Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Horwich
Established in 1989, Croft House Nursery is a family-run early years setting rated Outstanding by Ofsted. We provide care and education for children aged six weeks to five years, alongside before and after school care for primary school children. Our purpose-built facility in Horwich, Bolton, combines a homely atmosphere with innovative outdoor learning through Forest School sessions and woodland activities. Led by experienced Early Years Teacher Janet Lomax-Baker, our team prioritises individualised care, evidenced by testimonials highlighting exceptional staff dedication and children's developmental progress.We maintain strong partnerships with local schools and the Bolton Start Well Team to ensure seamless transitions to formal education. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our 5* Food Hygiene Rating and continuous investment in staff training. Over three decades, we have nurtured generations of children, fostering confidence, social skills, and academic readiness through balanced indoor-outdoor learning experiences.
Services
Nursery Care
Before School Club
After School Care
Forest School Sessions
Holiday Club
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialist early years experience with Ofsted Outstanding status
- Our Forest School programme develops resilience through nature-based learning
- Personalised care plans address each child's unique developmental needs
- 5* Food Hygiene Rating ensures nutritional excellence in all meals
- Proven track record preparing children for primary school success
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Bolton Start Well Team
What people say
Amazing care
Outstanding staff
Happy environment
Forest school excellence
Smooth school transition
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides full-day care for children aged six weeks to five years. The programme combines structured learning with free play in a purpose-built facility rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Daily outdoor activities include Forest School sessions and woodland exploration, supporting physical development and nature appreciation. Each child receives individual attention from qualified staff, ensuring personalised care and educational progression aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.
Before School Club
Crofties Before School Care operates from 7:30 AM, offering a relaxed start to the day with healthy breakfast options and supervised play. Children enjoy cereals, toast, and fruit before structured departure to Horwich Parish School. Our staff ensure road safety compliance and accompany children to their classrooms, providing parents with peace of mind through consistent routines and secure sign-in procedures.
After School Care
Our after-school provision welcomes children from Horwich Parish School until 6:00 PM. The programme includes snack tea, homework support, and diverse activities ranging from arts and crafts to outdoor play. Separate spaces cater for different age groups, with dedicated areas for Reception/KS1 and KS2 children. All sessions follow strict safeguarding protocols, including password-protected collection arrangements for child safety.
Forest School Sessions
Forest School sessions utilise local woodland areas for experiential learning. Children develop resilience and environmental awareness through supervised activities like pond dipping, nature crafts, and seasonal exploration. These sessions promote physical coordination, teamwork, and curiosity-driven discovery, aligning with our commitment to holistic early years development in natural settings.
Holiday Club
The holiday club provides childcare during school breaks for all primary school children. Activities include themed projects, outdoor adventures, and creative workshops designed to maintain educational engagement while ensuring fun. Our experienced team creates age-appropriate experiences that build social skills and confidence, operating in the same secure, purpose-built facility used for regular nursery services.
People
Janet Lomax-Baker
Owner & Early Years Teacher
With a B.Ed. (Hons) and MA in Nursery Management, Janet has led Croft House since 1989. Her expertise in early years education and childcare advisory roles ensures consistently high standards. Recognised for developing generations of confident learners, she maintains hands-on involvement in daily operations and staff training.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We care for children from six weeks old up to five years in our nursery, with before/after school care available for primary school children.
How do you support school readiness?
Our Ofsted-rated Outstanding curriculum prepares children through structured learning, Forest School experiences, and partnerships with local schools to ensure smooth transitions.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we offer nutritionally balanced meals and snacks with a 5* Food Hygiene Rating. Breakfast is available from 7:30 AM in our before-school club.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are qualified in early years education with regular training updates. Our leadership team includes an Early Years Teacher with over 30 years' experience.
Can I visit before enrolling?
We welcome prospective parents to arrange visits through our contact page. Virtual tours are also available on our website for initial exploration.
How do you handle child safety?
We maintain strict safeguarding protocols including secure sign-in systems, staff DBS checks, and password-protected collection procedures for after-school care.
Reviews (3)
Maria Santos
May 27, 2021
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Well based nurserie in horwich for more than 30 yr...very good and with staff very motivated and creative with childrem..I love this nurserie ...alwams stand very high with everthing..quality development and focus in interaction with development the children's..very high standard cleaning..
Christine Ormrod
May 09, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality
If they treat the children in their care in the way they treat their staff then I would stay away from this place. All smiles and professional on the surface but rotten inside. This review is based upon first hand experience. Very disappointed
If they treat the children in their care in the way they treat their staff then I would stay away from this place. All smiles and professional on the surface but rotten inside. This review is based upon first hand experience. Very disappointed
Maria Santos
Aug 26, 2018
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Excellent nursery...well manners staff . Very consistent and likely .my daughter really enjoys the time there...i always Recommend croft house nursery ..
