The state-of-the-art Early Years education facility on the grounds of Pocklington School is an exciting development reflecting the School's strong commitment to the local area and its desire to create a resource that benefits every child in the community.

Little Pips Nursery was born from a vision to provide truly exceptional Early Years education. Backed by the expertise and resources of Pocklington School, the nursery will offer a nurturing haven where children aged 0 to four years can thrive.

Little Pips will provide flexible care options, including the government-funded 30 hours of free childcare scheme, alongside extended hours to meet the needs of busy families.

The brand-new nursery has been thoughtfully designed to create a warm and nurturing environment for young children and babies. Featuring natural materials, plants, and abundant sunlight, the environment seeks to inspire curiosity and encourage exploration. Alongside indoor spaces of the very highest quality, which include a Piazza for the nursery community to come together, and an artist’s studio, Little Pips has invested significant funds in the outdoor area, to provide children with a large, bespoke outdoor environment in which they can explore, experiment and embark on adventures without limits.

Central to Little Pips Nursery is its adoption of the Reggio Emilia approach, an internationally recognised educational philosophy originating in Italy. This approach views children as curious, capable, and competent individuals, placing emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and exploration to foster a lifelong love of learning and respect for each child's unique interests.

What sets Little Pips apart is its comprehensive offering. The nursery combines the expertise of highly qualified and passionate educators with access to weekly swimming lessons, Forest School sessions, and the use of 32 acres of outdoor space. Children also benefit from nutritious, locally sourced meals prepared by an in-house chef, creating a truly holistic approach to early years care and education.

Understanding the needs of busy parents, the nursery offers a unique feature: ‘The Pip Stop!’ This welcoming space allows parents to take a moment for themselves—whether to enjoy a coffee, catch up on emails, or simply recharge—before starting the rest of their day.

Sarah Cobb (95-97), Head of Little Pips Nursery, said:

"This is an exciting opportunity to provide Pocklington’s youngest children with an exceptional start in life. Every aspect of Little Pips has been carefully designed to create a warm and engaging environment which inspires children to explore, play, and grow. At Little Pips, we recognise that busy parents need some TLC too, which is why we offer a space for them to recharge before they head off to their day. With a highly skilled team and our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education and care, we’re proud to set the standard for Early Years education.”

Toby Seth, Head of Pocklington School, added:

“We are thrilled to introduce Little Pips Nursery as part of our ongoing commitment to the local community. Our focus is on creating an inclusive, high-quality learning environment where children can thrive and develop independence, guided by their interests and natural curiosity. The Reggio Emilia philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision of nurturing essential skills such as concentration, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are delighted to welcome the newest member of the Pocklington School Foundation family.”

This new nursery marks a significant investment in the future of education in Pocklington, ensuring local families have access to outstanding Early Years care and learning.

A Little Pips Nursery website will be launching very soon. If you have any queries in the meantime, please email hello@littlepips.com.