Business Details
Premier Independent School & Nurseries in Preston
At Ashbridge Independent School & Nurseries, we are dedicated to nurturing children's academic and personal growth through a holistic approach. Our unique TAPESTRY curriculum emphasizes both scholastic excellence and the development of well-rounded individuals, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a passionate team of educators. With four nurseries and a primary school across Preston, we provide tailored early years and primary education for children aged three months to 11 years. Our commitment to outdoor learning, including Forest and River Schools, ensures students engage with nature while building confidence and resilience.We invest in continuous staff development to maintain high teaching standards, ensuring every child thrives in a supportive environment. Parents consistently praise our nurturing atmosphere, exceptional staff, and the transformative impact on their children's confidence and academic progress. Accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, we combine rigorous academics with creative arts, sports, and extracurricular activities to prepare pupils for future success.
Services
Early Years Education
Primary School
Outdoor Learning
Forest School
Wrap-Around Care
River School
52-Week Nursery Care
Arts Access
ParentZone App
Forest and River School
Highlights and features
- Holistic development combining academics and personal growth
- Unique TAPESTRY curriculum fostering creativity and critical thinking
- Award-winning outdoor learning environments including Forest and River Schools
- Highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development
- State-of-the-art facilities tailored to early years and primary education
Associations and certifications
- Independent Schools Inspectorate
What people say
Fantastic staff
Confidence has grown
Excellent academic results
Amazing facilities
Nurturing environment
Services
Early Years Education
Our nurseries provide exploration-led education for children aged three months to four years. Highly qualified staff deliver tailored care in purpose-built facilities, focusing on foundational skills through play and outdoor learning. Daily access to arts, music, and Forest School activities supports holistic development.
Primary School
Ashbridge Independent School offers a TAPESTRY curriculum for pupils aged 4-11. Academic excellence combines with character development through outdoor learning, arts, and extracurricular activities. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and exceptional exam results.
Forest School
Forest School programs immerse children in nature-based education. Qualified practitioners lead activities that build resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Daily outdoor sessions enhance both curriculum learning and personal development across all age groups.
Wrap-Around Care
Before and after-school care operates from 7:00-8:45 and 15:45-18:00 daily. Includes meals, homework support, and recreational activities. Designed to accommodate working families while maintaining educational continuity in a nurturing environment.
River School
Ashbridge-on-Ribble's River School utilizes natural water environments for experiential learning. Children engage in ecological studies, water safety, and environmental stewardship activities. This unique approach enhances science education and fosters appreciation for aquatic ecosystems.
People
Karen Mehta
Headteacher
With over 20 years' experience, including leadership roles in Brunei and the UK, Karen specializes in primary education and curriculum development. Her expertise in computing and mathematics drives innovative teaching methods at Ashbridge.
Arthur Wood
Deputy Headteacher
A 32-year teaching veteran, Arthur leads outdoor learning initiatives and mathematics instruction. His mountain leadership certifications enhance our Forest School programs, combining education with adventurous activities.
Hannah Seaton
Reception Teacher
Qualified in early years education, Hannah incorporates music into cross-curricular learning. Her Grade 7 piano expertise enriches classroom activities, fostering creativity in our youngest pupils.
Caroline Bird
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
With postgraduate qualifications in literacy support, Caroline specializes in dyslexia assessment and science education. She develops individualized learning strategies to help all children achieve their potential.
Lloyd Paton
Sports Coach
A qualified FA football coach, Lloyd delivers comprehensive PE programs from nursery to Year 6. His expertise extends to after-school sports clubs and inter-school competitions, promoting lifelong fitness habits.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide education for children aged three months to 11 years through our nurseries and primary school programs.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our unique TAPESTRY curriculum combines academic excellence with holistic development, exceeding national curriculum standards.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, all meals and snacks are included in nursery fees with a focus on nutritious, no-added-sugar options.
Do you offer after-school care?
We provide wrap-around care from 7:00-8:45 and 15:45-18:00 daily, including homework support and recreational activities.
What outdoor learning facilities do you have?
All sites offer Forest School or River School programs with purpose-built outdoor environments for daily nature-based learning.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO holds postgraduate qualifications in dyslexia assessment and provides tailored support plans for children with additional needs.
Reviews (7)
Yvonne Moon
Dec 31, 2020
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So happy with the nursery choice for our son! The staff are amazing and complete so many wonderful activities with him. He has developed so much since starting. The grounds are fantastic - he particularly loves visiting the donkeys! Staff always go above and beyond - highly recommend!
Stephanie Keith
Oct 29, 2020
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Outstanding. Our daughter gets to experience so much. The nursery provide daily updates through their app. Our daughter has been attending since September. The change in her is amazing. The staff are brill.
Gem Craven
Oct 26, 2020
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Our daughter has really grown in self confidence since starting at Ashbridge. She has attended since she was 1 and loves all the outside space, especially forest school, the animals and all the activities she gets to do. The 3 hot meals are a big plus and the opening hours are great for work. The staff are really friendly and work with us to help her become more independent. Most importantly she loves being at nursery.
Dani Robertson
Sep 28, 2020
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My son started with Ashbridge nursery when he was 9 months old, he is now 3, nearly 4 years old and he attends Ashbridge pre school. Throughout his time at Ashbridge I have never had any issues with the care of my son, he is well bonded with all the staff and he's always taking part in various classes and activities. The staff always keep me updated on his progress, and my son is very happy there.
Carol Thompson
Sep 22, 2020
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My son attended the holiday club 2 days this week. Forrest school
Staff were friendly and seemed to really love their jobs
Odin my son came home full of mud and a crown made of wood on his 1st day
He was made up
Full of stories of his day
Thank you
Staff were friendly and seemed to really love their jobs
Odin my son came home full of mud and a crown made of wood on his 1st day
He was made up
Full of stories of his day
Thank you
Katie Clarke
Sep 05, 2020
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My son has really settled into Cygnets. Although he sometimes still gets upset when being left, I love seeing the moments published on ParentZone! I also like the fact that assessments can be viewed with ease and all questions are answered :) Great nursery!
Kate Livesey
Sep 02, 2020
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Our son has been attending the nursery since November 2020 and we really feel he has come one learning new skills and becoming more independent. After being in lockdown most of his life we were really nervous about him starting nursery however everyone has been so lovely. Staff have given him lots of time to help him settle in, we love seeing the activities hes been doing while in nursery. We are also really pleased with the amount of outdoor activities he gets. We are very glad we chose Ashbridge and the staff we have met are a credit to early years education.
