Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Preston
Established in 1997, Oakmount Day Nursery is a family-owned and operated childcare provider in Preston, dedicated to delivering exceptional care and education for children from babies to preschoolers. Our purpose-built facilities feature five expansive outdoor areas designed to foster creativity, physical development, and sensory exploration. With a team of highly qualified staff, we provide a nurturing environment where children thrive, supported by a play-based curriculum aligned with the Characteristics of Learning. Our outstanding Ofsted rating reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and education.We prioritise individualised attention, ensuring each child's unique needs are met through tailored routines and developmental milestones. Our home-cooked meals, prepared daily on-site, promote healthy eating habits while our structured yet flexible approach prepares children for seamless transitions to primary school. As a family-run business, we maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere where parents feel confident their children are safe, valued, and supported throughout their early years journey.
Services
Baby Unit
Toddler Unit
Pre-School Unit
Outdoor Play Areas
Sensory Activities
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25 years of experience in early childhood education
- Five expansive outdoor learning environments for active play
- Daily home-cooked meals prepared on-site by qualified chefs
- Outstanding Ofsted inspection rating demonstrating quality standards
- Personalised care with dedicated staff-to-child ratios
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Settled and happy
Supportive staff
Wonderful resources
Seamless school transition
Amazing with children
Services
Baby Unit
Our Baby Unit provides nurturing care for children aged 6 months to 2 years in three specially designed rooms. Each space focuses on different developmental needs - from creating homely environments in B1 to promoting physical movement in B2 and open exploration in B3. Our experienced caregivers deliver personalised attention, maintaining consistent routines while introducing age-appropriate sensory activities that stimulate developing senses through tactile materials, visual displays, and auditory experiences.
Toddler Unit
The Toddler Unit fosters natural curiosity and social development for children aged 2-3 years. Through structured play activities and cooperative learning, we develop speech and language skills while building self-confidence. Our secure environment features age-appropriate resources that encourage both independent exploration and group interaction. Daily outdoor play sessions help develop motor skills while cosy reading areas promote literacy through storytelling and peer conversations.
Pre-School Unit
Our Pre-School Unit prepares children for formal education through play-based learning that develops self-sufficiency and teamwork. The curriculum follows the Characteristics of Learning framework, encouraging curiosity, focus, and idea exploration. We offer specialist activities including swimming lessons, dance classes, and Spanish tuition. Our school readiness programme develops essential skills like self-dressing, independent eating, and foundational concepts in mathematics, science and literacy.
Outdoor Areas
Five expansive outdoor areas provide diverse play opportunities for physical development and sensory stimulation. Children engage with natural elements, tactile materials, and purpose-built equipment that encourages imaginative play and motor skill development. Our outdoor spaces incorporate structured play zones with climbing frames and open exploration areas with gardening patches, promoting both active play and quiet reflection in natural settings.
Sensory Activities
Specially designed sensory activities support neurological development through multi-sensory experiences. We provide tactile play stations, auditory stimulation zones, and visual exploration areas that help children process sensory information. These activities are integrated across all age groups to enhance cognitive development, improve motor coordination, and develop sensory processing skills that form foundations for learning and social interaction.
People
Rosemary Tildsley
Proprietor
Rosemary has managed Oakmount since its opening in 1997, bringing 30 years of managerial experience. She holds an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and oversees daily operations while maintaining close contact with parents. A tennis enthusiast, she ensures the nursery maintains its high standards through regular staff training and quality control measures.
Steven Tildsley
Manager
As manager since 1997, Steven holds an NVQ Level 4 in early years management. He oversees safeguarding and health & safety protocols while serving as a positive male role model for children. With 22 years' experience in childcare, he combines operational management with direct engagement with the children and families.
Nicola McHaddan
Deputy Safeguarding Officer
Nicola joined in 2008 after 14 years teaching in primary schools. She holds a PGCE and EYP Level 6 qualification, overseeing curriculum implementation across the nursery. As the designated safeguarding officer, she ensures compliance with educational standards while maintaining close links with external agencies and parents.
Shelley Walker
Deputy Manager
Shelley has been deputy manager since 1996, supporting both staff and children while maintaining quality standards. She serves as SENCO, managing special needs provision and staff training programmes. With extensive experience in early years education, she plays a key role in mentoring apprentices and maintaining operational excellence.
Kris Gilmour
Deputy Manager
Kris has worked at Oakmount since 2004, holding an NVQ Level 3 qualification. As deputy manager, she supports daily operations while fulfilling safeguarding responsibilities. Her long-term experience contributes to maintaining consistent care standards across all nursery units through effective team leadership and quality control measures.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for at Oakmount Day Nursery?
We provide care for children from 6 months to preschool age, with separate units for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children.
How do you ensure children's safety and security?
We maintain secure premises with controlled access, trained safeguarding officers, and strict pick-up procedures to ensure child safety at all times.
Can I visit the nursery before enrolling my child?
Yes, we encourage prospective parents to schedule visits to tour our facilities and meet our qualified staff team.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold minimum NVQ Level 2 qualifications in childcare, with many possessing higher qualifications and specialist training in areas like SEN provision.
How do you support children with special educational needs?
Our dedicated SENCO works with families and external agencies to create personalised support plans for children with additional needs.
What is your approach to early years education?
We use play-based learning aligned with the Characteristics of Learning framework to develop essential skills through engaging, child-led activities.
