The Leigh Lollipops Difference                  

Happy Hearts, Curious Minds, Bright Futures

We believe childhood is a magical time of wonder, joy and discovery. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness and are committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment where children feel free to explore, play and grow, developing the independence and resilience they need for the adventures ahead. Guided by strong moral values, we model kindness, fairness, integrity and respect in all we do. We teach children to care for themselves, others and the world around them, developing empathy, honesty and responsibility. These values shape our relationships, our practice, and how we support children to become confident, compassionate and principled members of their community and the world they will help shape.

Nurture happy hearts and curious minds in a warm, caring, stimulating and secure environment where children feel safe, confident and free to be themselves. We inspire a lifelong love of learning while developing independence, kindness, resilience and integrity through joyful, meaningful play, and loving guidance - preparing children for the next stage of their learning journey and beyond with confidence and excitement, enabling them to fulfil their potential and become active contributors to the community and the world around them.

We aim for every child to leave Leigh Lollipops with:

• A strong sense of self-worth and emotional security
• A lifelong love of learning
• Confidence to embrace new challenges
• Values of kindness, honesty, respect, and resilience
• Cherished memories of magical early years
• Independence and readiness for the next stage of their journey
• The ability to fulfil their potential and become active contributors to the community and society

• Happiness and Wellbeing - We prioritise joy, laughter and positive mental health, nurturing happy hearts
• Kindness - We model compassion, empathy and care, supporting positive contributions to others
• Curiosity and a Love of Learning – We celebrate curious minds through exploration, creativity and a lifelong love of learning about the world around us, building bright futures
• Safety and Security - We provide a warm, caring and secure environment where children feel safe, confident and free to be themselves
• Respect and Inclusion - We value each child and embrace diversity within our community and the wider world
• Confidence, Independence and Resilience - We help children believe in themselves, embrace challenge and grow into active contributors to their community and the wider world
• Integrity - We act with honesty, consistency and fairness in all relationships
• Partnership with Parents - We work closely with families, listening, valuing and involving them in all aspects of Nursery life and the wider community

Together, our ethos, mission, vision and values ensure Leigh Lollipops is a place where children feel truly at home - where learning is an adventure and happiness, curiosity, safety and kindness shape every moment of the day. We are passionate about creating an environment where every child is known, valued and understood, and where their individuality is celebrated and nurtured.

This strong foundation underpins our promise to families: that every child will be cared for, inspired and supported to thrive with confidence, resilience, and joy. We are committed to helping each child develop the skills, attitudes and dispositions they need not only for their next steps in learning, but for life - building bright futures as confident, capable and compassionate individuals.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. Warm, experienced, and genuinely caring, they create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, supported, and able to thrive.

We are proud to be a teacher-led Nursery, with our Head of Nursery holding Qualified Teacher Status, a Bachelor of Education (Honours) Degree, and the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership - one of the first early years leaders to achieve this highly-regarded qualification.

Alongside strong leadership, our wider team has been carefully chosen not only for their qualifications and experience, but also for their passion for helping children learn, grow, and flourish.

All staff are fully vetted with enhanced DBS checks and meet Ofsted requirements. Ongoing professional development is central to our ethos, ensuring that our team remains up to date with the latest research, best practice, and developments in early years education. Currently, 75% of our staff hold Paediatric First Aid certificates, and all team members regularly undertake further training to continually develop their skills and knowledge.

Families often tell us how much they value the strong, trusting relationships they build with our team. We take pride in getting to know every child and family as individuals and are always here with a smile, a listening ear, and a helping hand.

Outdoor learning is a cherished part of Nursery life. We are fortunate to have a wonderful garden that provides endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and play, and we make the most of every opportunity to be outside.

Beyond our Nursery grounds, we regularly venture into the surrounding countryside and woodlands, helping children develop a lifelong appreciation of nature and the rural environment. Through seasonal walks and hands-on experiences, children learn how the landscape changes throughout the year and gain an understanding of the plants, animals, and activities that shape life in the countryside.

From splashing through puddles on our much-loved 'wet wellie walks' to following woodland trails and searching for signs of seasonal change, outdoor adventures inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage a sense of wonder about the natural world. These experiences support children's physical development, wellbeing, and connection to the environment while creating memories they treasure.

At Leigh Lollipops, we are proud of our strong reputation, and record, for recognising, understanding, and supporting children's individual needs. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where all children feel valued, supported, and able to reach their full potential.

Our experienced team is highly skilled in identifying emerging needs and developmental differences at an early stage. Through careful observation, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of child development, we are often able to recognise when a child may benefit from additional support and work proactively to ensure that help is put in place as early as possible.

Our dedicated SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator) works closely with families, staff, and external professionals to coordinate support and ensure every child receives the provision they need to thrive. Where appropriate, Individual Support Plans (ISPs) are developed, implemented, and regularly reviewed to reflect each child's strengths, interests, and areas of need.

We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when the Nursery and families work together. Parents know their children best, and their insight is invaluable in helping us understand and support each child effectively. Open communication, shared goals, and a strong partnership between home and Nursery enable us to provide consistent support and celebrate progress together.

We also understand that concerns about a child's development can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our team is here to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical support throughout the process. Whether families are seeking advice for the first time, navigating referrals, or accessing specialist services, we are committed to walking alongside them with care, understanding, and expertise.

Above all, we maintain high aspirations for every child. Through personalised support, positive relationships, and a genuine belief in every child's potential, we help children develop the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to succeed - both now and in the future.

Leigh Lollipops Nursery is a registered charity and non-profit organisation, governed by a voluntary parent committee. As a not-for-profit setting, any surplus funds are reinvested directly back into the nursery, helping us enhance our resources, environment, and opportunities for children.

Registered Charity Number: 1033808