Opening hours
Open from 7.30am until 5.45pm – Monday to Friday
Puddle Ducks
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2025)
Number of places
28 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2025
Local authority
Norfolk
About this day nursery
Puddle Ducks Nursery, located at Hillcrest Primary School in Downham Market, Norfolk, offers a nurturing environment for children from reception to year 6. With over 30 years of experience in providing quality childcare, the nursery is led by Fiona and her dedicated team of qualified practitioners.
They focus on fostering a safe, happy, and stimulating atmosphere where children can learn and grow through play, developing strong communication skills, confidence, and independence. The nursery operates term-time, 39 weeks a year, from 7:30 am to 5:45 pm, Monday to Friday.
In addition to nursery services, Puddle Ducks provides a before and after-school club for primary school-aged children, offering breakfast for an additional fee. The setting boasts both indoor and outdoor learning environments, including a canopy area and a grassed learning space, designed to cater to all ages.
They accept government funding for eligible children and encourage prospective families to arrange a visit to experience the nursery firsthand.
Our ethos
Puddle Ducks Nursery aims to foster a safe, happy, and stimulating atmosphere where children can learn and grow through play, developing strong communication skills, confidence, and independence.
What it's like
Leaders and staff create a warm and friendly learning environment for all children. They know the children very well, and this helps them to support children's emotional needs effectively. Consequently, children feel safe, secure and settled in the nursery.
Term-time onlyBefore and After School ClubIndoor and Outdoor Learning
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Session types
Morning session (09:00 - 15:00), Afternoon session (09:00 - 15:00)
Food
Breakfast available for an additional fee.
Age range
Reception to Year 6
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Puddle Ducks
Last inspected 6 February 2025
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Leaders and staff create a warm and friendly learning environment for all children. They know the children very well, and this helps them to support children's emotional needs effectively. Consequently, children feel safe, secure and settled in the nursery.
Inspector highlights
- Leaders and staff have devised a well-sequenced and balanced curriculum with a high focus on personal, social and emotional development.
- Staff provide children with a range of rich experiences, including visits to a local care home and weekly music sessions.
- Staff work with parents effectively to support children who speak English as an additional language, using innovative communication methods.
- Leaders are passionate and committed to delivering high-quality experiences and have a clear vision for continuous development.
- The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with an open and positive culture that puts children's interests first.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to establish a more consistent approach to supporting children's developing independence skills
- 2support staff to build on their questioning techniques to give children time to think, solve problems and develop their language skills further
Inspection #10367966 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff respond swiftly to those children who may need extra support. They know the children very well, and this helps them to support children's emotional needs effectively.
Outdoor space
Children become engrossed as they use paint brushes and water to make marks on the fence. Staff are on hand to support children's learning skilfully. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this has on children's learning.
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
6 February 2025
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about Puddle Ducks
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