Little Apples is a friendly, successful pre-school within the unique setting of Speen Church of England School. Situated in an area of outstanding beauty, our facilities include well-resourced indoor and outdoor areas that the children can access throughout the day. Children can also explore their wider environment during weekly Forest School sessions. We are also able to enjoy the large school field and playground facilities.

Here at Little Apples pre-school we value each child as an individual. We follow the Early Years Foundation Curriculum, providing a broad and varied curriculum that meets all areas of development. Each child has a key person who is a point of contact for both parents and child, and with whom they can share information. We work in partnership with parents, valuing them as the child’s first educator. Little Apples uses ‘Tapestry’ online (accessible to parents) to log each child’s developmental journey. This is what one of our parents said:

"We love the Tapestry updates. The children enjoy looking back at the photos and videos, so thank you to the staff for taking the time to do all the uploading – I appreciate there must be a fair amount of admin involved but it is lovely to see all the amazing things they get up to during the course of the year."

Our timetable offers children opportunities to cook, garden and experience music, movement and singing. There is a focus on ‘natural materials’ and moveable loose-parts allowing children the freedom to create.

We are pleased to be able to offer our facility to all and are proud of the facilities and learning opportunities that we provide to all those that choose to come to Little Apples.

Staff in Little Apples

Mrs Fenton - Preschool Lead Teacher (Butterfly Key Person)

Mrs Stevens - Preschool Teacher (Butterfly Key Person)

Miss Murray - Early Years Practitioner (Caterpillar Key Person)

Miss Miller - Early Years Practitioner (Caterpillar Key Person)

Mrs Calin - Early Years Practitioner (SEND Specialist)

What We Are Doing This Week - w/b 19/05/25

Monday	Messy Monday - We will be checking how our muddy worms are doing in our wormeries, and making our own ladybirds from paper plates!
Tuesday	Tuesday Trek - In Forest School we will be looking for ladybirds and seeing where they live. Please make sure your child has shoes they can do up themselves.
Wednesday	Wednesday Wiggle - We will start the day with a bug disco, and will enjoy a game of Mr Crocodile on the playground to practice our blending skills.
Thursday	PE Thursday - PE will be on the playground, so please make sure your child has suitable shoes on for outdoor sports. For children starting school in September, please bring a PE kit to change into. Library - Please return any books you have, so your child can choose a new one to share with you.
Friday	Physical Friday - We will finish our topic on minbeasts by making using our fine and gross motor skills to make a gigantic spider's web from wool.

Nursery Rhyme of the Week

'When parents introduce their child to nursery rhymes it is most unlikely that eventual success in reading is in their minds. Yet...early knowledgeof nursery rhymes plays a considerable role in preparing the child for reading and spelling.' Bryant et al 1989.

To support this early knowledge, please enjoy this rhyme with your child at home and explore the rhyming words with them! 

This week we will be singing a different, minibeast-related nursery rhyme each day! Ask your child what rhyme they sang today.

Monday - 'There's a worm at the bottom of the garden'

Tuesday - 'Incy-Wincy Spider'

Wednesday - 'Here is the Beehive'

Thursday - 'Little Arabella Miller'

Friday - We will vote to choose our favourite rhyme to sing again!

Current Core Text 

With a cast of everyone's favourite farm animals, What the Ladybird Heard is a brilliant rhyming adventure from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are two crafty robbers with a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But little do they know that the tiniest, quietest creature of all has overheard their plot, and she has a plan of her own . . .

With brilliant rhyming verse from Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, and bright, distinctive illustrations from award-winning illustrator, Lydia Monks, this much-loved modern classic is perfect for reading aloud.

Tips for reading at home with your child

Little Apples Key Texts