At Laddingford St Mary's Primary School & Nursery, we offer a truly bespoke Early Years experience, welcoming children from age 3 and supporting them right through to the end of their Reception year, ensuring a seamless and carefully tailored start to their educational journey. 

As a smaller-than-average rural primary school, we pride ourselves on our close-knit, nurturing environment, with mixed-age classes that extend into our Early Years provision. Our youngest learners are based in Pippin Class, where we offer a carefully designed, curiosity-inspired approach to learning. This provision is led by a qualified teacher alongside an experienced Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, ensuring high-quality care and education. 

Ethos and Approach  

We are committed to creating a calm, homely and nurturing environment where both children and adults feel a strong sense of belonging. We value wonder, awe and meaningful connections, placing relationships at the heart of everything we do. We take time to truly know each child as an individual, build warm and trusting partnerships with families, and create an enabling environment - indoors and outdoors - the invites curiosity, exploration and deep engagement. 

Our approach is proudly play-based, rooted in the belief that children learn best when they are inspired, motivated and emotionally secure. This is not unstructred play; it is thoughtful, intentional and responsive. We carefully design our provision using authentic, open-ended resources, giving children the time, space and freedom to explore, create and think deeply. 

Through imaginative and self-directed play, supported by attentive and skilled adults, children make sense of the world around them. They revisit experiences, develop their ideas and build an understanding of themselves and others. In this environment, children are encouraged to take risks, manage mistakes, practice new skills and follow their own lines of enquiry - laying strong foundations for lifelong learning.