branching out

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About us

At Branching Out in Sabden, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, discovery, and meaningful connections with the natural world. We offer a warm, home-from-home environment where children are nurtured to grow and thrive through hands-on exploration, creative play, and outdoor learning.

Set in the heart of Sabden, our settings benefit from large garden spaces that extend our classrooms outdoors. Inspired by the Forest School ethos, we encourage curiosity, confidence, and resilience as children explore nature in all seasons. Creativity sits at the heart of our practice, with opportunities for art, music, storytelling, and imaginative play woven into everyday learning.

Our name reflects how we support children at every stage. Roots (under twos) focuses on secure attachments and emotional wellbeing, Branches (ages two and over) encourages confidence and exploration, and Blossoms (ages three and upwards) supports children as they flourish into independent, capable learners. At Branching Out, we help children grow strong roots, branch out, and blossom in their own unique way. 

Our Ethos

At Branching Out, our ethos underpins everything we do. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and inspired by Forest School principles, we believe children learn best through play, exploration, and real-life experiences. Our approach is child-led, inclusive, and responsive, ensuring each child is supported as a unique learner with their own interests, strengths, and needs.

The outdoors is an integral part of our daily practice, providing rich opportunities for sensory play, creativity, problem-solving, and supported risk-taking. Through strong relationships, a consistent key person approach, and a nurturing environment, we place children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging at the centre of their learning journey.

By combining high-quality early years practice with nature-based learning and meaningful community connections, we support children to develop into confident, resilient, and curious learners, ready to flourish as they grow.

 

Our Place in Sabden

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, Branching Out is based in the quaint village of Sabden — a welcoming, close-knit community surrounded by stunning countryside. Sabden is a place where everyone knows each other, and we are proud to be part of its friendly village atmosphere.

Our children regularly explore the local area, visiting the park for outdoor adventures, popping into village shops to say hello, and even stopping by the local salon to greet the team. These real-life experiences help children feel connected to their community, build confidence, and develop a genuine understanding of the world around them.

We operate from two well-loved community venues within Sabden, both offering spacious indoor environments and large outdoor garden areas that support our strong focus on outdoor play and learning. Being part of such a supportive village allows us to offer more than childcare — it gives children the opportunity to grow up with a true sense of belonging, warmth, and everyday learning woven into village life.

 

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