Little Lochies at Lochinver House School

Free flow play spaces and specialist teaching give Little Lochies two distinct strands: room to explore and an introduction to subjects such as drama, computing and music. This is Lochinver House School’s nursery in Potters Bar, for children aged 3+. It opened in September 2024, and girls have been welcomed alongside boys since September 2025.

The nursery sits centrally within the school, with direct access to outdoor areas. Up to 40 children are admitted to Little Lochies each year; that is an annual intake figure, rather than a class size. Early Years teachers lead the provision, assisted by teaching assistants and subject specialists. Children therefore encounter both their classroom team and adults teaching particular subjects.

Exploration sits alongside daily literacy and maths. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s learning and development, with activities adapted to their interests and individual needs. In February 2025, ISI found that early years provision covered the required learning areas and that children made good progress. Staff used observations of children’s development to decide what they should tackle next.

The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) adds themes explored over five to six weeks. Workshops, trips and celebrations of Eid, Diwali, UN Day and Christmas give children different ways to engage with those themes. Literacy introduces early reading, phonics and writing, using synthetic phonics and cursive letter formation. Singapore Maths Mastery starts sessions with a practical problem: numbers have a purpose beyond reciting them.

Music, drama, PE, computing and Forest School bring specialist staff into the early years programme. Nursery children participate in PE and sport each week. Indoors and outdoors, materials invite investigation; in February 2025, children’s language developed well and they participated eagerly in imaginative activities. Access to free flow play areas gives exploration a physical place in the day, alongside more structured learning.

Independence develops through ordinary interactions. In February 2025, early years children were becoming more self-reliant, cooperating during play and learning to recover from mistakes. Adults modelled kindness and respect, while activities encouraged children to take turns and listen to one another. These are useful foundations for managing a shared classroom.

Early years staff undertake paediatric first aid training and check outdoor learning areas for hazards. A deputy safeguarding lead has responsibility for EYFS. Across the school, the Learning Support Team provides individual teaching and small group support, while a Child and Family Support Worker assists with emotional needs and advises classroom staff. Families also receive access to Tooled Up Education, with parenting advice, videos and podcasts.

Lunches are prepared by an in-house catering team. Meat and vegetarian dishes are offered daily, with jacket potatoes as another option; fresh fruit is among the desserts. Choices include vegetable curry and veggie fajitas, giving children alternatives to meat dishes.

Consistency across the school. In February 2025, some recently introduced procedures, including behaviour arrangements, still needed consistent implementation across school sections. This was a school-wide improvement point, relevant to families considering continuity as their child moves through the school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place in Reception. Keep the Reception admissions decision separate from the choice of nursery, and follow the applicable application process and deadline.

Learning continuity is a different question. In February 2025, staff supported children’s move from Nursery into Reception smoothly. The early years curriculum was aligned with the school’s wider curriculum, helping children carry familiar approaches into their next stage. That supports adjustment to school life; it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Eligible children aged 3 and 4 can access up to 15 funded hours each week during term time. These hours sit within the school day, with additional hours available on a paid basis. Curriculum activities and specialist lessons are included. Contact the admissions team for current nursery charges.

Morning Club runs from 7.30 to 8.25 am and requires no advance booking. Breakfast carries an additional charge. For Little Lochies, Teatime Club operates Monday to Friday from 3.15 to 6 pm; children can attend the full session or join after an activity. A light tea is served from 4 pm. Extended care is charged separately, so families using the longer day need to account for that alongside nursery hours.

Enquiries go to the Registrar by telephone or email. Individual school tours can be arranged by appointment, offering a practical way to explore the setting before registration.