Adventure Awaits...

Little Explorers will provide a stimulating and safe environment for children ages three months to five years.

child centered

Child-centered care in a warm and welcoming environment

Early Years TeachER Led

Early Years Teacher led, with a highly qualified and experienced staff team

early years foundation stage

Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, specifically developed for children from birth to 5 years

We are a private day nursery open Monday to Friday 7.30am until 6pm – term time only, available for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our main core day operates 9am until 4pm with the opportunity to attend breakfast / afterschool club. We have three main playrooms – Explorers, Adventurers and our sensory room. Outside we provide a large open area for children to enjoy, socialise and discover their inner little explorer.

Forest School accredited for outdoor learning

Discover Our Daycare

Childcare
in the
heart of
Rainford

We are fortunate enough to be in a fantastic location where near-by we have beautiful walks, parks, farms and shops.Children are always the centre of any planning and following their interests is so important to us ; whilst following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum set by the government. We have a system in nursery using electronic tablets and this is where we do numerous weekly observations and capture any magic moments – the system we use is ‘EYLOG’ and through this; parents/carers/grandparents can download an app and receive updates and pictures of your child/children within minutes straight to your phone. It is also two way so you can interact with your child’s keyperson via messages and even upload pictures from any exciting weekend adventures!

breakfast and after school club

choose the days to suit you

funded places available for 3, 4 and 5 year olds

MEET OUR Team

These are the people who make every day an adventure for your child

Heather Lomas

Owner

Hi, I’m Heather, I am our Early Years Teacher. I have come to early years later in my career, previously working in logistics and marketing alongside raising my own family.

I have a passion for Early Years education. I believe that high quality education and care can really give our children the building blocks they need for life. I am undertaking my Forest School practitioner qualification and love sharing my passion for the outdoors with our children.

Rachel McHugh

Manager

Hi, my name’s Rachel and I am very proud to be the manager of Little Explorers, I have been working here for almost 5 years, and I have loved every minute.

My pedagogical (teaching style) approach is centered around child lead learning, I believe children learn best when they are together, developing skills from their observations and surroundings. With children having a role model, they can learn individually and open themselves to wider educational opportunities.

Amy Fairclough

Deputy Manager – Explorers

Hi, I’m Amy and I have been working at Little Explorers for 7 years, as deputy manager. I am level 3 qualified and based in the under 3’s room.

I believe children learn best in an enriched environment and love using nature and the outdoors. I love working within small groups ensuring the child is at the centre of the learning.

I am the proud mummy of a 5 year old daughter which takes up most of my time! I enjoy going out with friends and I have a season ticket for Saints Rugby League.

Kirsty Barlow

Adventurers

Hello, I’m Kirsty and I am based in Adventurers ages 3 to 5 years. I have been working at Little Explorers for nearly 3 years and I absolutely love what I do. I believe that children learn in a collaborative environment, where the teacher introduces new skills and children go on to discover them in their own learning.
I am the proud mummy of 2 little girls and I live with my husband in St Helens. In my spare time I enjoy going for fun family days out and camping

Jane Duffy

Explorers

Hi! My name is Jane and I have been working at Little Explorers for 6 years and I couldn’t imagine ever being anywhere else – having cuddles and seeing our children grow is a wonderful feeling. I believe that children develop their learning skills in a self lead environment. I love spending time outdoors and exploring the natural environment with the children. I also work alongside Wendy during lunchtime and ensure healthy meals and safe eating at mealtimes.

I live in Rainford with my husband and am a proud mum of 2 teenagers. In my spare time I enjoy walking, having lovely family days out and taking trips to Wales.

Wendy Cropper

Lunchtime Cover / Bank Staff

Hello, I am Wendy and I am lunchtime supervisor – I have been working at Little Explorers for 6 years and I am currently the nursery cook providing healthy meals for our children. I am level 5 qualified and I supervise children, ensuring safety and healthy eating during mealtimes alongside Jane. I love coming in every day to hear from the children all and the exciting things that have happened during the morning!

I live in Upholland with my husband and I am proud mother of 2. In my spare time I travel with my daughter Caitlin to various football matches across the borough, socialising with friends and taking family days out on our boat!

Bex Colbourne

Adventurers

Hi, im Bex. I joined the team after having a career for 12 years in Aviation. For those of you that have spoken to me you might notice that I talk a little bit differently, that’s because I have relocate from Warminster to St Helens. I am quickly learning about all the differences of life in the north!

I am training to complete my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and I am really enjoying learning all about early years. I love working with the children and being involved in their learning and development, especially sensory play and singing.

Emily Glynn

Adventurers

Hi im Emily, I have been an early years practitioner for 3 years. I love spending time outdoors with the children. I really believe the Forest School ethos and that children learn best when they are outdoors getting muddy and exploring. When i’m at home I have a passion for baking, and spending time with family.

Laura Stephens

Adventurers

Hi I’m Laura, and I am really excited to have joined the team here a Little Explorers. I have a background in Primary School education with a strong focus on preschool phonics and maths.

I love spending time outdoors and really enjoy getting involved with the children learning, whether its counting in sticks in the mud or filling, measuring and pouring in the water. I am the proud mum of 2 boys and currently renovating a house in my spare time.

AIDEN Carter

Explorers

Hi, my name is Aiden, I have been working within the childcare sector for 3 years now and I couldn’t dream of doing anything else. I love watching the children grow, learn and develop as well as just having fun and spending their time socializing.

My pedagogy is around outdoor learning and believe children can get so much from nature and being hands on in the natural world from getting messy in the mud to the life cycles of plants and wildlife.

In my spare time I enjoy going for walks in the country, baking and learning new skills and I am excited to start my journey at Little Explorers.

CLAIRE SPINKS

Explorers

Hi, I’m Clare. I recently joined Little Explorers as bank staff two days a week and immediately fell in love with the children and staff, it is such a lovely place to work. I have been an Early Practitioner for over 12 years and have experience working with children in a variety of settings, including Primary Schools. My background in Education, was as a Teacher and I have extensive experience working in Early Years and with Children with Special Educational Needs, particularly Autism. My teaching style is very child-centred, as I have found through experience that young children learn best through play and exploring their environment. Therefore, I see the teacher/practitioner as a facilitator for learning to support and guide children, whilst allowing them to develop confidence and independence in their own time. This gives them a solid foundation which then supports them when it is time to go to school and learn in a more formal setting. When I am not at Little Explorers, I am usually at home running my three small businesses, which takes up most of my time. I am a qualified children’s yoga and Mindfulness Teacher and run two classes a week (online at the moment), home dog boarder and I also home-school a child with Autism and provide 1-2-1 tutoring sessions for primary aged children in Phonics, Literacy and Maths. When I am not working, I enjoy looking after my three guinea pigs, cooking and doing yoga. They say never work with animals or children, but I don’t think that rule applies to me as I am so passionate about both.

What our Parents Say

What do other parents think of us..?

Me and my little girl love this nursery, she attended here from 9 months old and enjoyed it every day and the girls helped her develop very single day and supported her were she needed it.
The staff are such a lovely group of girls. my little girl is now in preschool and still loves going in to see the girls. Highly recommend prefect nursery for anyone who is looking.

Thank you again for everything you did for us!!