Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Lancashire & Greater Manchester
St. Bede's Childcare was established in 2003 and has grown to operate six settings across Leigh, Wigan, and Bolton. Our childcare services combine care, passion, and excellence, drawing on the expertise of our multi-academy trust and senior team with extensive early years experience. We take pride in supporting children through life transitions, preparing them for their educational journeys while fostering a love of learning. Our approach focuses on individualised learning tailored to each child's interests, with parents recognised as their first educators. Key practitioners maintain regular communication with families to ensure consistent progress updates and home support strategies. Our team creates immersive, magical learning experiences inspired by children's unique curiosities, aiming to cultivate future thinkers and scientists.We maintain a home-from-home environment to provide reassurance for parents returning to work, ensuring every child feels secure and engaged. Our former CEO, Mr. Jack Hatch, received an OBE for services to education, reflecting our commitment to quality childcare. We prioritise age-appropriate development through meticulously planned activities that balance structured learning with natural curiosity. Our philosophy ensures children transition smoothly between nursery stages and into formal schooling, supported by dedicated key workers who understand each child's specific needs.
Services
Nursery Care
Out-of-School Clubs
Early Years Education
Child Development Programmes
Parent Partnership Support
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years' experience delivering childcare across six Ofsted-registered settings
- Our individualised learning approach adapts to each child's unique interests and needs
- Former CEO awarded OBE for services to education demonstrates our sector leadership
- Key worker system ensures consistent communication between staff and families
- Specialised programmes prepare children for smooth transitions to school environments
What people say
Excellent care
Loved by children
Supportive staff
Fantastic team
Amazing nursery
Services
Nursery Care
Our six nursery settings provide full-day childcare for children aged 0-5 years. Each nursery offers age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated key workers. Our programmes combine structured activities with free play to support holistic development, ensuring children build confidence and social skills while preparing for school transitions.
Out-of-School Clubs
We operate after-school clubs at three locations for children aged 4-11 years. These clubs provide safe, engaging environments with structured activities and homework support. Our staff facilitate social development through group games while maintaining continuity with each child's educational journey and family needs.
Early Years Education
Our Ofsted-registered early years programmes follow the EYFS framework while incorporating individualised learning plans. Qualified practitioners deliver tailored activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based learning. Regular progress assessments ensure children meet developmental milestones before transitioning to primary school.
Child Development Programmes
We create customised development plans for each child, focusing on emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our practitioners use observational assessments to identify learning styles and interests, then design targeted activities that promote confidence and independence while addressing specific developmental needs through continuous professional expertise.
Parent Partnership Support
We maintain regular communication between key workers and families through daily updates and formal progress reviews. Our approach recognises parents as primary educators, providing practical guidance for extending learning at home while offering emotional support during childcare transitions through experienced, empathetic staff interactions.
People
Mr Jack Hatch
Former Chief Executive Officer
Awarded OBE for services to education, Mr Hatch led St. Bede's Childcare's strategic development for 17 years, establishing six nursery settings and implementing innovative early years programmes that combine educational expertise with compassionate care.
Questions
What age groups do your nurseries cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-5 years across our six nursery settings, with dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Do you offer after-school care programmes?
Yes, we operate out-of-school clubs at three locations for children aged 4-11 years, providing care before and after school hours as well as during holidays.
How do you support children's transition to school?
Our individualised learning programmes prepare children for school through structured activities that develop social skills, independence, and academic readiness in line with EYFS guidelines.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All our practitioners hold relevant childcare qualifications with many having advanced early years specialisms, supported by ongoing professional development and Ofsted-mandated training.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates from key workers, formal progress reviews, and parent-teacher meetings to ensure consistent support for each child's development.
Are your nurseries Ofsted registered?
Yes, all six of our nursery settings are Ofsted-registered and regularly inspected to ensure we maintain the highest standards of childcare provision.
Reviews (7)
Lauren Solan
Sep 14, 2020
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My little girl has been attending Little Rainbows nursery since July and I just want to say thank you to all the staff (especially Lauren in the baby room) for being reassuring and helpful during these uncertain times. I feel my little girl is safe and looked after at Little Rainbows and she always comes out smiling 😀
Sophie Hollowood
Aug 22, 2020
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Just want to thank all the staff (especially Olivia) at little rainbows. Ava started nursery a few weeks ago and absolutely loves it. She gets excited as soon as we get there! I was so nervous to take Ava to a nursery but they made me feel so at ease as the app is constantly updated and the staff genuinely care about each child’s needs and development. I’m so glad I chose little rainbows! Thank you all so much!
Nicola Catherine
Jan 24, 2020
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I would highly reccomend Little Rainbows. The staff in baby room have been fantastic and really put my mind at ease. My little girl has settled in very well and I know the staff (especially her key worker Dawn) take very good care of her!
Zoe Zoe
Jan 16, 2020
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Can’t recommend little rainbows nursery enough all my children have been to this nursery the staff are all brilliant, my daughter enjoys going to nursery I’ve never had a problem getting her to nursery and I can only put that down to the staff being amazing with the children. Im so grateful to the staff as they have done a wonderful job of looking after caring and teaching my daughter new things and getting her ready for school this year thank you little rainbows
Laura McLeod
Jan 15, 2020
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Absolutely 100% recommend this nursery! All the staff are so lovely, my little girl goes in all smiles & with open arms to all the staff. Clean, trustworthy, friendly & safe environment.
Lesley Joyce
Jan 15, 2020
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Excellent nursery. My son has gone since being 9 months old. The staff are very attentive to your needs. All the nursery nurses are great with the children and create a fun and caring environment for them to enjoy their day and learn. They provide extra activities both in house and externally, i.e Forrest School, Swimming lessons and diddy dance. My son loves them all. Management are excellent and approachable if you have any questions. You basically want your child to be happy, healthy and safe, and Little Rainbows will provide all.
Gill Casey
Jan 15, 2020
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Excellent nursery, both my children have attended this nursery over the years from babies till leaving for school. The staff are very helpful and polite. My son is always happy to attend nursery never gets upset. They have a great range of activities they do with the children and the daily updates regarding children is really good using and online app. Highly recommended.