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Pyjamas with a Purpose: Ducklings have raised over £400 for Crackerjacks!
Cosy pyjamas and generous hearts! Our Ducklings children, families and staff came together to raise over £400 for Crackerjacks Children’s Trust, supporting children with disabilities and their families. Thank you to everyone who helped make our pyjama party so special. 💛
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Oct 211 min read


Free Pumpkin Carving Templates for Kids: 10 Easy Halloween Faces to Print!
Download 10 free printable pumpkin carving templates for kids! Easy, friendly Halloween faces and safe pumpkin decorating ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Printable pumpkin faces, easy pumpkin carving ideas for children, pumpkin decorating for toddlers, Halloween activities for preschoolers, free pumpkin stencils PDF.
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Oct 173 min read


Ducklings Blackley Launches a Community Lending Library! Take a Book, Share a Story!
We're bringing a little more magic to Blackley! Ducklings Preschool is launching a FREE outdoor community lending library at Boggart Hole Clough, near the David Lewis play area. Filled with children's books, parenting resources and activity ideas, the library will be open for local families to enjoy, share and contribute to. Discover how we're helping little readers develop a love of books while bringing our community together, one story at a time!
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Oct 153 min read


Why Do We Celebrate Halloween? Explaining Halloween's History to Young Children
Ever wondered how to explain Halloween to your little one? From pumpkins and fancy dress to trick-or-treating, discover the fascinating history behind our favourite Halloween traditions! At Ducklings Preschool, we're exploring why we celebrate Halloween, where its traditions came from and how parents can introduce the magic of this spooky season to toddlers and preschoolers through stories, play and simple activities.
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Oct 158 min read


Halloween & October Half-Term 2026: The Best Things to Do with Under-5s in Middleton, Blackley & North Manchester
Looking for things to do with toddlers and preschoolers in Middleton, Blackley and North Manchester this October half-term? Discover the best Halloween events, free family activities and autumn adventures for 2026. From exploring Heaton Park to spooky crafts, library events and family-friendly days out, Ducklings Preschool has rounded up fun, affordable activities for children aged five and under. Make magical autumn memories with your little ones!
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Oct 97 min read


Halloween & October Half-Term 2026: The Best Things to Do with Under-5s in Milton Keynes
Looking for things to do with toddlers and preschoolers in Milton Keynes this October half-term? Discover the best Halloween events and autumn activities for 2026, including free family days out, spooky trails, woodland adventures and creative activities for under-5s. From Willen Lake to Howe Park Wood, Ducklings Preschool has rounded up some fantastic, budget-friendly ways to make magical autumn memories with your little ones!
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Oct 96 min read


Discover the Benefits of Early Education for Your Child
Starting your child’s learning journey early can make a world of difference. Early education is more than just playtime - it’s a foundation for lifelong success. When you choose quality early childhood education, you give your little one a head start in many areas of life. Let’s explore how early education can benefit your child and your family. Why the Benefits of Early Education Matter You might wonder why early education is so important. The truth is, the first five years
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Sep 253 min read


Fun Summer Activities for Kids in Milton Keynes
Looking for ways to keep the children entertained during the summer holidays without spending a fortune? Check out this article!
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Jul 84 min read


Feeling Lonely as a Mum in Milton Keynes? 15 Friendly Groups to Help You Find Your Village
Motherhood can sometimes feel lonely, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Discover welcoming groups, activities and support networks across Milton Keynes where local mums can make friends, get active and become part of a supportive community.
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Jul 75 min read


Government-Funded Childcare Explained (2026/27): Who Gets 15 or 30 Hours?
Confused about 15 and 30 hours childcare funding? Learn who qualifies, how the funding works, when to apply, and how it can help your family with preschool costs.
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Jul 75 min read


Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour: A Parent's Complete Checklist
Planning a preschool visit? Discover the essential questions every parent should ask, what to look for during your tour, and how to choose the right preschool.
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Jul 36 min read


Is My Child Ready for Preschool? 15 Signs Parents Should Look For
Wondering if your child is ready for preschool? Discover the 15 key signs that indicate your little one is prepared for this exciting next step. From developing independence and social skills to building confidence through play, this guide explains what parents should look for, answers common concerns, and offers expert-backed advice to help you make the right decision for your family.
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Jun 305 min read


Supporting Our Community: Ducklings Preschools Fundraising for St Marks Meals
Ducklings Preschools in Milton Keynes are proudly supporting St Marks Meals, a local charity providing free, nutritious meal kits to families in need. Join our fun food-themed fundraising day and help us make a difference in our community.
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Mar 273 min read


Ducklings Preschool Nominated for a Prestigious Local Award – Here’s Why It Matters
Ducklings Preschool has been nominated for the Inspiring Nursery award at the Milton Keynes Inspiration Awards 2026—celebrating the impact of early years education in our community. Find out what this means and how you can support us by voting before 1st April.
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Mar 252 min read


Meningitis Awareness: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Meningitis is a serious illness that can develop rapidly, especially in young children. Knowing the signs—such as fever, drowsiness, stiff neck, vomiting, and a non-fading rash—can save lives. This guide from Ducklings Preschool outlines key symptoms and what to do,
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Mar 252 min read


Healthy Preschool Lunchbox Ideas: What to Include and What to Avoid at Ducklings Preschool
A healthy preschool lunchbox fuels growing minds and bodies. It balances colourful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, or lean meats. Skip sugary snacks—opt for yogurt, cheese, or nuts instead. Add water or milk for hydration. A well-packed lunchbox keeps kids energised, focused, and happy throughout their busy day. Ducklings Preschool lunchbox rules.
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Nov 12, 20253 min read


Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace for Early Years Educators
By fostering open conversations, offering emotional support, and promoting work-life balance, settings can build a culture where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive
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Nov 12, 20254 min read


Sink or Float? – A Simple Science Experiment for Curious Preschoolers
Introduce early STEM learning with our free preschool Sink or Float experiment. Perfect for ages 2–5 to explore, predict and discover.
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Nov 6, 20252 min read


Get Exploring: Free Printable Sound Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
Explore our free preschool sound scavenger hunt printable! A fun, no-membership listening activity that builds early literacy and curiosity.
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Nov 4, 20252 min read


Nature-Friendly Gardening for preschool children in Milton Keynes!
Attend preschool focused gardening workshops local to Milton Keynes to promote your childs understanding and respect of nature. Halloween Garden Accessories, Flower pot bug hotel, and wooden bird feeder workshops.
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Oct 16, 20252 min read


Ducklings Blackley Awarded the Early Years Celebration 2025 Award!
Ducklings Blackley Awarded the Early Years Celebration 2025 Award, in recognition for achieving the Dingley's Promise Achievement.
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Jun 1, 20251 min read
