Little Oaks Nursery at Derby Grammar School

Mud kitchens, dens and stories beneath the trees give Little Oaks Nursery its character. Outdoor exploration happens daily, with a Forest School ethos shaping play and discovery. For families who want nature woven into childcare, that is the defining feature.

Part of Derby Grammar School in Littleover, Derby, the nursery welcomes children from 3 months to 4 years. Its age range spans babies through to children preparing for school, while its curriculum combines outdoor experiences with early communication, literacy and numeracy.

Play supplies the starting point for learning. Den-building gives children something practical to solve together; mud kitchens and outdoor storytelling bring imaginative play into contact with nature. The Forest School approach encourages children to try things independently, tackle problems and work together. Outdoor time is a daily part of the routine.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, writing and mathematics. Understanding the world and creative expression also belong within that framework. Little Oaks connects its early learning with outdoor activity, rather than treating nature as a separate extra.

Music introduces instruments and songs, with movement incorporated into the routine. Spanish uses stories, singing and games to introduce another language. Physical education aims to develop motor skills, with ball games and obstacle courses suggested as possible activities.

Little Chefs sessions introduce food preparation through simple dishes such as sandwiches and fruit salads, with cakes among the intended later activities. Yoga uses short sessions and poses suited to young children. Guided breathing or calming sounds provide quieter opportunities to practise relaxation. The mix gives the day both active and quieter elements.

Meals are prepared on site each day, and the catering provision includes both cold and hot dishes. Nursery and Prep menus sit together. Dietary requirements can be discussed with staff or the chefs, and hot halal choices are offered twice weekly. That gives families a direct route for discussing what their child can eat.

The Nursery Manager is the contact for an introductory meeting and tour. This provides a practical opportunity to meet the person leading the provision before choosing a place.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate process and ask the admissions team to confirm the application route and deadline; choosing Little Oaks should not be treated as securing the next stage.

The school accepts applications throughout the year, with an enquiry form starting its admissions process. Keep that application separate from the nursery booking when planning your child's move to school.

Full Year plans cover two, three, four or five days, alongside a five-morning or five-afternoon pattern. The annual calculation uses 51 opening weeks, spread across 12 monthly payments. Term Time fees are also addressed in the payment arrangements. Monthly payments can be set up through the Famly app.

Eligible families can use 15 or 30 funded hours. These cover childcare; meals, consumables and hours beyond the entitlement sit outside that coverage. The funded childcare itself carries no additional charge. Families must attend their weekly funded allocation during core operating hours, so the booking pattern matters as much as eligibility. Give the Nursery Manager your eligibility code promptly and consult the school for current charges.

Closures and payments. Bank holidays are closure days, and monthly payments still include bank holidays, public holidays and training days. Sickness and holidays do not attract refunds. Factor these terms into the childcare budget.

For late-2026 childcare planning, staff training closes the nursery on 27 November and 23 and 24 December. Christmas closures run from 29 to 31 December. These dates sit alongside the bank holiday closures, so check the nursery calendar before arranging work or alternative care over the festive period.

To arrange a meeting with the Nursery Manager and a tour, complete the nursery enquiry form.