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Welcome to Ducklings Preschool and Nursery - MK Inspiring School Award Winner - Founded in 2000, Ducklings Preschool is extremely proud to operate across Milton Keynes and Manchester. We strive to create an outstanding, loving, caring atmosphere in a safe and friendly environment. - If you're looking for a space at one of our settings, please call us at 07476 079904 or contact us here. Limited spaces are available, so contact us today! Book a visit here Contact Us Here Our Funding Guide Staff Resources Class Dojo Login Our Locations Why Choose Us? Our Term Dates Parent Resources Our Blog Need help finding something? search for it here What Our Parents Think I couldn't have chosen a better Preschool for our children. The staff are very warm and caring , there's plenty of play, creative activity and encouragement and my children have loved every minute Melissa STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS Well done to our teams at Blackley and Middleton on completing the Wellcomm training! What Our Staff Think Working with Ducklings is a wonderful experience. Friendly working atmosphere provide me with the opportunity to be focused on my work and professional growth . The manager is very helpful an d motivated. She trained me in ways to be better in my role job and set on amazing example for everyone on the team. ​ Ariola Request further information today! Do you wish to learn a little more about Ducklings? Simply fill in your details below to request for more information today! My child is aged Under 2 2 - 3 3 + I have more than one child I'm enquiring about The site I'm interested in is Bradwell Village Bow Brickhill Emerson Valley Furzton Monkston Park Monkston St. Barts Oldbrook Shenley Brook End Tattenhoe Park Westcroft Blackley - Manchester Middleton Manchester I agree to the terms & conditions Submit Your form was submitted correctly, Thank you. We'll be in touch shortly

Staff Term Dates Please scroll to your appropriate setting to find the correct term dates for your preschool. Milton Keynes, Manchester (Blackley), and Rochdale (Middleton). MILTON KEYNES Closed Bank Holidays! ​ Open Monday 26th February 2024 Close Thursday 28th March 2024 for Easter Break (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Easter Holidays ​ Open Monday 15th April 2024 Close Friday 24th May 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) Summer Half Term Open Tuesday 4th June 2024 Close Wednesday 17th July 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) Summer Holidays ​ Open Thursday 5th September 2024 Close Friday 25th October 2024 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 4th November 2024 Close Thursday 19th December 2024 for Christmas (at the end of this afternoon's session) Staff will be expected to work on Friday 20th December for a teacher training day ​ CHRISTMAS HALF TERM - NEW YEAR 2025 Open Monday 6th January 2025 Close Friday 14th February 2025 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 24th February 2025 Close Friday 4th April 2025 for Easter Break (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Easter Holidays OpenTuesday 22nd April 2025 Close Friday 23rd May 2025 Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Summer Half term Open Tuesday 3rd June 2025 Close Thursday 17th July 2025 Summer (at the end of this afternoon session) Staff will be expected to work on Friday 18th July for a teacher training day. BLACKLEY, MANCHESTER Closed Bank Holidays! ​ Open Monday 26th February 2024 Close Thursday 28th March for easter break (at the end of this afternoon session) Easter Holiday Open Monday 15th April 2024 Close Friday 24th May 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Summer Half Term ​ Open Monday 3rd June 2024 Close Tuesday 23rd July 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Summer Holiday Staff will be expected to work on 4th September for a teacher training day. Open Thursday 5th September 2024 Close Friday 18th October 2024 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 28th October 2024 Close Thursday 19th December 2024 for Christmas (at the end of this afternoon session) Staff will be expected to work on the 20th December for a teacher training day. CHRISTMAS HALF TERM - NEW YEAR 2025 Open Monday 6th January 2025 Close Tuesday 14th February 2025 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 24th February 2025 Close Friday 4th April 2025 for Easter Break (at the end of this afternoon session) Easter Holidays Open Tuesday 22nd April 2025 Close Friday 23rd May 2025 Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Summer Half term Open Monday 2nd June 2025 Close Friday 18th July 2025 Summer (at the end of this afternoon session) Staff will be expected to work on 21st July for a teacher training day MIDDLETON, GREATER MANCHESTER Closed Bank Holidays! ​ Open Monday 26th February 2024 Close Thursday 28th March 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Easter Holidays ​ Open Monday 15th April 2024 Close Friday 24th May 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Summer Half Term ​ Open Monday 3rd June 2024 Close Tuesday 23rd July 2024 (at the end of this afternoon session) ​ Summer Holidays ​ Staff will be expected to work on 4th Sept ember for a teacher training day Open Thursday 5th September 2024 Close Friday 25th October 2024 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 4th November 2024 Close Thursday 19th December 2024 for Christmas (at the end of this afternoon session) Staff will be expected to work on 20th December for a teacher training day CHRISTMAS HALF TERM - NEW YEAR 2025 Open Monday 6th January 2025 Close Friday 14th February 2025 for Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Half term Open Monday 24th February 2025 Close Friday 4th April 2025 for Easter Break (at the end of this afternoon session) Easter Holidays Open Tuesday 22nd April 2025 Close Friday 23rd May 2025 Half Term (at the end of this afternoon session) Summer Half term Open Tuesday 3rd June 2025 Close Thursday 17th July 2025 Summer (at the end of this afternoon session) Staff will be expected to work on 18th July for a teacher training day

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Are you a parent in Milton Keynes or Manchester on the hunt for the perfect preschool for your little one? Deciding to enrol your child in preschool is a big step, and finding the right one can feel overwhelming. But fear not! We're here to help you navigate through the process with confidence. At Ducklings Preschool, we understand the importance of finding a nurturing environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive. Let's dive into the ultimate guide to choosing the right preschool for your child. Location, Location, Location: One of the first factors to consider is the location of the preschool. Is it conveniently located near your home or workplace? Are there safe and accessible transportation options available? At Ducklings Preschool, we have multiple located across Milton Keynes (Bow Brickhill, Emerson Valley, Furzton, Monkston Park, Monkston St Barts, Oldbrook, Shenley Brook End, Tattenhoe Park, Westcroft - and coming soon to Bradwell Village!) as well as being located at both Middleton and Blackley in Greater Manchester, so you can rest assured that you can get to one of our preschools conveniently and stress-free, allowing for more quality time with your little one. Curriculum and Approach: Every preschool has its own unique curriculum and approach to early childhood education. Take the time to research and understand the philosophy behind each preschool's teaching methods. At Ducklings Preschool, we pride ourselves on our play-based learning approach, which emphasizes hands-on experiences and exploration to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social skills in young children. We provide lots of updates to your parents via newsletters, Facebook groups, and via Class Dojo - as well as multiple events where we invite you, such as stay-and-play sessions and summer garden parties. Qualified and Caring Staff: The educators and caregivers at a preschool play a crucial role in your child's development and well-being. Look for qualified and experienced staff who are passionate about working with young children. Our team at Ducklings Preschool is comprised of dedicated professionals who are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child feels valued and respected! Our staff are truly dedicated to their profession, continuously learning and attending training - which can be found on our website homepage under Staff Achievements! Check it out for yourself at: www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk Safety and Cleanliness: Nothing is more important than the safety and health of your child. When visiting potential preschools, pay attention to the cleanliness of the facilities and safety measures in place! At Ducklings Preschool, we adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure a clean and secure environment for all children. Parental Involvement and Communication: A strong partnership between parents and preschool is essential for your child's success. Look for a preschool that values parental involvement and maintains open communication channels. At Ducklings Preschool, we believe in building strong relationships with parents through regular face-to-face updates, Class Dojo and private Facebook groups, and opportunities for involvement in school activities and events. Affordability and Flexibility: Last but not least, consider the affordability and flexibility of the preschool's programs and schedules. At Ducklings Preschool, we accept any form of government funding entitlements (such as the 15 and 30 hour childcare funding), as well as we offer competitive paid rates and flexible enrollment options to accommodate the needs of busy families. For example, all of our Milton Keynes sites operate in the same format; each day is split into two sessions - a morning and an afternoon session (each equally 3 hours long). So if you are entitled to the 15 hour funding, you can attend 5 sessions a week - which you have full flexibility in choosing (based on session availability). You can attend all morning sessions, all afternoon sessions, 2 full days and 1 half day etc. For more information regarding our prices or funding advice, please feel free to contact us, or check out our funding information page at: www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/funding Choosing the right preschool for your child is a significant decision, but with careful consideration and research, you can find the perfect fit. If you're in Milton Keynes or Manchester, we invite you to schedule a visit of any of our Ducklings Preschools and Nurseries (infant/nursery care is only in Manchester) and see firsthand what sets us apart. Together, let's lay the foundation for your child's lifelong love of learning and exploration.

Brace yourselves, parents! Toddler tantrums can be like a storm brewing on the horizon, but fear not! With the right strategies, you can weather the storm with calm and connection. Let's dive into practical tips to help you navigate those turbulent tantrum moments and emerge stronger together. Photo from Huckleberry Stay Calm and Empathetic: When faced with a tantrum, it's natural to feel frustrated or overwhelmed but remember, your toddler is still learning to regulate their emotions. Stay calm and approach the situation with empathy. Validate their feelings by acknowledging their frustration or disappointment, and reassure them that you're there to help them through it. Your calm presence can help de-escalate the situation and provide a sense of security for your child. Identify Triggers and Patterns: Pay attention to what triggers your toddler's tantrums and look for any patterns or common themes. Is it hunger, fatigue, transitions, or frustration with limits? By identifying potential triggers, you can proactively address them and minimize the likelihood of tantrums occurring. Establishing predictable routines and providing plenty of opportunities for rest, snacks, and transitions can help prevent meltdowns before they happen. Offer Choices and Empowerment: Toddlers crave a sense of autonomy and control over their environment. Instead of issuing commands or demands, offer your child choices whenever possible. For example, let them choose between two snack options or decide which toy to play with. This sense of empowerment can reduce power struggles and give your child a sense of agency, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of tantrums. Practice Positive Discipline: Discipline is about teaching, not punishing. Instead of resorting to punitive measures, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection. Use praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviour, and gently redirect your child's attention or behaviour when needed. Set clear and consistent limits, but be flexible and willing to compromise when appropriate. By modelling calm and respectful behaviour, you teach your child valuable emotional regulation skills. Stay Connected Through Communication: Effective communication is key to managing tantrums and building a strong parent-child connection. Take the time to listen to your child's perspective and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree with their behaviour. Use simple and age-appropriate language to help them express themselves and teach them alternative ways to cope with big emotions. Remember, your presence and understanding can make all the difference during a tantrum. Now that you have a toolbox full of strategies to manage toddler tantrums with calm and connection, it's time to put them into practice! Remember, tantrums are a normal part of toddlerhood, but with patience, empathy, and consistency, you can help your child navigate these challenging moments and build a stronger bond. Share your go-to tantrum-taming tactics or success stories in the comments below and join our supportive community of parents committed to raising resilient and emotionally intelligent little ones!

Are you ready to witness the magic of language unfold before your eyes? Language development in young children is not only fascinating but also crucial for their overall growth and success. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, discovering the keys to nurturing language skills in little ones is an adventure worth embarking on. Join us as we explore practical tips and strategies to help your child unlock the power of words and express themselves with confidence and clarity. Create a Language-Rich Environment: Surround your child with opportunities to hear and engage with language every day. Read aloud to them regularly, starting from infancy, and continue as they grow older. Choose a variety of books with different themes, characters, and vocabulary to expose them to diverse language patterns and concepts. Additionally, engage in meaningful conversations with your child throughout the day, asking open-ended questions and encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings. Encourage Active Listening: Cultivate your child's listening skills by modelling attentive listening and providing opportunities for active engagement. Encourage them to listen to stories, songs, and conversations attentively, and ask them to summarize or retell what they've heard. Play games like "Simon Says" or "I Spy" to practice following instructions and paying attention to details. By honing their listening skills, you lay a strong foundation for language comprehension and communication. Promote Vocabulary Development: Introduce new words and concepts to your child through daily interactions and experiences. Point out objects, actions, and emotions in their environment and label them with appropriate words. Use descriptive language to enrich their vocabulary and help them make connections between words and their meanings. Incorporate word games, such as "Word of the Day" or "Rhyme Time," into your daily routine to make learning vocabulary fun and engaging. Embrace Multilingualism: If you speak more than one language at home, embrace the opportunity to raise a bilingual or multilingual child. Research shows that exposure to multiple languages from a young age can enhance cognitive development and language proficiency. Create a supportive language-learning environment by using each language consistently and providing opportunities for your child to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in each language. Celebrate Language Milestones: Recognize and celebrate your child's language milestones, no matter how small. From their first babble to their first sentence, each step along the language development journey is a cause for celebration. Praise their efforts, encourage their progress, and provide plenty of positive reinforcement to boost their confidence and motivation. Now that you have a toolkit full of strategies to foster language development in young children, it's time to put them into action! Choose one or more of these tips to incorporate into your daily routine and watch as your child's language skills blossom before your eyes. Remember, the journey of language development is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient, persistent, and above all, enjoy the journey of discovery and connection with your little one! Share your favourite language-building activities or success stories in the comments below and join our community of parents and caregivers dedicated to supporting their children's language development journey!