Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)

Ascot Priory, Priory Road, Ascot SL5 8RT
Review Us
9.8 18 Reviews
  • Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road), Ascot
Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot is set within the beautiful private grounds of Ascot Priory. Offering childcare for 3–5 year-olds (Puddleduck Day Nursery is just down the road for under 3's), the setting provides Forest School sessions, access to woodland walks, chickens, and horses, with daily outdoor exploration.

Children thrive in two well-equipped playrooms with free-flow access to gardens and mud kitchens. The curriculum embraces learning through play, encouraging curiosity and independence. A qualified Forest School leader, two SENCOs, and an on-site chef support a nurturing team.

Their nursery app keeps families updated daily, while lending libraries and take-home packs extend learning at home. Located near Bracknell and Ascot stations, the preschool is ideally placed for local families and those commuting. With strong community links and a warm, home-from-home approach, they support every child to flourish.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Natalie Hillhouse (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 4

Total Places for Children

  • 30

Age Range

  • from 2 years 6 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Parking available just in front of Puddleduck's front door.

Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) Reviews (18)

9.8

Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.842) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) has 18 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 16
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 18
  • 1
  • 15
  • 18
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
  • 17
  • 1
Total of 18, showing 1-18
Review from Lucy T (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has just started at Puddleducks and so far we are so happy with everything. He struggled to settle at his previous nursery so I was worried about changing him but he has settled immediately! He is excited to come each day and even forgets to say bye to me at the door!
The staff are welcoming,
friendly and experienced. They have gone above and beyond to help us with the move and with extra support and information as my son has ADHD and has required more support.
Communication is easy and straightforward and they keep you well informed on what your little one is up to through out the day.
So far, we could not be happier ! Thank you Puddleducks!
Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road). It's lovely to hear that your little one quickly settled in and is so excited to attend each day! Our warm, friendly team take…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lucy M (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our eldest has been at Puddleducks Preschool in Ascot since he was one year old and will be leaving to start school this September.
He settled in well and really still enjoys his time at Puddleducks. He's made great bonds with the staff and children.
The staff are approachable and really care about
the children. They were supportive with the adjustment of a new sibling.
It's great to see photos and updates of the range of fun and educational nursery activities shared on the app. The forest school in particular is a wonderful place for the children to explore, learn and enjoy nature.
The recent change of ownership has rejuvenated the nursery, especially the toys and equipment in the rooms.
Now our 1 year old daughter has just started at Puddleducks too. We're in the process of settling her and the staff have been very caring and supportive. We hope she'll enjoy it as much as her big brother.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool! Our teams at both the day nursery down the road and the preschool really are lovely and invested in each child. We are so grateful that we have been…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This setting is just wonderful in every sense. The staff who work there are professional, truly kind and caring. The activities, the forest, the outdoor area, the little family events, just everything is more than we could have ever wished for. Our little boy loves going to preschool. We are so grateful
to have found such a lovely setting and know he comes away each time having had a wonderful day.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We're very happy to hear that your son enjoys his time with us so much! Our amazing team truly has created something special at our…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Alex N (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child feels safe and happy attending Puddleduck Preschool. The staff are excellent at keeping my husband and I updated with what they are doing throughout the day.
Forest school is a fantastic asset of the nursery as the children have access to exploring nature, campfires and a mud kitchen.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are very glad your child feels safe and happy - safety is one of our main priorities as we know how important that is for the child, the…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gemma B (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't recommend this nursery more. The staff make it a fun, educational and, most importantly, safe place for all the children. My daughter absolutely loves going, which makes it a lot easier to drop her off in the morning.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so grateful for your recommendation! Our team is dedicated to making it a healthy, safe, fun and high-quality educational environment…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot highly enough! Both of my children attend, with one in the baby room and one in the older room. My daughter has been going since she was 10 months old and will soon be heading off to big school! She has already told me she doesn't want to go and leave
her friends and teachers! Puddleducks have made such an impact on her in so many ways; she's full of confidence, she's polite, she's helpful, her literacy and mathematics skills have developed, her physical capability has developed thanks to extra opportunities like playball and she absolutely loves forest school. I cannot speak highly enough about all of the teachers, they are the most accommodating, friendly, warm group of people. The food is nutritious and varied and the activities are endless, with plenty for the children to do during the day, in a stunning environment. Both children are thriving at Puddleducks and I could not be happier with my choice of nursery for them. Thank you Puddleduck!
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. What lovely feedback - our team will be so delighted to read this! Seeing your child develop so wonderfully is a great adventure, one we are…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is now our second child to have attended Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot after our first daughter went there when we moved into the area. Our eldest daughter who first attended the nursery was nervous due to the new area and new friends but she became settled very quickly. She made strong
friendships and loved all of the staff.
My daughter who currently attends can be shy when meeting new people, but she absolutely adores all of the staff and children and can happily be herself there. She loves the mixture of outdoor and indoor activities, especially forest school and play ball. This nursery has the perfect balance of learning and playing that has seen both of my daughters flourish. I would highly recommend!
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. How lovely to read about how you have experienced both of your children's educational journeys with us! We are so grateful and proud to have…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Chris C (Father of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves coming to Puddleducks Preschool, and it has done her a world of good for her social and personal development.
The management team and the team have created such a stimulating, fun and constructive environment for my child to develop, learn, make new friends and get prepared
for the world of school.
We get regular updates on how she's interacting with others and progressing in her key skills - with personalised updates for new activities that she's been trying to help with literacy, numeracy and problem solving.
She talks about preschool, her keyworkers and the friends that she's made constantly at home to anyone who will listen, and can't wait until she's next there! We will definitely be sending our son when he is ready to attend too.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We know choosing a childcare provider can be a tough decision, but hearing about a child who asks to go to preschool and loves going…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The manager and her team have done a fantastic job transforming the setting in recent months. The Oak Room provides a fun, stimulating and nurturing environment for our daughter which will prepare her brilliantly for school.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We're so glad you are happy with the changes we have made! We know how important the setting is in contributing to a successful Early Years…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from D S (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child has attended Puddleducks Preschool for a number of years. She really enjoys the different activities this nursery offers and forest school has been a huge part of this. She has formed close bonds with many of the staff and children. The nursery are fantastic at helping children get ready for
the transition to school. It's a wonderful setting and an nurturing environment.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so glad to hear your daughter enjoys our setting and the team - they truly are dedicated to and passionate about providing…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Philippa H (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child settled in from the very first day because the staff are so caring and kind and the activities are always engaging and fun. The chef also goes out of her way to make meals healthy and nutritious and cater to any child's needs. I really can't recommend Puddleduck Preschool enough! The icing
on the cake is the forest school which my child enjoys - especially toasting marshmallows on the open fire!
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so glad your child enjoys the meals our wonderful chef prepares - we know healthy and varied eating is so important in the Early…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Maria J (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery - staff are wonderful and very informative. Our son loves the activities they put on for him, especially the forest school. Our son loves going to nursery and I think that speaks a thousand words!
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so glad your son loves our nursery and forest school - we love it too! It surely helps give you as the parent peace of mind when…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hannah B (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Puddleduck Preschool for 2 years now and my older son also attended from 1, all the way up until he went to school. We are very happy with the nursery and cannot recommend them enough especially the staff who have such a lovely relationship with all the children.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so pleased to hear that you have enjoyed both of your son's journeys' with us! Our amazing team truly cares for the wellbeing and…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Charlie W (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't be happier with my son's nursery. The staff are caring, attentive, and truly dedicated to the children's well-being and development. My son loves going every day and has made great progress in his learning and social skills. The environment is warm, welcoming, and full of engaging activities.
I highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a safe and nurturing place for their child.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review of Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are so pleased to hear that your son loves attending and that you have seen such positive progress! Our amazing team is dedicated to…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Puddleducks since August and has come on a long way since then. They've helped his confidence grow and all members of have staff have formed a bond with him. They do one-on-one time with him to help his speech improve and they give daily updates/ photos on an app which is nice
to see when I'm working. The outdoor space is incredible. I have nothing but positive things to say about the preschool. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Thank you for your review and feedback on Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot. We are really glad to hear that your son has developed so well within the time he has been with us. We do all we can to provide…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J J (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has created some amazing bonds with the teachers and made lots of friends. The teachers have always welcomed us with smiles and warmth at drop off and pick up and even after a long day working they still have happy energy handing over what they had been up to through the day.
I always feel
confident and happy that he is in safe hands. The manager and/or deputy is always around if you need any questions answered and always with a happy kind persona. The new owners have given the nursery a new lease of life with new exciting furniture to help the little ones with their imagination.
I am very sad that my son will be leaving such a happy safe environment but it is time for primary school. My son's last day at preschool is going to be emotional.
Reply from Laura Wiltshire, Marketing Executive at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Hi there, thank you so much for leaving a glowing review of our Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot, Priory Road! While new owners can often be scary, we are so glad to hear that you have noticed a new…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Siobhan K (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Puddleduck has been a home-from-home experience for my daughter. I will be very sad when she leaves in the coming months for school. In the words of my daughter who says, "I don't want to grow up and go to big school, I want to stay at Puddleduck with my friends and teachers!" All the staff have been
incredible with her, they are all so caring, attentive and have been a huge part of her development and learning. The makeover of the nursery recently is wonderful, the forest school is so lovely and the outdoor area and the learning opportunities that Puddleduck have created have been unforgettable. A big thank you to the staff who have played a huge part in my daughter's happiness at Puddleduck!
Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our warm, friendly team are so passionate about helping children to learn and grow. Children are nurtured and supported in the development of new…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from T F (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Puddleduck since she was 18 months old, she is soon to be 4 and leaving for big school in September. It has been the most wonderful experience for her, the staff/key workers are so nurturing and kind, the classrooms are lovely and the grounds are huge! The forest school is great
and so important for the kids to be outdoors. My 2nd child will be going to Puddleduck too!
Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)
Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's so great to read that your little one has had such a wonderful experience with us! Our warm, supportive and nurturing team are so passionate…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.842)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.842) out of 10 for Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.842 for Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) is calculated as follows: ( (183 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 215 Ratings = 4.842
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 30 number of registered child places is 6, which has been reached with 18 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (13)

Loading...

Meet the Team (1)

Natalie

Natalie

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024

Natalie is a highly experienced nursery manager with ten years of leadership in childcare. She holds a level three qualification in childcare and has earned various certificates, including Paediatric First Aid and Special Educational Needs training. As a dedicated mother, Natalie understands the importance of a nurturing environment. Before transitioning to childcare, Natalie gained valuable experience working in care homes. Natalie's blend of professional expertise and personal insight ensures a safe and enriching setting for every child in her care.

Frequently Asked Questions about Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road)

What is the Age Range of Children that Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) accepts?

Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) accepts Children aged from 2 years 6 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) Open?

Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) have capacity for?

Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) has capacity for a total of 30 Children.

How far is Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) to the centre of Ascot?

1.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Puddleduck Preschool in Ascot (Priory Road) has an Enhanced Service - more info.