A new pre-school, named Little Pioneers, is set to open in the village of Woolton Hill in April 2024. This initiative, spearheaded by The Schools of Woolton Hill, will initially serve children aged three and four, with plans to accommodate younger children later in the year. The pre-school will be located at the site of St Thomas’ C of E Infant School, undergoing a complete transformation of the existing Owls classroom and its outdoor area.
The redesigned facility aims to provide a bright and inspiring environment that supports early learning. According to the federation that includes the nearby Woolton Hill Junior School, the space will foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence among young learners.
To cater to the needs of working parents, the pre-school day will operate from 08:45 to 15:15, with an option for wrap-around care available from 07:45 to 18:00. Sessions will be available in three-hour blocks, with an optional lunchtime slot. Families can utilize their government-funded 15 or 30 hours during term time, with the possibility to top up sessions during school holidays. Notably, Little Pioneers will remain open year-round, closing only for a two-week break at Christmas.
To provide further information to interested parents, The Schools of Woolton Hill will host an introductory session on January 9, 2026, at 09:00. This event will allow families to meet the Early Years teacher leading the initiative and learn about the session structure and available funding options. Parents and carers can reserve a spot online at www.schoolsofwooltonhill.com/event-details/little-pioneers-introduction-tour.
Once the refurbishment is completed, families will have the opportunity to tour the new facilities starting in March. Paul Davies, headteacher of The Schools of Woolton Hill, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “
Little Pioneers is an exciting step forward for our school community. We know how important those early years are for children and we are committed to offering a warm, nurturing and high-quality environment where they can thrive.
”
Davies emphasized the dedication of the team in designing a setting that not only supports families but also gives children the best possible start in their educational journey. He added, “We look forward to welcoming local families to see the space and learn more about what we will offer.”
The opening of Little Pioneers marks a significant development for the village, aiming to enhance early childhood education and support local families in their educational needs.
