Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Portslade
Established in 2006, Baby Ducks is an OFSTED-registered playgroup dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and preschool education for children aged 1 to 5 years. Our philosophy centers on creating a happy, secure environment where physical, emotional, and educational needs are met through play-based learning. As a family-run business, we prioritize affordability without compromising standards, offering flexible hours and funding options to support diverse family needs. Our team of experienced childcare practitioners holds qualifications in early years education, paediatric first aid, and safeguarding, ensuring children receive expert care.We maintain strong partnerships with local schools to facilitate smooth transitions to Reception classes and use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to keep parents informed of their childs progress. With over 15 years of operation in Portslade, we have nurtured hundreds of children, fostering independence, confidence, and a love for learning.
Services
Preschool Education
Funded Places
Flexible Hours
Tapestry Learning Journals
Parent Updates
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We are OFSTED-registered with over 15 years of experience in early years education.
- Our team holds Level 3 qualifications and paediatric first aid certifications.
- Flexible hours and funding options tailored to family needs.
- Proven track record in preparing children for school with confidence.
- Transparent communication via Tapestry online learning journals.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- QuILT Gold
What people say
Happy environment
Excellent staff
Confidence growth
Smooth school transition
Engaging activities
Services
Childcare Services
Baby Ducks offers structured childcare for children aged 15, combining play-based learning with emotional and educational support. Our OFSTED-registered setting prioritizes safety, independence, and school readiness through tailored activities. Parents benefit from flexible hours and transparent communication via Tapestry journals.
Funded Places
We provide government-funded childcare hours as part of the Early Years Free Entitlement. No additional fees apply for funded sessions, allowing families to access quality education at no extra cost. Flexible booking aligns with individual needs within our term-time schedule.
Tapestry Learning Journals
Tapestry journals document childrens development through photos, observations, and assessments aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents receive real-time updates and can contribute, fostering collaboration between staff and families to enhance learning outcomes.
Flexible Hours
Families can book hours within our term-time opening times, starting from one hour weekly. Early starts and extended sessions accommodate varying needs, with no restrictions on funded hour usage. This adaptability supports gradual settling-in periods for children.
Parent Partnerships
We prioritize open communication through daily handovers, Tapestry updates, and termly parent meetings. Parents receive guidance on supporting learning at home, including strategies for emotional development and toilet training, ensuring consistency between nursery and family environments.
People
Gary Cambell-Smith
Owner
Gary co-founded Baby Ducks in 2006 after a retail management career. He oversees operations, leveraging his business experience to maintain affordable, high-quality childcare. His focus on accessibility and family needs drives the nurserys ethos.
Zo Cambell-Smith
Manager
Zo, an Early Years Professional with over 20 years experience, co-founded Baby Ducks. She holds a degree in Learning and Development and ensures educational standards align with OFSTED requirements. Her leadership emphasizes staff training and child-centered care.
Leanne Downes
Childcare Practitioner
Leanne has 15+ years in childcare, including roles as Deputy Manager. She specializes in safeguarding and SENCo training, supporting childrens diverse needs. Her return in 2023 strengthened continuity and expertise within the team.
Maryann Clifford
Deputy Manager
Maryann, with a Level 3 qualification since 2009, rejoined Baby Ducks in 2022. She manages the Green Team and brings extensive experience in team leadership and paediatric first aid, ensuring operational and safety standards are met.
Lois Jordan
Childcare Practitioner
Lois, a Level 2 qualified practitioner, joined in 2022. She oversees the Yellow Team and applies her safeguarding expertise. Her background in local childcare settings enhances her ability to support childrens social and academic growth.
Questions
What age range does Baby Ducks cater to?
We accept children aged 1 to 5 years, offering tailored activities for different developmental stages.
Are funded childcare places available?
Yes, we provide government-funded hours under the Early Years Free Entitlement with no additional fees.
How does Baby Ducks support school readiness?
Our play-based curriculum and partnerships with local schools ensure children develop independence, confidence, and foundational skills for Reception classes.
Can parents view their child’s progress online?
Yes, Tapestry online journals provide real-time updates with photos, observations, and assessments shared securely with families.
What are the operating hours?
We are open Monday–Thursday 8:30am–3:30pm and Friday 8:30am–12:30pm during term time only.
Is there flexibility in booking hours?
Families can book hours within our schedule, starting from one hour weekly, with options for early starts and additional sessions.
Reviews (3)
Jjnbash Seev
Jan 21, 2016
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Our children love going to Baby Ducks nursery. They are happy, safe and love learning. Staff are professional and friendly.
Miss B.
Oct 23, 2015
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I'm an infant school teacher and my 3 kids have all been to this preschool and have loved it. I would highly recommend it. The staff are all parents themselves and create a kind and caring environment in which the children thrive. Professional and engaging environment and activities too means they have all begun school with a great start in their learning.
Doc Scott
Jul 31, 2015
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Rude and uncommunicative staff coupled with an uninspiring nursery environment...Glad my little boy has moved on...Beware..
