A new pre-school named Little Pioneers is set to open in the village of Woolton Hill, welcoming its first students in April 2026. Operated by The Schools of Woolton Hill, this facility will initially cater to children aged three and four, with plans to extend services to younger children later in the year.
Little Pioneers will be established at the site of St Thomas’ C of E Infant School, following a significant renovation of the school’s existing Owls classroom and its expansive outdoor area. According to the federation overseeing the operation, the redesigned environment will provide a bright and inspiring space aimed at fostering early learning. This setting is designed to nurture children’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
The pre-school day will run from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM, accommodating working parents with an option for wrap-around care from 7:45 AM to 6:00 PM. Sessions will be scheduled in three-hour blocks, with an optional lunchtime slot, allowing families to utilize their government-funded 15 or 30 hours during term time. In a flexible approach, families can also opt for additional sessions during school holidays. Little Pioneers will operate year-round, closing only for a two-week break at Christmas.
To introduce this new initiative, The Schools of Woolton Hill will host an informational session on January 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM. During this session, parents will have the opportunity to meet the Early Years teacher leading the project and to learn more about the pre-school’s offerings, session structure, and available funding options. Interested families can register for the session online at www.schoolsofwooltonhill.com/event-details/little-pioneers-introduction-tour.
Once refurbishment work is complete, families will be invited to tour the new facilities starting in March 2026. Paul Davies, headteacher of The Schools of Woolton Hill, expressed enthusiasm about the new pre-school, 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.
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Davies added that the team has put considerable effort into designing a setting that supports families and provides children with the best possible start in their educational journey. He emphasized the intention for the pre-school to become a valued part of village life, looking forward to welcoming local families to explore the new space and discover its offerings.
