As the UK’s first River School nursery, Ashbridge-on-Ribble provides children with an entirely unique learning experience that takes advantage of its natural surroundings. Our Nursery is situated in beautiful surroundings by the River Ribble, the ideal spot to echo our Ashbridge values of outdoor learning.
Ashbridge-on-Ribble
Ashbridge Independent School and all Ashbridge Day Nurseries take a whole child approach to education to ensure that all children leave our care as confident and well-rounded individuals. The stimulating environment of our Ashbridge Nursery in Walton-le-Dale is the ideal environment to nurture your child’s social and emotional development.
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52-Week Care
Ashbridge-on-Ribble offers 52-week care for infants from three months to four years old, where children will be nurtured by our highly qualified staff team, have access to our fantastic facilities and enjoy nutritionally balanced, no-added-sugar meals.
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Outdoor Learning
Our Walton-le-Dale Nursery offers excellent access to the outdoors. All classrooms have direct outdoor access, and children benefit from outdoor sleeping.
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River School and Boat
Unique to our Walton-le-Dale Nursery, Ashbridge-on-Ribble is home to a River School and an authentic salvaged fishing vessel ‘Ardent’, where preschool children are free to explore and play.
We are delighted to welcome you to Ashbridge on Ribble!
A nurturing environment where children are encouraged to thrive through exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections. Set in a beautiful riverside location, our nursery places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, believing that nature provides endless opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and growth.
Our River School is the UK’s first educational setting of its kind, where our children learn through immersive experiences in nature along the banks of the River Ribble. At the heart of the nursery experience is the Ardent, a salvaged fishing vessel transformed into a unique learning space, where young children engage in imaginative play and discovery aboard a real-life boat!
Our ethos is built on the foundations of respect, care, and empowerment. We recognise each child as a unique individual, full of potential, and we are committed to supporting their journey by fostering confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through consistent nurturing and genuine relationships, we create a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to be themselves.
We look forward to welcoming you into our setting.
| Abbie Rawcliffe Nursery Manager |
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Essential Info
Discover essential information about Ashbridge-on-Ribble.
Fees
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Qualifications
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS, Level 3 Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Career Overview
I have been working in early years education for over eight years, with most of my experience teaching in the EYFS. I joined Ashbridge at the start of 2024 as part of the Management Team, overseeing the two to threes and supporting our SENCO.
Professional and Personal Interests
Ashbridge allows me to take the areas of early years I love the most and develop them across our family; by building a solid foundation for children with additional needs, I have been able to expand my knowledge and use my SENCO experience to support children, families, and staff who work with special educational needs.
Outside of Ashbridge, I am a huge Formula 1 fan! My team is Ferrari and I hope to travel the world and attend as many races as I can.
Qualifications
NVQ Level 4 Children and Young People
Career Overview
I have worked in early years for over 20 years and have worked at Ashbridge for most of that time, where I have been fortunate enough to have worked at three of our settings. I started as a Nursery Practitioner and worked my way up to Nursery Manager. I have worked with all ages of children from three months up to four years.
Professional and Personal Interests
I am very passionate about the importance of building strong attachments with our children. I love watching the children explore and learn and develop and enjoy looking through their eyes at all of the exciting opportunities we provide for them. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my three cats. I enjoy watching movies and going out on nice walks. I am an avid baker and creator of cards and wonderful artwork.
Qualifications
BA in Early Years and Childhood Studies
Career Overview
I have been working in early years for 11 years and have been a manager for five years in a variety of early years settings. I have been at Ashbridge since January 2024.
Professional and Personal Interests
I have spent three years working for the DfE as a Mentor as part of their Early Years Recovery Programme. This has allowed me to network with other settings and share good practice with practitioners around Lancashire. I recently took part in the Ofsted Shadowing Programme, which allowed me to broaden my knowledge around inspections. I love spending time with my family and friends and will find any excuse to have a get-together. I enjoy reading and going for long walks.
Ashbridge-on-Ribble Ofsted Reports
Ashbridge-on-Ribble is inspected by OFSTED and we are proud to have been judged ‘outstanding’ at our most recent inspection in March 2025.
“Children value the feelings of others. Staff are such strong role models that children know how to behave admirably within their peer groups. Children rush to help one another when they see a peer is struggling with a task. They offer words or encouragement and praise to those who need them. They share, take turns and consider one another with empathy and respect.”
Ofsted report 2025
Download Our Online Prospectus
Prospective parents are encouraged to view our online prospectus to see how our Ashbridge-on-Ribble Nursery in Walton-le-Dale can benefit your child and explore more of our unrivalled facilities.
How to find us
Ashbridge-on-Ribble is located on London Road.
Use the information below to find directions.
Ashbridge-on-Ribble Day Nursery
London Road
Walton-le-Dale
Preston
PR5 4AB
You can also contact us via
email: aor@ashbridgeschool.co.uk
telephone: 01772 561 186
Learn more about Ashbridge
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Day Nurseries
At Ashbridge Day Nurseries, we’re committed to giving your child the very best start in life. Each private nursery or pre-school provides a calm and nurturing environment for your child to thrive.
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Admissions
Considering enrolling your child at Ashbridge School and Nurseries? Complete our online admissions forms.
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