Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education in Harwell
Little Pippins Pre-School, established in 1970, is a community-run early years setting located in Harwell Village, Oxfordshire. Accredited by the Early Years Alliance and rated 'Good' by Ofsted, we provide high-quality education and care for children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Our purpose-built facility, nestled in the Freeman Orchard, features a large outdoor play area and an onsite Forest School. With a dedicated team of qualified professionals, we prioritise individualised learning through play-based curricula, fostering confidence and independence.Our Key Person system ensures tailored support, while our parent partnership approach strengthens community engagement. We hold robust safeguarding certifications and maintain a strong focus on child well-being. As a charity, we reinvest all funds into enhancing facilities and resources, ensuring an enriching environment for every child.
Services
Pre-School Sessions
Forest School
SEND Support
Safeguarding
Parent Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- Ofsted-rated 'Good' for our nurturing, inclusive environment
- Accredited Forest School with weekly outdoor learning sessions
- Community-led charity reinvesting all funds into child development
- Specialist SEND support with tailored educational programmes
- Experienced team with mandatory safeguarding and first aid training
Associations and certifications
- Early Years Alliance
- Ofsted
What people say
Amazing staff
Beautiful large garden
Caring team
Home from home feel
Thriving children
Services
Forest School
Our Forest School programme offers weekly outdoor sessions led by certified leaders. Children engage in hands-on natural learning experiences that build confidence, physical skills, and environmental awareness. Activities include seasonal exploration, tool use, and shelter building, aligning with Early Years Foundation Stage goals while promoting risk assessment and independent discovery.
SEND Support
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs through individualised learning plans and specialist resources. Our trained staff implement targeted interventions while maintaining inclusive group activities. The programme includes sensory processing support, communication development, and collaboration with external professionals to ensure comprehensive care and progression.
Pre-School Sessions
Structured learning sessions for children aged 2.5-5 years follow a play-based curriculum with small nurture groups. Daily activities cover literacy, numeracy, and personal development through themed projects like 'Spirals' and 'Numberland'. Sessions incorporate both teacher-led instruction and child-initiated exploration to foster balanced skill acquisition and school readiness.
Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding measures include DBS-checked staff, mandatory training in FGM and Prevent duties, and immediate reporting protocols. Our designated leads maintain strict safety standards while providing parental guidance through partnerships with local authorities. Regular policy reviews ensure compliance with Oxfordshire County Council's safeguarding frameworks.
Parent Involvement
We actively involve parents through volunteering opportunities, committee participation, and fundraising initiatives. The programme includes 'Parent Helper' roles during sessions, collaborative policy development, and community events like Christmas fayres. This approach strengthens home-school connections while maintaining our charity's operational sustainability through volunteer management.
People
Emily Ayres
Pre-School Manager
Emily has led Little Pippins since 2022, combining team management with family engagement. With extensive early years experience, she champions community spirit and individualised care. Her leadership focuses on staff development and maintaining the pre-school's nurturing ethos.
Questions
What age range does Little Pippins accept?
We cater to children aged 2.5 to 5 years, with tailored programmes for different developmental stages.
Is Little Pippins Ofsted registered?
Yes, we're Ofsted-registered (URN 133726) and have maintained a 'Good' rating since our last inspection in March 2025.
Do you offer Forest School sessions?
Yes, we provide weekly Forest School sessions led by certified practitioners for all children.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can volunteer during sessions, join our committee, participate in fundraising events, or contribute to policy development.
What SEND support do you provide?
We offer specialist SEND support including individualised learning plans, sensory processing assistance, and collaboration with external professionals.
How is safeguarding maintained?
All staff undergo DBS checks and mandatory safeguarding training, with designated leads following Oxfordshire County Council protocols.
