Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Independent School & Nursery in Ticknall
We are a small independent school and nursery offering affordable, child-centred education in Ticknall, Derbyshire. Our approach prioritises individual development through flexible attendance models, including part-time schooling and home-school sessions. With a strong emphasis on partnership with parents, we create tailored learning experiences that celebrate each child's unique potential. Our dedicated team fosters confidence through structured play and outdoor learning, supported by OFSTED-rated 'good' provision. We extend our nurturing environment to pre-school children, offering extended pre-school options for summer-born pupils.Our governance by the Dame Catherine Educational Trust ensures financial transparency and strategic oversight. By maintaining small class sizes and prioritising emotional well-being, we create an environment where children flourish academically and socially. Our facilities include access to forest school approaches and specialist language instruction, supporting smooth transitions to formal education. We accept government childcare vouchers and offer flexible funding options for eligible families.
Services
Flexi-schooling
Home-school sessions
Pre-school provision
Extended pre-school
Forest school learning
Highlights and features
- We offer OFSTED-registered education with small class sizes and individual attention
- Our flexible attendance models accommodate home-schooling families
- We provide forest school approaches and specialist language instruction
- Our staff include qualified teachers with specific safeguarding and SEN expertise
- We accept government childcare vouchers and offer 30-hour funded childcare options
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- Charity Commission
What people say
Warmest reception
Teachers allowed to teach
Encouraged to be children
Nurtures individuality
Flexible ethos
Services
Flexi-schooling
Our flexi-schooling model allows families to combine home education with structured school attendance. Children attend school 2-4 days weekly while parents deliver core curriculum at home. This approach maintains academic rigor while accommodating individual learning preferences, supported by experienced teachers and OFSTED-registered provision.
Pre-school provision
Our 'Squirrels' group caters for 3-4 year olds with morning and afternoon sessions. Structured play follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, focusing on social development and foundational skills. Wrap-around care from 8am-5pm ensures flexibility for working parents, with government-funded childcare options available.
Forest school learning
We integrate forest school approaches into our curriculum, using natural environments for experiential learning. This develops problem-solving skills and environmental awareness through hands-on activities. Our outdoor space supports cross-curricular learning in science, art, and physical development, aligning with national educational standards.
Extended pre-school
Our 'Rabbits' group allows summer-born children to continue pre-school until compulsory school age. This provides additional developmental time while accessing specialist facilities. The programme maintains continuity with school provision, easing transitions through familiar staff and environments while offering age-appropriate challenges.
SEN support
We offer tailored support for children with special educational needs, including an Early Years SENCO and designated safeguarding leads. Individual learning plans adapt to specific requirements while maintaining inclusion in group activities. Our small class sizes enable close monitoring and timely intervention for developmental concerns.
People
Lorna Harvey
Headteacher
BA Joint Hons German and Linguistics graduate with PGCE and NPQH qualifications. Specialises in Key Stage 2 education, SENCO, and safeguarding leadership. Oversees teaching standards and strategic direction while maintaining classroom involvement.
Amanda Harmer
Co-chairperson
Experienced educational trustee with responsibility for recruitment, communications, and marketing. Works closely with school leadership to maintain community engagement and strategic development while ensuring compliance with governance standards.
Maddie Price
Pre-school teacher
BSc Psychology and MSc Criminal Psychology graduate with PGCE qualification. Specialises in early years education and child development, bringing scientific understanding to pre-school and Key Stage 1 teaching practices.
Fiona Durston-Smith
SEN Coordinator
NNEB-qualified Early Years SENCO with specialist award in special educational needs. Oversees support for children with additional requirements while serving as deputy safeguarding lead, ensuring inclusive educational practices.
Jane Dawn
Office Manager
Administrative lead handling day-to-day operations and parent communications. Coordinates admissions, visits, and financial matters while serving as primary contact for general inquiries and emergency arrangements.
Questions
What educational approaches do you use?
We combine structured play, forest school approaches, and traditional instruction with small class sizes to support individual learning styles.
Are government-funded childcare places available?
We offer 15 hours of government-funded childcare for eligible families, with options to extend using childcare vouchers or private payments.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our qualified SENCO provides tailored support while maintaining inclusion in group activities, with individual learning plans adapted to specific requirements.
What are your safeguarding procedures?
We have three trained designated safeguarding leads, with emergency protocols ensuring child protection concerns are addressed promptly during and outside school hours.
Can home-educated children attend part-time?
Yes, our flexi-schooling model allows home-educated children to attend 2 days weekly while parents deliver core curriculum at home.
What facilities do you offer?
We provide forest school learning areas, village hall PE access, and specialist language instruction alongside traditional classroom environments.
