The 20 Best Child led learning activities in Manchester

“Can not recommend Puddle Ducks enough. Made to feel so welcome, super friendly staff and a lovely set up! Highly highly recommend! X”

“We absolutely adore Siân's SEN Holiday Forest School Sessions. We joined in the summer of 2023 and quickly fell in love with the holiday sessions. It can be quite challenging when our usual group activities come to a halt, as our entire family thrives on structure and routine. Our daughter has an immense passion for the outdoors and revels in any messy or sensory play. If it were up to her, she'd make the great outdoors her permanent home! Right from day one, Sian extended a warm welcome and dedicated time to truly understand how our daughter prefers to engage. She has patiently built a strong connection with our daughter at her own pace. The activities provided are nothing short of amazing, especially for our daughter, who immerses herself fully in sensory experiences (as you can see in the photos!). Furthermore, the lunch and snacks offered here are fantastic. Our daughter can be quite particular about her safe and unsafe foods, but every visit here has her enjoying the delicious lunch provided. We sincerely appreciate the tremendous effort you put into creating safe and nurturing environments for children with special educational needs. ❤️”

“I cannot recommend Educare enough. From Becky, the manager, to each and every one of my son's key workers throughout the three years he has been there (Kirsty, Nicola, Emy, Alicia, Lizzie, Amy, Elena), I have always felt he is in the safest hands. Every member of staff is just the loveliest - they put tonnes of effort into the activities they plan, and parents are kept up to date with progress and pictures. Nothing is ever too much, even when I call up in the middle of the day because "he just seemed a bit sad this morning and I wanted to check whether he's cheered up and now having a good day!". They don't just give it lip service, they keep me on the line as they go to check on him, and will pass me on to his key worker if a bigger update is needed. Any time he's had a bump or fall (he's a kid, it's going to happen!), it's been recorded, and I've had a detailed account of exactly how it came about - which ALWAYS matches up to my son's description of the event, too. I really do love all the staff here, they provide a really personal touch which makes the world of difference. And to have your kid come home and say their key worker is their BEST FRIEND is the most heartwarming thing ever. He feels safe, and so do I.”

“My son’s been attending here now since just after the Easter half term this year. My sons developed in so many ways , he can be quite stubborn at the best of times , standards here are super high and work with every single child needs no matter how high or how low. Staff are incredibly on form with teaching and how they run things and have a very highly standard of professionalism which you can see. They are open and honest with each parent . Reporting back each day if anything needs to be addressed or reported. There on form with everything. Highly recommended nursery for your child to go too especially if your wanting a nursery for your child with such high standards of learning and still at the same time as your child being able to still be a child at the same time”

“Myself and my son love Jen's story and sensory sessions. Jen is so lovely and personable with each and every child and adult.”

“I am so happy that I found Forest Feet! My son started in September and has loved every moment being there. As a first time mum and the parent of a SEN child it was quite nerve wrecking to find a nursery that would suit my sons free spirited nature as well as give him everything he needed for his development. Nikita is such a kind hearted and loving individual who has a real passion for children to develop in an environment and ethos that promotes self-esteem, creativity, confidence and independence. She leads her team in this ethos and has some amazing staff in the nursery. Nikita has worked tirelessly to create and adapt to my sons needs which has been an immense support to not only him but myself also. The nursery compromises of an indoor space with a Montessori layout where children can learn and play independently. The outdoor area is wonderful with various activities for the children where they can freely explore and play within nature. If you are looking for somewhere that allows your child to grow holistically at their own pace with the loving support of great individuals then this is the place for you!”

“An incredible child care setting. Staff are amazing and so kind , very organised and passionate about this outdoor style of working.”

“Excellent service! We used a cat sitter for the first time and were not disappointed with Clare...We found our cat happy and the litter box clean. We were always updated during our vacation about our cat. I advise everyone to contact Diddly Steps, great prices.”

“Nurture is a lovely nursery. The facilities are fantastic including a huge garden. Most importantly, the staff all care so much about the children and many are really experienced in what they do. Managers are very responsive and overall it's a fantastic environment.”

“I’m so happy and content with the care & support Tiddlywinks give to my daughter each and every day. The staff go above and beyond to promote her development. My eldest also goes to their after school club, which makes it’s so much easier collecting them both together after work.”

“Our Daugter attended Hazelwood Nursey from 7 months old and now attends the After school/holiday club. We have always been thrilled with the level of care and commitment to our daugter on a daily basis. At eight years old she still talks about the Aunties and wonderful memories she has. Hazelwood Nursery offers a home from home for our child. We always felt happy and resssured leaving her in the wonderful care of the dedicated staff team. They offer a superb after school and holiday club which has been an invaluable extention of our daughters learning and development. I would highly recommend Hazelwood Nursery. S Hagon (father).”

“Little Angel Day Nursery has contributed a lot in my kid's growth. Staff is very supportive and every personalized request in office is taken very sincerely. Activities are very good and diverse. We get timely update on their App about child's day to day activity/diet. My kid felt safe and happy in this nursery. Thanks to everyone in Little Angel for making my kid independent and confident.”

“So far I’m enjoying kids planet everything is smooth and I feel like Josiah is safe and learning. I especially love the app where I’m updated about Joshiah day”