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Baby Ducks

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2022)
·
4.3(6 Google reviews) ·St Nicholas and St Andrew Parish Centre, South Street, Brighton, BN41 2LE · Brighton and Hove
Number of places
25 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2022
Local authority
Brighton and Hove

About this day nursery

Baby Ducks Childcare, located in Portslade, is an OFSTED registered playgroup catering to children between 12 months and 5 years old. This family-operated nursery, established in 2006 by Zoe and Gary Cambell-Smith, is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare at affordable rates.

Their philosophy emphasises a nurturing and secure environment, fostering both physical and emotional development. Operating during term-time only, Baby Ducks is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and on Fridays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

They offer flexible hourly bookings to suit families' needs, with no registration fees. The day nursery actively participates in early years funding schemes and works to keep costs down by sourcing toys, resources, and furniture from various places.

They achieved QuILT Gold accreditation in 2015, being the first setting in Brighton and Hove to do so, demonstrating their commitment to high standards in early years education.

What it's like

Children respond positively to the warm greeting that staff give them when they arrive, which helps them feel safe and happy. They show consistently high levels of excitement and engage fully in well-thought-out activities, making good progress from their starting points. They behave very well, are considerate, and show positive attitudes to learning, persevering when challenges occur.

Family-run nurseryOFSTED registeredFlexible hoursTerm-time onlyQuILT Gold accredited

Pricing & funding

Fees are calculated using a flat hourly rate, with additional hours outside of funded entitlements charged at the same rate. Parents can book the hours that fit them best, with no minimum booking requirements for funded places.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
  • Hourly rate£6.00 / hour

Good to know

  • No registration fees are charged.
  • No additional fees or requirements to book extra hours beyond funded entitlements.
  • Absences due to sickness or holiday are still charged.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Friday: 8:30am - 12:30pm (term-time only)

Food

Parents provide packed lunch, nursery provides free morning and afternoon snacks

Age range

12 months and 5 years old

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

Flexible hourly bookings

Waitlist

Unknown

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Baby Ducks

Last inspected 10 October 2022

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children respond positively to the warm greeting that staff give them when they arrive, which helps them feel safe and happy. They show consistently high levels of excitement and engage fully in well-thought-out activities, making good progress from their starting points. They behave very well, are considerate, and show positive attitudes to learning, persevering when challenges occur.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager has clear aims for the nursery and works tirelessly to provide additional support for families, offering high-quality inclusive care for all children.
  • Staff support children's developing language skills very well through songs, books, and encouraging contributions, with additional support from speech and language therapists when needed.
  • Children develop a good range of physical skills, moving confidently in the large outside space, pushing bicycles, and finding new ways to move.
  • Staff provide exciting activities and skilfully play alongside children to extend their learning, transferring new mathematical ideas into independent play.
  • Children with special educational needs and disabilities are supported very well through staff training and collaboration with a wide range of professionals.

Areas to develop

  • 1make the most of everyday routines to help teach children about the importance of healthy eating and oral health
  • 2improve the organisation of group activities further so that children fully benefit from these opportunities and their learning is not interrupted.
Inspection #10228687 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak very highly of the nursery and comment that their children make good progress and are happy.

They mention that the manager and owner go 'above and beyond' to provide additional support so that their children have the best possible start to their education.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and disabilities are supported very well. Staff training and collaboration with a wide range of professionals, such as health visitors and social workers, have led to improved outcomes for children.

Outdoor space

Children develop a good range of physical skills. For example, they move confidently in the large outside space. They push along on bicycles and cars and find new ways to move, such as hopping on one foot and sidestepping around obstacles. These newly learned ideas are then transferred into children's independent play when they join their friends in the play kitchen outside.

Google Reviews of Baby Ducks

4.3
(6 Google reviews)
EMLD
3 years ago

AMAZING! Almost all of my children have attended baby ducks so far and have absolutely loved it. It's helped them progress, the staff have been nothing but helpful, patient and kind to us. I've had a lot of issues in my personal life. They've never failed to help me when needed. My sister had her son here who has confirmed autism. They was also excellent attending to his needs as he liked things different to others. Zoe and gray especially are the most supportive people ive ever met. If you're thinking of sending your children here, don't hesitate. It would be infinite stars if possible. 🌟

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Miss B
10 years ago

I'm an infant school teacher and my 3 kids have all been to this preschool and have loved it. I would highly recommend it. The staff are all parents themselves and create a kind and caring environment in which the children thrive. Professional and engaging environment and activities too means they have all begun school with a great start in their learning.

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JJNBASH SEEV
11 years ago

Our children love going to Baby Ducks nursery. They are happy, safe and love learning. Staff are professional and friendly.

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max wade
2 years ago

i went there about 7,8 years ago v good

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Doc Scott
10 years ago

Rude and uncommunicative staff coupled with an uninspiring nursery environment...Glad my little boy has moved on...Beware..

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Baby Ducks. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2013

  • October 2022Good
  • January 2017Good
  • June 2013Good
  • January 2013Good

Frequently asked about Baby Ducks

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