The Duckling Nursery

About this day nursery

The Duckling Nursery, situated within the grounds of Writtle Infant School, offers sessional and full-day childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years, operating during term time. The nursery prioritises a safe and secure learning environment, fostering positive relationships and promoting British values.

They believe that children thrive when their individual needs are met and when they feel secure and healthy. The outdoor area is a key feature, comprising a fenced garden with an all-weather surface, sensory roadway, shingle pit, wooden climbing structures, and a mud kitchen, all shaded by established trees.

Inside and out, a variety of equipment supports enriching play experiences. The nursery's ethos centres on kindness—towards oneself, others, and nature—and they aim to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere that promotes positive relationships among staff, children, and families.

Staff act as role models, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and learn through play to reach their full potential.

Our ethos

At The Duckling Nursery, we are passionate about Safeguarding children and keeping them safe at all times. We believe that children learn best when they are healthy, safe, secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them. We actively promote British values and encourage and praise positive, caring and polite behaviour and provide an environment where children learn to respect themselves, other people and their surroundings. At the Duckling Nursery we promote kindness through everything we do by: - Being kind to ourselves - Being kind to others - Being kind to nature We provide a homely, welcoming environment to all and promote positive respectful relationships and wellbeing among staff, which is mirrored in relationships among children and their families. By exploring, experimenting and learning through their own play and through the motivation from staff acting as role models, each unique child is encouraged to reach their full potential in their own time.

What it's like

The Duckling Nursery has a clear vision and high expectations for all children, supported by a well-thought-out key-person system. Staff provide a varied curriculum based on children's interests and developmental needs, engaging with them and adapting their approach. Children have choices in their play, and staff effectively collaborate with other professionals, ensuring continuity of care and learning.