Little Oaks Nursery at Howe Green House School

Miniature gardens, bridge building and a dedicated woodland area give Little Oaks a practical, exploratory character. This is Howe Green House School’s nursery in Great Hallingbury, with Squirrels for children aged 2–3 and Hedgehogs for those aged 3–4. The two groups give the provision a clear age structure within the school.

Children can join after their second birthday, subject to space, usually in the following term. Other starting points can be agreed with the nursery manager. Families can choose term-time attendance or a 48-week contract, making Little Oaks an option for both school-term routines and longer annual childcare coverage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here: children develop language, early number skills, physical confidence and independence through activities indoors and outside. At the ISI inspection of 1–3 July 2025, early-years children learned successfully, with vocabulary development and opportunities to choose activities supporting their ability to explain ideas and work together.

Counting is woven into registration, while imaginative play gives children practice inventing stories and trying out words. Making miniature gardens or constructing bridges involves selecting materials and deciding how to use them. These are concrete opportunities to make choices. Sharing equipment and ideas adds a social purpose to the play.

The woodland area extends learning beyond indoor activities. Specialist teaching also brings art and PE into Little Oaks, with movement, dance and gymnastics among the physical experiences. Basic ball games develop balance and coordination. Optional activities attached to funded sessions include cooking, science experiments, mindfulness and Woodland School, alongside music, PE and time in the Art room. Families can decline the voluntary extras charge; children then continue with their usual nursery activities.

Well-trained, kind early-years staff met children’s needs in July 2025, supporting independence and self-esteem. Colour monsters help children recognise feelings and find ways to explain them. Staff also monitor new learning closely and provide additional help when a child needs it, connecting everyday observation with support.

Before children start, Little Oaks staff carry out home visits. Concerns about additional needs can lead to a further meeting with the SEND coordinator, giving families a route to discuss support early. Nursery staff and the SEND coordinator can adapt activities and use One Plans, with parents involved in reviewing support. Families seeking highly specialised or intensive provision should discuss their child’s needs before applying: admission depends on the school being able to provide suitable support.

Lunch is available during term time as a charged extra, including a lunchtime session for children attending only half a day. This lets families combine a shorter session with lunch, rather than booking a full day solely to cover the midday period.

Nursery attendance gives priority for Reception here, but it does not guarantee a place. Families wanting Reception must also complete the school registration form, preferably when registering for Little Oaks. Places are prioritised for nursery children and siblings, and confirmed in October before entry. An offer must then be accepted with the required deposit and signed form by the deadline in the offer letter.

Preparation for the move is separate from securing admission. Nursery children practise snack and outdoor-play routines resembling those they will encounter in Reception, and transition visits are arranged. Familiar routines can reduce the number of new things a child has to learn when moving class.

Full days run from 8.45am to 3.45pm. Morning sessions finish at 11.45am; afternoons start at 12.45pm. Wraparound care extends coverage from 7.30am to 5.30pm. Attendance patterns can be tailored where possible, with requested sessions subject to availability.

Funding pattern. Funded Early Education Entitlement covers 15 hours weekly across 35 weeks, during term time only, in the afternoon sessions. Universal funding starts in the term after a child’s third birthday. Eligible two-year-olds can access funding through the additional-support or working-parent entitlement, limited here to 15 hours. Little Oaks does not offer the extended 30-hour entitlement. Families needing mornings or holiday care should therefore plan for those separately. Registration charges do not apply to a fully funded place with no additional hours; optional activities and lunch have separate charging arrangements. Contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries, call 01279 657706 or email admissions@howegreenhouse.org. Private tours can be arranged. Term-time families can book holiday provision with six weeks’ notice before a school break, helping parents plan childcare beyond their regular contract.