Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Salisbury
As the owner of Puddleducks Early Years, I bring over two decades of experience in early years education, having held roles from practitioner to senior management. Our woodland-based preschool in Salisbury provides a stimulating environment for children aged 2-5, combining indoor and outdoor learning. Our qualified team prioritises individual development, fostering self-esteem and independence through play.We maintain strong partnerships with families, offering transparent communication and tailored support. Our approach integrates structured routines with flexible exploration, ensuring children thrive in a safe, nurturing space equipped with mud kitchens, woodland trails, and interactive play areas.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning
Inclusion Support
Parent Partnerships
Extracurricular Activities
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of early years expertise with qualified, dedicated staff
- Our woodland environment promotes hands-on learning and physical development
- Individualised approach respecting each child's unique learning journey
- Strong family partnerships with daily communication and involvement
- Proven success in building confidence and school readiness through play
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Friendly and welcoming staff
Improved confidence and speech
Lovely outdoor section
Safe environment
Supportive team
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, delivered through play-based activities tailored to individual learning styles. Qualified practitioners facilitate development in communication, physical skills, and creative thinking. Children engage with structured learning intentions while exploring woodland resources and interactive indoor environments.
Outdoor Learning
Woodland exploration forms a core part of our approach, with mud kitchens, chicken coops, and custom play structures. Children develop motor skills through climbing frames, gardening activities, and seasonal discovery trails. Outdoor spaces are designed to stimulate sensory learning and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences.
Inclusion Support
Our SENCO and trained staff implement individualised support plans for children with additional needs. Tailored activities address speech development, social confidence, and behavioural challenges. Regular progress reviews ensure children receive appropriate interventions while maintaining full participation in all preschool activities.
Parent Partnerships
Daily communication occurs through Tapestry journals and face-to-face interactions. Parents receive regular updates on developmental milestones and learning achievements. We host parent meetings, transition sessions, and family events to strengthen home-school connections and support continuity of care.
Extracurricular Activities
Additional learning opportunities include yoga sessions, cooking classes, and woodland explorer activities. These programs enhance physical development, practical life skills, and environmental education. Activities are integrated with the core curriculum to reinforce learning through diverse, engaging experiences.
People
Kirsty Merrifield
Owner
With 20 years' experience in early years education, Kirsty leads our team with a passion for child-centred learning. She oversees daily operations and strategic development, maintaining close family involvement in the preschool's growth and improvement initiatives.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children aged 2-5 years, with separate rooms for Ducklings (2-3 years) and Ducks (3 to school age).
How do you support school readiness?
Our curriculum develops communication, independence, and social skills through play-based learning, preparing children for formal education.
Are meals provided?
We provide morning snacks and encourage healthy packed lunches. Milk is available during snack times.
How do you communicate with parents?
Daily updates via Tapestry journals, face-to-face interactions at drop-off/collection, and regular parent meetings.
Is there a uniform?
We recommend branded clothing for easy identification during outdoor activities, but it's not mandatory.
What safety measures are in place?
Secure site access, nut-free policy, staff trained in paediatric first aid, and daily attendance monitoring ensure child safety.
Reviews (7)
Mark Steele
Sep 01, 2021
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My son absolutely loved his time at Puddleducks and cried when we had to go, he enjoyed himself seeing different things and people and I know he’ll love being there when the new term starts
Penny Cleal
Jan 20, 2021
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My daughter has been going to Puddleducks for a year now. It has a lovely outdoor section where the kids can play freely. You can view what they’ve done during the day on Tapestry as getting any information out of my daughter about her day is hard. My daughters speech has improved since attending. The staff are friendly and welcoming at pick up and drop off. I feel like Puddleducks is a safe environment for my daughter.
Laura Allen
Oct 01, 2018
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My son started in September and absolutely loving being at Puddleducks. He always runs in excited to see what activities have been planned and set up. He always has so much fun and the staff put so much thought into role play ideas. The outside area is brilliant with so much to do. His learning has also come on so much in just a few weeks as well x
Murray Freestone
Jul 17, 2018
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My daughter absolutely loves puddleducks! I have never felt guilty about leaving her there, as I know she loves it and gets lots out of her time there. Thank you!
Mandy Fox
Feb 06, 2018
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My son Charlie attended puddle ducks and loved it my son Thomas still attends and has come on with his talking so well as he was struggling. He loves Mondays and Thursdays.
Naomi Russell
Feb 05, 2018
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My son started school in September, but attended Puddleducks prior to this. He absolutely loved it! The staff are fantastic ~ very caring, kind and hard working! A fabulous setting with a wide range of learning opportunities for all children! My daughter is currently on the waiting list, so very much looking forward to her starting here soon!
Amy-Louise Smith
Feb 05, 2018
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My little man attends Puddleducks ... I can’t thank the staff enough especially “Nicky” they have been so so good.... and even though my little man struggled with being separated from me initially I felt great comfort that he was being well looked after... my son loves it, he’s happy and learning so much! They are all lovely staff who genuinely care about the children and parents. Thank you Puddleducks
