Little Lochies

Little Lochies will be located at the heart of Lochinver House, on the ground floor of our purpose-built Pre Prep, with access, both to its own free flow play areas, as well as to the magic and adventures found within our outdoor classroom. Little Lochies will provide a seamless transition into Reception, when the time comes.

Little Lochies will offer a bespoke, exciting, and broad curriculum, designed to capture each child’s curiosity. Learning will be engaging and fun, opening up a world of wonder where personal interests can flourish. It will be led by a qualified teacher, supported by experienced teaching assistants, and enhanced by specialist staff. Having a qualified teacher will ensure our Little Lochies will make the most confident strides forward on their educational journey in readiness for the start of their formal schooling years. Individualised attention will enhance progress and our digital tracking system Tapestry, will ensure effective communication with parents. Developing an early sense of security and happiness is key. The children will relish subject lessons for music, PE and Welly Time, taught by our specialist teachers, ensuring that when they start Reception, they are confident having already built key relationships with the wider School staff.

The children will make use of all of the facilities within the School, including the sports hall, the theatre, the library, the Pre-prep play areas and adventure playground, the dining rooms and fields. They will have opportunities to be part of our Extended Care provision and have an extra-curricular programme with activities including Sports Stars, Create Club and Rhythm Time.

Our aim is to know and nurture each and every child, ensuring that they have the highest standards of care and pre-School education. Most importantly, we want to develop our children to be resilient, creative, independent, and confident learners, as they prepare to start their school journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age range will Little Lochies cover?

Little Lochies is a pre-School provision, for children aged 3-4. Boys will enter in the September following their third birthday.

What is the maximum class size?

We will have a maximum of 20 children in each of our two classes, each staffed with a fully qualified teacher and teaching assistant.

How will the sessions be structured?

Our pre-school will have greater structure than day care provision. We aim to prepare the children as best we can for their transition to Reception, and thus the full days they will eventually go on to experience. With this in mind, to the left are the attendance expectations we have for the children as they start in Little Lochies. This is a minimum expectation, and we will welcome children for more sessions, should this be your preference.

How will the day be structured?

Full Day – 8.30am – 3.15pm (to include lunch, morning, and afternoon snack)

Morning Sessions – 8.30am – 1pm (to include lunch and morning snack)

Will there be access to Extended Care provision?

Yes, all Little Lochies will be able to join our Extended Care offer, at an additional charge. See Extended Care webpage for current charges. Timings for drop off and collection within the below time frames are flexible.

Morning Club: 7.45am-8.30am

Teatime Club: 3.25-6pm (a light tea will be served between 4pm and 4.30pm)

Will Little Lochies be able to participate in a range of after school activities?

There will be a range of after school activities available from 3.30-4.15pm (additional charge), including football, Create Club, Rhythm Time, STEAM, Welly Time and Sports Stars.

Will there be a uniform?

Yes, the childrens’ uniform will be identical to that of our Reception to Year 2 pupils, although there will be a navy smock worn over the top of the t-shirt and sweatshirt, protecting the uniform from paint, mud, and tomato sauce to name but a few!

Progression To Reception

Transition from the Little Lochies setting to Reception, will be automatic, unless it becomes apparent the setting is not in the best interest of the child or other children. If this is the case parents will be informed by 1^st March of the Nursery year.

What will it cost?

Our fees will be in line with other independent pre-School settings. Further details can be obtained from our Head of Marketing and Admissions.

What is the admissions process?

Admission follows a careful selection process. Once registered, your child will be invited to a gentle and fun 1:1 assessment in the early part of the autumn term, almost a year before they are due to commence their Little Lochies year. Registration is advisable by the end of September 2023. Should places be available after the initial round, further assessments will be organised at a mutually agreed time.

How do I register?

Parents considering Little Lochies for their child will need to complete the online registration form and make payment of the registration fee of £100. This can be before or after a visit to the School but must be in advance of an assessment visit.

Independent Entry to the Pre Prep Department

In September 2024 Lochinver House will admit up to 40 children into our Little Lochies, Nursery setting, as well as a further 44 children into Reception. Admission follows a careful selection process. Once registered, your child will be invited to an assessment in the early part of the autumn term, almost a year before they are due to commence their Nursery or Reception year. Registration is advisable by the end of September 2023.

From September 2025 onwards, the School will admit up to 40 children into our Little Lochies, Nursery setting. There will also be a number of additional Reception places available. Once registered your child will be invited to an assessment in the early part of the autumn term, almost a year before he is due to commence his Nursery or Reception year. Registration is advisable by the end of the summer term 2023.

There is no other major intake into any year group after Reception until 11+ entry to Year 7. However, occasional places may arise in Years 1 to 6, so if you are interested in a place for your child in those year groups, please contact the Registrar to arrange a visit to the School or to complete a registration.

Little Lochies

View Prospectus

Frequently Asked Questions