Leighfield Little Roots
Nurturing Growth From the Very Beginning
A warm, nurturing pre-school where children feel safe, confident and excited to explore the world around them.
We warmly welcome enquiries from parents and carers who are interested in a Pre-School place. To enquire or register your interest, please contact the school office:
Email: office@dsatleighfield.org
Phone: 01572 823489
Welcome to Leighfield Little Roots Pre-School
Leighfield Little Roots Pre-School is a warm, welcoming early years provision rooted in the values and culture of Leighfield Primary School. Our aim is to provide a nurturing environment where young children feel safe, valued and confident, while being encouraged to explore, learn and grow.
Our Provision
Leighfield Little Roots Pre-School offers high-quality early education for 3 and 4-year-olds, supporting children at a vital stage in their development and preparing them for a smooth transition into school life.
We are proud to offer:
- Funded early education places for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds
- An extended day offer, available for 51 weeks of the year, providing flexibility and continuity for families
- A caring, experienced team who prioritise children’s wellbeing, independence and curiosity
Our Pre-School reflects the same strong culture, expectations and values found throughout Leighfield Primary School, ensuring children benefit from a consistent and high-quality learning experience from the very start.
Our Ethos and Approach
At Leighfield Little Roots, we believe children thrive when they feel nurtured, cared for and inspired. We are committed to:
- Building secure, trusting relationships with children and families
- Supporting personal, social and emotional development alongside early learning skills
- Encouraging curiosity, resilience and confidence through play-based learning
Outdoor learning is central to our approach. Our beautiful school grounds provide rich opportunities for exploration, creativity and physical development. We value the many benefits of learning outdoors and aim to incorporate regular outdoor play and discovery into daily routines.
Our nurturing pre-school has been thoughtfully created to give every child the very best start – a place where little roots can grow strong through play, creativity, exploration and care.
Every day is designed to spark curiosity and build independence, helping children feel happy, secure and excited to learn.
From imaginative play and storytelling to outdoor adventures and sensory experiences, children are encouraged to explore the world around them in a way that feels joyful and natural.
As part of Leighfield Primary School, Little Roots also helps children build familiarity with the wider school environment, supporting a smooth and confident transition into school life when the time comes.
Outdoor Learning and Forest School
At Leighfield Little Roots, we know that the early years are where confidence begins, friendships grow and children start to discover who they are. Children at Leighfield Little Roots will have access to our secret garden, a calm and natural space designed to encourage exploration and imagination. We plan to include Forest School sessions as part of the Early Years curriculum, giving children opportunities to:
- Explore the natural environment
- Develop independence and problem-solving skills
- Build confidence through hands-on, sensory experiences
These sessions will complement our indoor learning and support children’s holistic development.
Funding Information
Leighfield Little Roots Pre-School supports the use of funded early education hours.
Further details about funding, eligibility and how hours can be used can be found in our Pre-School Funding Booklet.
Helping little roots grow every day
Caring and experienced staff
Our nurturing team builds strong relationships with every child, helping them feel safe, confident and supported.
Learning through play
We believe children learn best through handson experiences, imagination and discovery.
Outdoor exploration
Fresh air, movement and outdoor learning are a big part of life at Little Roots.
Strong foundations for school
Being part of Leighfield Primary helps children feel familiar and confident as they prepare for their next step.
Safe and inspiring spaces
Our environment has been designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and independence.
Flexible support for families
We aim to provide flexible sessions and support that work for modern family life.
A day at Little Roots: Growing, learning and exploring together
Everything you need to know
Everything at Little Roots has been designed to give children the very best start while making life simpler and more flexible for families.
Little Roots is for children aged 3-4, helping them build confidence, independence and strong foundations before starting school.
Little Roots is open from 7.30am to 6pm.
We offer flexible morning, afternoon and full-day sessions to help support busy family life.
Yes – government-funded childcare places are available for eligible families, including 15 and 30 hour funding options.
Leighfield Lions is the school’s Wrap Around Care and will be available to the children if required.
Leighfield Little Roots will officially open from September 2026.
We offer funded childcare places for eligible families. Please contact us to find out more about the support available and what funding options may apply to you.
No. We understand every child develops at their own pace and our caring team will support children sensitively throughout this stage.
We work closely with families to help children feel safe, secure and confident. Settling-in sessions and gradual transitions can be arranged where needed.
Our pre-school is safe, nurturing and deeply focused on children’s early development. The provision is an extension of the Leighfield ethos and culture, echoing the same high standards and warm, inclusive environment that define our school. Our aim is to ensure that every child receives the very best start to their educational journey.
We aim to create positive mealtime experiences and can support children with allergies or dietary requirements.
Parents can purchase Pre-School uniform from our website.
Our staffing ratios meet all early years requirements, helping ensure children receive high levels of care, support and attention throughout the day.
Absolutely. At Little Roots, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
As part of Leighfield Primary School, children become familiar with the school environment, routines and wider community, helping create a smooth and confident transition into Reception.
Free childcare funding explained
Help with childcare costs
At Leighfield Little Roots, we know childcare funding can sometimes feel confusing, so we’re here to help make things simple. Depending on your child’s age and your family circumstances, you may be eligible for government-funded childcare support.
15 hours funded childcare
Most families can access 15 hours of funded childcare each week for children aged 3 and 4. Some eligible working families may also be able to access funding from the term after their child turns 9 months old.
30 hours funded childcare
Eligible working parents of children aged 3 and 4 may be entitled to up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week during term time.
What does this mean for families?
Funding can help reduce childcare costs and give children access to high-quality early years education in a safe, nurturing environment.
Our team can help guide you through:
- What funding you may be eligible for
- How to apply
- When funding starts
- How funded hours can be used at Little Roots
Need help understanding funding?
We understand every family situation is different and we’re always happy to talk through the options available. Please contact our team for guidance or visit the government childcare funding website for the latest eligibility information.
Ready to help your little one grow?
At Leighfield Little Roots, we’re creating a warm and inspiring environment where children can feel confident, curious and ready to flourish.
We’d love to welcome your family, show you around and help you discover what makes Little Roots so special.
Enquiries and Registration of Interest
We warmly welcome enquiries from parents and carers who are interested in a Pre-School place.
To enquire or register your interest, please contact the school office:
Phone: 01572 823489Email: office@dsatleighfield.org