Little Ducklings Nursery Nominated for Award
8 January 2025
In recognition of its dedication to supporting military families, Little Ducklings Nursery has been nominated for the Business Award at the 2025 Celebrating Forces Families Awards.
This nomination highlights the nursery’s unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children from armed forces families.
The nomination comes after an incredible year of transformation and growth, made possible by an £80,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The funding has been a game-changer for Little Ducklings, enabling the team to undertake a major garden renovation, enhance staff training programs, and introduce new resources tailored to the unique needs of military families.
A Garden of Possibilities
One of the standout achievements funded by the grant is the near-completion of a comprehensive garden renovation. The team at Little Ducklings worked thoughtfully and strategically alongside the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to ensure the outdoor space would provide a stimulating and inclusive environment for children, regardless of the weather.
Key features of the renovated garden include:
- A Large Sand Shed: Housing a giant, floor-level sandpit, this space allows children to engage in sensory play year-round, rain or shine.
- The Learning Lodge: Designed for small group activities, this versatile space supports children’s speech and language development. It also doubles as a venue for parent classes, offering guidance on managing children’s behaviour and routines.
These additions reflect Little Ducklings’ mission to foster both educational and emotional growth for children, while also providing invaluable support to their families.
Empowering the Team
The staff at Little Ducklings have also embraced opportunities for professional development, using the grant to enhance their skills and better serve the local community. Recent training programs have covered a range of topics, including:
- Baby sling wearing, promoting bonding and comfort for infants.
- Outdoor provision, with specialised fire pit training to encourage safe and engaging outdoor learning.
- Emotional regulation techniques, equipping staff to help children navigate their feelings effectively.
- Facilitating parent classes, empowering families with tools and strategies to support their children’s development.
With additional training sessions scheduled for 2025, the team is eager to integrate their new expertise into daily practices, ensuring Little Ducklings remains a cornerstone of support for military families.
“Thank you for our nomination, we feel so lucky to be in such a supportive community and we truly love what we do! Thank you again to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their grant award!” – Keris Healey, Nursery Manager
Good luck to Little Ducklings Nursery at the 2025 Celebrating Forces Families Awards!