Ducklings Childcare

14 The Causeway, Godmanchester, Huntingdon PE29 2HA
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9.9 30 Reviews
  • Ducklings Childcare, Huntingdon
Ducklings Childcare believes that an ambitious, well balanced and broad curriculum ensures all children have the best start in life. Having a well embedded curriculum enables children to reach their full potential to become lifelong learners. The team recognise all children as individuals and support each child to make progress from their next steps and interests whilst learning through play.

The Development Matters framework enables child-led learning which helps children become confident, capable, develop their own ideas and theories whilst practitioners support and extend on learning. This starts with the three prime areas (communication and language, physical development, and personal , social and emotional development) in Little Ducklings through to Nest, whilst Pond strengthen these with the four specific areas (mathematics, literacy, understanding the world and expressive arts and design).

The motivated staff pride themselves on knowing their key children’s interests, development stage, families and build on each child’s existing knowledge and experiences. They understand the importance of parent partnership and how parent engagement has a crucial role to play in child development. Parents use the Parent link App to be updated daily through photos, observations, development reports and to share home learning experiences.

Ducklings Childcare aims to provide a stimulating environment for children both indoors and out. This encourages children to take risks, whilst fulfilling their thriving imagination in a safe and secure environment.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kirsty Sellwood (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 4 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & between Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • No parking on site available.
    Road parking is available opposite the nursery.

9.9

Ducklings Childcare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.853) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Ducklings Childcare has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 30
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  • 13
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Reviewer Connection to Ducklings Childcare
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Total of 30, showing 21-30
Review from Camilla P (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is currently in the baby room and has been since he was about five months old (he's now twenty-one months). The staff are attentive, caring and nurturing. From the day he started, he has loved going there and has developed in every way far quicker than we expected. The meals served are varied
and the staff pay close attention to family preferences (low sugar, dairy free or vegetarian etc). I would (and do) highly recommend Ducklings to anyone.
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Review from I H (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has gone to this nursery since he was 12 months old and he has thrived in their caring, compassionate and safe environment. You can tell the staff really care about him and take the time to talk through any concerns they have with us. The handover is excellent and any concerns we have had have
been dealt with promptly and efficiently. Their facilities are fantastic with a newly refurbished garden and their menus are comprehensive and nutritious.
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Review from Heidi D (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Ducklings Childcare since September 2022. She has thrived in the setting thanks to the amazing staff and gorgeous resources/activities that are planned. Communication is super- daily handover as well as a monthly developmental update/observations which are shared on the online
platform. Wish we had chosen Ducklings sooner!
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Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but praise for Ducklings, as a first time Mum returning to work from a year on maternity leave I was understandably worried about leaving my son in someone else’s care but I had nothing to worry about! The staff at Ducklings care for my son like he is their own, he loves his time there.
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Review from J Y (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Ducklings since September 2022, when she joined the preschool room. I have been very impressed with the individual attention she has received since starting at the setting. She completely loves going and is disappointed on days she cannot attend! All the staff are incredibly
approachable and hardworking. Monthly reports, daily handovers and effective communication mean that I feel involved with her development and progress made. The activities provided allow my daughter to have a wide range of experiences ready for starting school and for succeeding in life. I have also been particularly impressed with the focus on mental health as well as physical and educational development.
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My partner and I are very happy with Ducklings. Our four-year-old and eleven-month-old go there and we know they are in good hands. They have lovely outside space, they do a range of activities and have a varied menu.
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves Ducklings Childcare so much when he comes back home he tells us what he's been doing and he asks every day to go. Amazing caring teachers, lovely setting. It brings peace of mind knowing your children are well looked after.
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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children that go to Ducklings Nursery and they both love it. The facilities are brilliant and the kids love the newly refurbished garden. We get in-depth monthly updates which I always look forward to. The staff are really lovely and give great updates on pick up.
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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ducklings Childcare gives home from home care. I wouldn't want my children attending any other setting. All the staff make you feel as though you are handing your child over to a family member, very comforting especially during the settling in sessions. All the meals are cooked from scratch with lots
of variety too. When it came to my eldest transition to primary school, the teacher commented that she could have guessed they attended Ducklings as the nursery really prepares the children for school. Also, one of my children is being investigated for SEN and the nursery have been so supportive and even took time in preparing reports for external clinicians. The setting is full of educational toys and the garden has just been refurbished too! Ducklings Childcare comes highly recommended.
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Review from Caroline A (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been so impressed with Ducklings in the past year or so. I always like the nursery but now I love it. My daughters both think it is a special place where they form great friendships with peers but also wonderful learning relationships with the adults around them. They love going there and always
talk about how lovely everyone is. If ever I have had a slight concern I feel it is dealt with in a heartbeat and you can’t ask more than that from somewhere you send your children. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ducklings and in fact have to many many people.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.853)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.853) out of 10 for Ducklings Childcare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.853 for Ducklings Childcare is calculated as follows: ( (135 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.853
  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 Ducklings Childcare is based on 13 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 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 13 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (15)

Kirsty

Kirsty Sellwood

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2011

I have had the pleasure of working here at Ducklings for 14 years.


I have been fortunate enough to experience all of the age ranges and work in all the rooms alongside the evolving team.


I am thrilled that we received our Outstanding rating by Ofsted and that I was lucky enough to be a part of the day after many years of being rated Good.


I have a great team who work hard and support each other to deliver the best care and experiences for all the children.

Julie

Julie Odell

Job Title: Senior Manager Joined: 2020

"I have enjoyed a varied career within early years for over 30 years working with babies through to preschool.


I have a level 5 qualification-Foundation Degree in Early Years and have been part of the Ducklings team, room leader in the baby room since 2020.


I have two grown-up sons who I enjoy spending time with along with my husband and 3 spaniels."

Sarah

Sarah Toulson

Job Title: Senior Manager Joined: 2016

I have been working at Ducklings for 7 years, starting out as an apprentice, working up to preschool room leader and now senior manager. It has been wonderful watching the nursery evolve into the outstanding setting we are today. I have a passion for inspiring curiosity to support children's learning.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Taylor

Job Title: Nursery Chef Joined: 2019

I have been in the catering industry for 38+ years and have been lucky enough to cook for children of all ages for around 20 years.


I love watching the children progress and grow. I produce nutritious meals for all ages, and stages and cater for allergens/preferences within our care.


I work with a great team and value the environment we work in.

Suzy

Suzy Sheehan

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2010

Hi, I’m Suzy, and I’ve had the pleasure of working at Ducklings Childcare for thirteen years. It is a rewarding role and I love helping the children to learn, grow and develop to their full potential, in a fun and caring environment that promotes learning through play. I also enjoy building positive and professional relationships with their family, so that they feel involved in their child’s learning and know that I care.
I have had forest school training and enjoy nature based activities, sharing a lovely story in our wonderful garden and messy play dough making!
I was also happy to have been involved in our Ofsted day and hear the wonderful feedback.

Claire

Claire Hill

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2021

Hi, I'm Claire, I have worked in childcare for over 18 years and have two boys of my own. I love reading and providing the children with sensory activities. I have worked at Ducklings for almost 4 years and I love the family feel we have!

Ella

Ella Coles

Job Title: L2 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

Hi, I'm Ella and I'm a level 2 nursery practitioner at Ducklings Nursery.


I love being in the baby room and working alongside my team. I love my job as a practitioner as I find it very rewarding to support babies develop and grow into their next stage of learning.

Abigail

Abigail Maxwell

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2021

Hello, my name is Abi. I am currently completing my level 3. I work in the baby room and love working alongside my team and the children. I have a child of my own, that has inspired my work within the baby room. I enjoy creating and working together as a team to create new ways for the babies to explore and develop within our setting.

Emma

Emma McNamara

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2021

Hi, I'm Emma, I've been working at Ducklings for over a year now. I've managed to support children in all rooms. I'm very organised and always try my best to go above and beyond.


I love watching the children develop and pass all the important milestones within their early years.

Evie

Evie Drane

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2023

Evie is the newest member of the Ducklings Team. She came to Ducklings a few years ago for her work experience. Evie is passionate and motivated, she's excited about her new adventure into Childcare.

Samantha

Samantha Pratt

Job Title: Nursery Lunchtime assistant Joined: 2023

Hi I'm Sam!


I have had many years experience with children from working on the children's ward to raising 6 children of my own.
I enjoy working with all ages and supporting children and staff during the core hours of the day. Engaging and supporting during meal times, explaining the importance of a well-balanced diet and helping children be independent.

Millie

Millie Vail

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner level 2 Joined: 2023

Millie has recently started the Ducklings team.
She has worked in childcare settings previously and is excited to start her journey here at Ducklings!

Keira

Keira Rice

Job Title: L2 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2023

Keira has recently joined the Ducklings Team, she has lots of experience working with children of all ages and is excited to start her journey with us!

Stephanie

Stephanie Pears

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

Stephanie is the newest member of the Ducklings Family.
Steph has worked in childcare for many years starting as a childminder and has worked in a setting for over 5 years, she has lots of childcare experience with children of all ages and stages of development including SEND.


We look forward to Stephanie starting her Ducklings journey!

Clare

Clare Weston

Job Title: Unqualified Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2025

Clare has joined our team after previously having a break from childcare to work at Nuffield Health Papworth for 6 years.
Clare has had experience as an after school club playworker and been a lunchtime supervisor at a primary school.
Clare lives in Godmanchester and has a grown up son of her own
Clare is looking forward to working towards a Level 3 qualification

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Ducklings Childcare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Ducklings Childcare has an Enhanced Service - more info.