little
learners
at
graylingwell
park
surrounded by beautiful parkland
supported by wonderful people
About Little Learners Pre-school
At Little Learners Pre-school, we know that choosing the right setting is an important decision for every family. Founded in 2013 by owner and Director Claire Simpson, our pre-school provides a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and ready to learn. You can find us at The Lodge on Keepers Green, within the Graylingwell Park development in Chichester.
Flexible Opening Hours and a Caring Team
We are open 50 weeks of the year, helping families access consistent childcare that fits around busy routines:
Monday to Thursday: 8.00 am–5.30 pm
Friday: 8.00 am–5.00 pm
Parents often tell us they value our small, nurturing and professional setting, where children are known as individuals and supported by dedicated, caring staff. Our team members are highly trained and experienced with early years qualifications, ranging from a Level 2 Diploma to Early Years Teacher Status. All staff also hold enhanced DBS disclosures, have completed relevant safeguarding training, and are all trained in paediatric first aid, giving you confidence that your child is in safe and capable hands.
A Safe, Stimulating Place to Play and Learn
Children learn best when they feel comfortable, curious and free to explore. Our main room opens directly onto our enclosed garden, allowing children to enjoy free-flow play throughout the day in a safe and secure outdoor space. The garden supports a wide range of learning and play, including physical development, imaginative play, sand and water activities, outdoor reading, mark making, discovery play and mud kitchen exploration.
Your child will have access to a broad selection of indoor and outdoor toys and resources, encouraging independence, choice and confidence. We also make the most of our local environment through walks, our mini daily mile, growing produce in the community garden, forest school sessions and time spent simply being among the trees and nature.
Our Approach to Learning
We want every child to feel happy, confident and ready to take their next steps. Our approach combines high-quality childcare and education with warm relationships, clear expectations and close partnership with parents. By working together, we help build strong foundations so each child can bloom, grow and thrive.
Following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, we provide a rich variety of activities that support children’s early years skills, confidence, self-esteem and love of learning.
Keeping Parents Connected
We know how important it is for parents to feel connected to their child’s day. That is why we use Tapestry, an online learning journal system, to share observations of your child as they explore, play and learn. These updates give you a window into their experiences and reassurance that they are engaged, happy and making progress. We hold regular Stay and Play sessions so you feel part of your child’s
journey as much as possible.
Come and Visit Us
The best way to get a feel for Little Learners Pre-school is to come and see us. Our confident, happy children show us every day that they feel safe, secure and cared for. Book an appointment to visit our setting, meet the team and see where your child
could learn, play and grow. Please visit the Contact Us page to find out how.
What do i need to Bring to Sessions?
Please send your child with a bag that is clearly labelled with their name. It is helpful to include plenty of spare clothes, nappies if needed, wipes, and any cream your child may need for nappy changes.
Please also label soothers, sun cream, and water bottles so we can make sure everything finds its way back to you.
To help prevent favourite toys from being lost or mixed up, we kindly ask that toys stay at home where possible. If your child does bring a toy in, we will pop it safely into their bag.
What are the opening hours and session structure?
Little Learners Preschool is open for 50 weeks each year, giving families consistent childcare throughout the year. We are closed on Bank Holidays and for one week at Christmas.
Monday-Thursday: 8 am-5:30 pm. Friday: 8 am-5 pm
We offer full-year places only, with the following session options available for
families:
Full day: 8 am-5:30 pm
School day: 9 am-4 pm
Morning half day: 8 am-1 pm
Afternoon half day: 1 pm-5:30 pm
These are the session times we currently offer, so please speak with us if you would like help choosing the option that best fits your family’s routine.
What is the food provision
We want children to enjoy healthy, balanced meals while they are with us. All meals follow the Department for Education Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition
guidance. Our cook prepares meals from scratch using natural ingredients, and werotate a four-w eek menu that includes plenty of variety, fruit, vegetables, and minimal added sugar.
Breakfast: from 8 am
Morning snack: 9:45 am
Lunch: midday
Afternoon snack: 2:45 pm
Light tea: 4:15 pm for children staying until 5:30 pm
Fresh water and milk are always available throughout the day. Please let us knowabout any a llergies or dietary needs so we can make sure your child is safely and
appropriately catered for. Current menus are displayed on our information board.
Commonly asked q&a's:
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