the benefits of reading with children are simply transformational. Even social mobility is improved because of reading with children in some circumstances. Let’s take a closer look.

Cognitive Benefits

Reading with children positively impacts academic performance throughout all the school years and beyond.When you read to them, the cognitive benefits to children are profound and this is backed-up by findings from multiple studies. The benefits include improved memory, problem-solving, logical thinking, and memory skills. Even children’s attention spans are seen to improve when parents regularly read with them.

A Long-Term Academic Performance Boost

What’s more, many of these benefits are long-term ones and this means they positively impact children’s academic performance throughout all the school years and even beyond. This results in better grades, a wider choice of further education choices later on, and even career and income advantages once they become adults. That’s all accomplished simply through the act of reading with children in their early years — it’s incredible!

Reading with children in their early years encourages good reading habits and a natural love for learning.

A Social Mobility Boost

You can see why the above benefits can go on to improve the quality of lives once children reach adulthood. Indeed, studies have produced some remarkable findings in that regard. Several have found a strong link between children regularly reading with adults in the early years and improved socio-economic mobility later in life. This boost is even more prominent in children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. So, reading with children is a great way to level the playing field and improve outcomes right into adulthood.

Emotional Benefits

Books are great vehicles through which children can glimpse and immerse themselves into different situations. For example, through reading books, they’ll learn about different characters, their successes and perhaps their struggles. As such, they’ll learn to see things from the point of view of others. This is a great way to nurture emotional intelligence in children, boost feelings of empathy, and better understand the feelings of others. This will be particularly important for their interactions with peers, friends and surrounding adults.

Supercharged Creativity

Books are a wonderful conduit to greater creativity in children. When adults read with young children and older children read solo, it opens up whole new worlds, situations, and characters to them. Through stimulation of their imaginations, they can see new possibilities, be inspired to create in different ways within their own writing and arts, and significantly boost creative skills.

Enhanced Language Skills

One of the biggest winners when reading with children is the boost to their language skills.One of the biggest winners when reading with children is the boost to their language skills. Indeed, a 4-decade study () saw a massive 20% boost in such skills when adults regularly read with them. For the children studied, the average age was just 3 years and 3 months, meaning their language skills were boosted by the equivalent of about 8 months. That’s an enormous boost at such a young age. Receptive language (understanding), expressive language (verbal use of grammar and vocabulary), children’s understanding of word structure, and pre-reading skills especially benefited from early years reading with a parent or adult caregiver. Such skills lay wonderful foundations that will help children excel across multiple areas of education.

And Much More

The benefits outlined above are really just the tip of the iceberg. As well as these, additional benefits include allowing a closer bond to develop between the parent/caregiver and the child, greater comprehension of the world, a wider knowledge of multiple subjects, better self-expression, and social skills that are enhanced because of children’s improved vocabulary, understanding, and knowledge.

* How to Involve Under-5s When Reading

The best results from reading with children will come when you make it interactive, engaging and fun to ensure they are involved.If children are to get the most from reading, it’s important to read with them. That’s all about making it interactive, engaging and fun to ensure children are involved. There are a number of ways to accomplish this and doing so will be the key to them gaining the most benefit from the activity.

  • Bring the storyline to life by being animated when you read to under-fives. Gesticulate, speed up or slow down your reading to reflect what’s going on in the text and to give life to the story. Give characters different voices, and try accents and different tones to really bring characters and storylines to life. Use different volumes as appropriate to the story unfolding, whisper to give tension, shout when a character shouts, and make the story seem as real as possible. This will make the reading on your part, and the story from the child’s point of view, more fun. It’ll draw and retain children’s interest and engagement, so they immerse themselves and really listen.
  • Encourage your child’s interaction. Let them exclaim or answer characters, and ask them what they think may happen next, or what they might have done in that situation.
  • Whether the book is fiction or non-fiction, encourage questions; it’s a great way for children to learn.

By making reading more engaging, it will help improve comprehension, boost critical thinking skills, and stimulate children’s creativity.

As you can see, the benefits of reading with children in their early years are truly profound. Through reading, children are learning constantly, improving themselves in multiple areas, and setting amazing foundations for present and future success.

High-Quality Childcare & Early Years Education in Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. At Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, Lancashire, we fully understand the importance of reading with children. It’s therefore one of the many tools used in the early years education of children under our care. At Little Acorns, we tailor the learning and development of every child to bring out the best in them across all areas of the curriculum. If you are a parent looking for a Padiham nursery for your child or a childcare nursery near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham or Wood End, consider Little Acorns Nursery for your little one. To explore the possibilities, get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer questions, show you and your child around, or explain the next steps towards registering for a place.

Get Ready for Pyjamarama 2024

Get ready for Pyjamarama 2024. This year it arrives on Friday 17th of May in nurseries, preschools, schools and homes all around the Nation. That date is not carved in stone, though, as some settings may find an alternative date more convenient for their particular circumstances.

What is Pyjamarama?

Pyjamarama is a one-day fundraising event that's organised through the children's reading charity BookTrust.Pyjamarama is a one-day fundraising event that’s organised through the children’s reading charity BookTrust. It takes place each year across a variety of UK settings including homes, schools, preschools, nurseries and more. As well as being great fun for those organising and taking part, the initiative is beneficial to millions of disadvantaged children. The ultimate aim is to raise money to fund the purchase of books and resources, so that every child in the UK gets the chance for bedtime stories and each family has proper reading opportunities. The initiative is hugely popular, great fun, and transforms lives. Today, we take a look at what to expect, how to get involved, and the many benefits of Pyjamarama.

“Spend a day in your pyjamas to raise money for BookTrust and be part of something amazing.”

How Does Pyjamarama Work?

Settings like Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham first register with the Pyjamarama fundraising scheme, well ahead of the event date. In return, they receive a free downloadable fundraising pack. This contains information and activity resources that they’ll be able to use with the nursery children on Pyjamarama day as well as things like posters to publicise the event. Access to BookTrust’s Pyjamarama Hub will also be given. This allows access to additional resources and activity ideas for children to take part in.

On the day itself, the idea is for children and staff to come to the nursery/preschool dressed in pyjamas to add an extra element of fun. Having said that, PJs are not obligatory — children can wear something else if they prefer, for example colourful T-shirts. Either way, we ask that each child brings £1 with them. This will be donated to the BookTrust charity to raise money for disadvantaged children, who might otherwise not have access to bedtime stories. The ensuing day will be relaxed and fun, with time spent together reading and sharing stories, watching specially-recorded videos from children’s favourite authors and taking part in a whole host of other fun, reading- and story-related activities.

At the end of the day, children who took part in Pyjamarama will receive certificates to take home. All money raised by the children and setting will subsequently be sent off to the fundraising team at BookTrust.

Pyjamarama is Fun, Educational & Worthwhile

Pyjamarama raises funds to give disadvantaged children and their families opportunities for reading and bedtime stories.Pyjamarama is always a fun day for both adults and children. The added aspect of pyjamas makes it special, quirky and relaxed. And, at the end of the day, it’s incredibly worthwhile. Not only does it raise money to give disadvantaged children and their families opportunities for reading and bedtime stories, but it also encourages those children taking part in Pyjamarama to read more, for pleasure as much as anything. Additionally, it gives children a different perspective and encourages altruism and empathy for others less fortunate than themselves.

“Raise vital funds to help every child get a bedtime story.”

How Pyjamarama Helps Disadvantaged Children

Every £1 helps. So, children and parents — please get involved. Here’s how fundraising can typically help:

  • £25 is enough to provide 15 under-fives from deprived communities with books and reading resources.
  • £50 is enough to provide an entire class of primary school children with a selection of books to share and read at home.
  • £100 would allow the BookTrust charity to help teenagers in a struggling secondary school reconnect with reading.

How Can You Get Involved?

“Through Pyjamarama we want to help support the children who are at risk of missing out on the joy and confidence that bedtime stories provide.”

If you haven’t already seen them, look out for posters and a letter to parents highlighting the date for Pyjamarama at your child’s setting this year. On the day, please ensure your child goes to nursery/preschool or school with £1 and is ideally dressed in PJs although, as we said before, it’s not obligatory — but is a lot of fun when everyone joins in.

More details and a FAQ about getting involved in Pyjamarama as a setting or individual can be found here.

“Naomi has seen how reading takes her into imaginary worlds and helps her deal with everyday worries and is amazed how it is also helping her to do well in all subjects at school.”

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool, Padiham

High-Quality Weekday Childcare in Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

Babies and under-fives get the very best start at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham. As well as offering a convenient childcare service in a loving and homely environment, children also receive a comprehensive early years education at Little Acorns. We also support all Government-funded free childcare schemes including free childcare hours for eligible 2-year-olds and free childcare hours for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. Contact us if you’d like to register your child for a childcare place. Or, if you’re not yet sure, why not arrange a guided tour? We can show you and your little one around to see how well they fit in. We’re also here to answer any questions. Please choose a button to get started:

Apply for a Place Book a Tour Message Us 01282 680 822

Little Acorns is a nursery and preschool in Padiham, (BB12), also being conveniently close by for those in Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham, and Wood End.

BookTrust is a Registered Charity, number 313343.

The World's Biggest Garden Wildlife Survey – & Children Can Play Their Part

The Big Garden Birdwatch is organised by the RSPB each year.Children, adults, and whole families are gearing up to take part in the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey in early 2025. Organised by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), the Big Garden Birdwatch requires just one hour of your time during late January 2025. It’s free, hugely worthwhile, and will benefit nature, conservation, and children themselves. So, why not set a date for your diary and take part? Today’s post explains how to enrol, what to do, and how it will benefit all parties involved.

Why The Big Garden Birdwatch is So Important

Song thrushes have declined by 80% since the survey began.The Big Garden Birdwatch is designed to keep tabs on wild bird populations in the UK. It’s a survey that’s been undertaken across the UK every year since 1979 and allows the RSPB and conservationists to monitor whether any bird species are under threat. Sadly, survey findings in recent years have found this to be the case, with overall bird populations having declined by a staggering 38 million in the last 60 years. Song thrushes alone, for example, have declined by 80% and even the UK’s most populous bird species, House Sparrows, have declined by 57% since the survey began.

By continuing with the survey each year, insights will be gained as to whether populations are growing or shrinking over time. Only by watching such trends can conservationists decide what needs to be done to help reverse any decline and help birds thrive once again. Declines in bird populations may even be an indicator of wider problems within nature, for example, because of chemical use in crop farming or even  inappropriate Government environmental policy. So, this is important and every one of us can easily play our part.

More Reasons for Families & Children to Take Part

This activity is a great way to get children outdoors, close to nature, and to introduce them to the concept of nature conservation.The Big Garden Birdwatch is also a great way to get children outdoors, close to nature, and to introduce them to the concept of nature conservation. By taking part, children can contribute to bird conservation as well as directly benefit in a number of ways themselves. For example, they can learn to identify different types of birds, educate themselves about these wild creatures and the natural environment, enjoy the fresh air while escaping from electronic screens, and enjoy all the many benefits that nature holds for children. Nature and the Great Outdoors are hugely beneficial to children, whether physically, spiritually, cognitively, educationally, or simply in terms of improving overall well-being. Nature benefits children in an incredible number of ways — follow the bold link for more details.

How to Enrol in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

Once enrolled, you'll then be sent a free guide with visual reference of the birds to look out for during your survey.Enrolling your child or family into 2025’s Big Garden Birdwatch is easy and free. Simply register here and you’ll then be sent a free guide including visual reference of the birds you may see during your survey. Whether you receive a digital guide or a printed one will depend on your preferences selected when signing up. The guide will tell you/your child exactly what to do, but we also give you a brief flavour below.

How to Take Part in the Big Garden Birdwatch Survey

In brief, here’s what you, your child, or your family will need to do sometime during the period starting on Friday the 24th of January 2025 and ending on Sunday the 26th:

  1. Keep a tally of the maximum number of birds of each species that have actually landed at any one time on your survey patch.Decide on a natural spot where you’ll undertake your hour’s birdwatch. Your garden, local park or even a balcony will do fine.
  2. Taking care to stay unseen and unheard by visiting birds, keep a tally of the maximum number of birds of each species that have actually landed at any one time on your survey patch during the hour. Don’t count any that haven’t landed.
  3. Between the 26th of January and no later than the 23rd of February 2025, you can report your findings online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
    Alternatively, if you are using the physical survey form from the RSPB’s printed guide, post it to FREEPOST RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH to arrive by the 18th of February 2025.

By contributing to this crucial conservation project, children will be doing their bit for our little feathered friends – and the planet. What’s more, it’s great fun!

Learn more about how to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch survey here.

If your children enjoy the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, encourage them to download our free poster that identifies 40 different species.Enjoying Birdwatching?

If you find that your children enjoy the activity, please encourage them to download our own Bird Identifier poster, which features 40 British birds that they can look out for during the year. It’s free and more information about our free bird poster is available here.

Nature & Children Go Hand-in-Hand at Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. We love nature at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham! Here, children can play outdoors in our wonderful garden, which features its own wild area, planting area and even a mud kitchen. We know how good nature and the outdoors are for children, particularly in their early years, so actively encourage them to take part and benefit from everything they offer.

To enrol your baby, toddler or preschooler at Little Acorns Nursery in Padiham, please get in touch using an option below. We look forward to receiving your call, nursery application, message or tour request whenever you’re ready.

We are a high-quality nursery and preschool in Padiham, Lancashire, BB12. As such, we may also suit families who require outstanding childcare services near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. We support various free childcare schemes too, making childcare services more affordable for eligible families.

Let's Go on an Autumn Nature Hunt – a Fun Outdoor Activity for Children!

Our autumn nature hunt is a fun, educational activity for children that also comes with a free reference sheet.As leaves start to blanket the ground and the earthy scents of autumn begin to infuse the air, it’s the perfect time to engage children in a captivating adventure that celebrates the season. In today’s post, we’ll introduce you to an Autumn Nature Hunt, an exciting outdoor activity for children that’s not only entertaining but also educational.

Explore the Beauty of Autumn with a Nature Scavenger Hunt

The autumn season offers a unique opportunity to immerse children in the wonders of nature. The changing colours of leaves, the falling acorns, and the crisp air make it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. This nature-based treasure hunt is designed to get children of all ages outdoors, closer to nature, where they can enjoy the many benefits that outdoor play and exposure to the natural world provide.

Download Your Free Reference Sheet

To make this autumn-themed nature hunt even more enjoyable, we’ve created a reference sheet that children can use to check off the items they find. This sheet should keep them engaged and help them learn about the beauty of the season. N.B. supervising adults will need to decide whether children should simply spot the items or collect them. Factors including hygiene, safety considerations and the child’s age and abilities should inform their decision.

Download this free reference sheet for the autumn-themed nature hunt. (Click to save/download).

What You’ll Need

Before the commencement of this adventure, ensure your child has the following:

  1. Our free reference sheet. We’ve prepared a free reference sheet that features images of various natural items children can look for during their outdoor excursion. The A4 sheet includes leaves of specific colours, catkins, wild hazelnuts, pine cones, acorns, oak leaves, pine needles, ‘winged’ seeds, horse chestnuts, sweet chestnuts, pumpkins, cereal crops, sunflowers that are now turning to seed, and even some fruit that may be found at this time of year. It’s available below, for free, in Acrobat PDF format and you can download and print it for your convenience.
  2. Adult supervision in place. Ensure that adult supervision is available, especially for the youngest children. Safety is a priority, so be certain to keep the kids out of harm’s way while they explore.
  3. Safety precautions. Teach the children about safety precautions. For example, emphasise the importance of not running off out of sight, avoiding poisonous items like fungi, not touching berries, keeping all items away from mouths, and being cautious around things like chestnut cases, which have sharp points.
  4. Good hygiene. Encourage the little explorers to exercise good hygiene practices and wash their hands thoroughly after the adventure.

The Autumn Nature Hunt is a fantastic way to connect children with the wonders of nature, encourage outdoor play, and create lasting memories. So, download the reference sheet, gather your young explorers, and set out on a journey through the enchanting autumn landscape. Remember to emphasise safety, ensure adult supervision, and cherish the opportunity to immerse your kids in the beauty of the season. Enjoy your autumn adventure!

Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is in Padiham, Lancashire, near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End.

We understand the incredible importance of nature and outdoor play to children; they bring enormous benefits to children of all ages. So many, in fact, that we’ll publish separate guides on those benefits in the near future. So, watch this space.

Little Acorns is a high-quality childcare nursery in Padiham, Lancashire, offering the very best childcare and early education to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. As well as giving little ones the very best start in life and ensuring they are as ‘school-ready’ as possible by the time they leave us, we help them to become the very best version of themselves. Part of this is achieved through a learning and development programme that’s tailored to them as individuals. In this way, they achieve personal bests across all areas of their development.

If you would like to explore the possibility of sending your baby, toddler or preschooler to Little Acorns Nursery, please get in touch using one of the following options:

Little Acorns is a nursery and preschool located in Padiham, Lancashire (BB12), also convenient for families seeking high-quality childcare near Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham or Wood End.