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.
| Sophie & Emma Nursery Manager |
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Essential Info
Discover essential information about Ashbridge-on-Ribble.
Fees
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Qualifications
Teaching, Learning and Support degree, Level 5 Childcare
Career Overview
I have worked at Ashbridge for around 6 years and worked in all age ranges, from babies to preschool. Starting my career at Ashbridge at our Maxy Farm site, I have worked my way up through the company from Room Leader to Team Leader, and now I work at The Fledglings as part of the Management Team.
Professional and Personal Interests
I am a family-oriented person, and I love spending time with my loved ones. I enjoy being active and going to see live music bands with my friends. I am passionate about making a difference to each child’s learning and development. I love helping others and supporting people, which I carry out day to day within the nursery. A favourite part of my role is talking to parents and carers and creating strong bonds. My main priority is making the children happy!
Qualifications
Level 3 in Childcare, Level 3 in Leadership and Management, Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Career Overview
I started at Ashbridge in 2010 after many years of working alongside adults with additional needs. Soon after starting at Ashbridge, I began my NVQ Level 3 in childcare, working in the baby unit. I went on to complete an NVQ Level 3 in Leadership and Management in 2016, which helped me recognise different approaches to learning styles. In 2018, I went on maternity leave and returned in 2019 as a team leader then soon progressed to Nursery Manager. Since 2020, I have been the Curriculum and Practice Manager across the baby unit.
Professional and Personal Interests/h2>
I have a passion for children learning and exploring through the awe and wonder of the world, as well as building strong nurturing relationships with their key person. I also love to build relationships with parents and families, supporting each family in transitioning into Ashbridge.
I have two children who I love to spend time with outside of work. Having two boys means we are very active spending most of our time at football, martial arts, or tennis. We also enjoy going for walks, going on holiday to new countries, and staying in for movie nights.
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.
Career overview
Most of my career history has been in hospitality in North London. Starting in 2005 and ending in 2021 when I moved to Preston. I started out on the bar and worked my way up the ladder to Assistant manager and then Holding manager for various establishments. Working in hospitality did wonders for my confidence and my social skills. Once i moved to Preston began a career in Recruitment & Administration before having my Son who attends Ashbridge on Ribble.
Professional and personal interests
As a people person, I love meeting and greeting parents, being the welcome they see and speak to on drop off and pick-ups. Seeing my son thrive in nursery is amazing and so to be a part of the team at AOR really helps me understand and appreciate more the time and effort that all team put into making a difference to a child’s life. Being outdoors is a passion of mine and so whenever it is possible we take the opportunity go out.
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
Unique reference number: EY478907
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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