Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care in Henley-on-Thames
Established in 1993, Highmoor Nursery School provides nurturing early years education in a secure, stimulating environment. Our Ofsted-rated 'Good' setting prioritises individual child development through a balanced curriculum blending adult-led and child-initiated activities. With NVQ Level 3 qualified staff, we foster partnerships with parents to build children's confidence and enthusiasm for learning.Our rural Oxfordshire location offers Forest School sessions, specialist-led activities, and government-funded childcare options. The nursery's holistic approach integrates physical development, creative expression, and foundational academic skills, preparing children aged 18 months-5 years for successful school transitions. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards and hold enhanced DBS certifications for all relevant staff.
Services
Nursery Education
Pre-school Education
Forest School Sessions
French Classes
Music Classes
Cooking Classes
Yoga Sessions
SportyMinis Sessions
Stay & Play Group
Government Funded Childcare
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our staff are NVQ Level 3 qualified in childcare and education
- We offer a child-centred approach to learning
- We provide a well-resourced environment with balanced adult-led and child-initiated activities
- We build strong partnerships with parents and carers
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Little piece of heaven
Most amazing start
Special nursery
Part of our family
Happy and thriving environment
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery education programme supports children aged 18 months-5 years through structured learning and free play. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum while personalising activities to individual needs. Staff with NVQ Level 3 qualifications create stimulating environments that develop social skills, creativity, and foundational academic abilities.
Forest School Sessions
Weekly Forest School sessions develop children's physical and emotional skills through nature-based activities. Qualified leader Rachel Huckvale facilitates risk-taking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness in our dedicated woodland area. These sessions enhance confidence and teamwork through hands-on outdoor experiences.
Cooking Classes
Led by experienced teacher Mrs Bun, cooking classes teach children practical life skills while reinforcing numeracy and language concepts. Activities include food preparation, tasting sessions, and learning about healthy eating. These sessions develop fine motor skills and encourage adventurous eating habits through interactive experiences.
SportyMinis Sessions
Instructor Jack Renshaw delivers movement sessions that develop fundamental motor skills through imaginative play. Children learn 21 key movement techniques while improving teamwork and communication. Activities incorporate numeracy and literacy concepts within physically engaging games and challenges.
Music Classes
Sharon Rumsey's music sessions enhance language development through rhythm and song. Weekly themed lessons use instruments, puppets, and movement activities to teach colours, shapes, and animals. These interactive classes develop coordination, listening skills, and creative expression for children aged 18 months-5 years.
People
Gwen Pragnell
Nursery Manager
Owner and manager since 2007, Gwen holds NVQ3 Childcare qualifications and serves as Safeguarding Lead. With banking sector experience as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, she combines financial expertise with early years leadership.
Helen Beville
Deputy Manager
Qualified Nursery Nurse with 20+ years' experience, Helen oversees the Red Kite group. Former teaching assistant at Kidmore End School, she specialises in early years development and serves as Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Highmoor.
Eleanor Pragnell
Stay & Play Coordinator
NVQ Level 3 qualified educator, Eleanor manages the Babes in the Woods Stay & Play group. Former IKEA marketing professional, she brings business acumen to her early years work with the Red Kite group.
Rachel Huckvale
Forest School Leader
Level 3 Forest School Leader Rachel founded Bramblers Forest School in 2022. With ten years' parenting experience, she specialises in outdoor learning that develops children's resilience and environmental awareness through structured woodland activities.
Jack Renshaw
Physical Education Instructor
SportyMinis founder Jack delivers physical development sessions focusing on 21 fundamental movement skills. His early years PE programmes combine imaginative play with structured skill-building to enhance children's physical and cognitive development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept children aged 18 months to 5 years, offering tailored programmes for different developmental stages through our Red Kite, Woodpecker, and Robins groups.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines adult-led instruction with child-initiated play across seven learning areas. Specialised sessions in music, cooking, and forest school develop physical, creative, and cognitive skills.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All teaching staff hold NVQ Level 3 qualifications in childcare and education. We maintain enhanced DBS checks, paediatric first aid certifications, and specialist accreditations for specific activities.
Do you offer government-funded childcare?
Yes, we provide 15 and 30-hour funded childcare options. Two zero-cost places are available daily between 8:15am-3:45pm for eligible families meeting attendance requirements.
