About us

We are a family-oriented and inclusive Early Years setting

At Little Hearts every family and child’s uniqueness is recognised and we work in close partnership with parents and carers to unlock each child’s full potential.

We enrol children from the age of two and a half to five years old, are non-denominational and welcome families from all religions and backgrounds.

Our rich curriculum includes:

1. Varied learning activities with a healthy balance between child-initiated and staff-directed actions

2. Mindfulness exercises to boost emotional intelligence and wellbeing.

3. Art and creative activity to nourish imagination and develop fine motor skills.

4. Music and movement to allow for self-expression and stimulation of the senses.

5. Exciting outdoors environment to foster curiosity, resilience, independence and nature-inspired learning.

6. Woodwork to become competent in self-risk assessment and making judgements.

7. Gardening for sensory development and learning of life-cycles and for teaching responsibility and patience.

8. Cooking and eating activities to encourage healthy diets.

9. Eco education and community work to stimulate passion and care for the environment.

What Ofsted said in 2022

“Children thrive in this nurturing and welcoming preschool. They demonstrate that they feel safe and secure. Children develop close relationships with each other and the staff who are passionate about their roles.”
“Children enjoy taking turns to be a ‘helper’. For instance, they assist in tasks such as serving snacks to their friends or recycling food and packaging.”
“Staff have high expectations for all children’s development, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and for those who speak English as an additional language. Staff prioritise children’s development of language and ensure that any gaps in learning close quickly.”
“The staff have introduced daily mindfulness sessions to promote emotional wellbeing for both children and staff.”
“Parents say that they are happy with the preschool. They comment on the good progress children have made, especially with their speech and social skills.”

Meet our staff

Veronika

I have been with Little Hearts since 2011 and I now lead this great preschool with the support of a fantastic team of staff and committee members.

It is our wonderful children and their diversity, and our positive relationships with parents that particularly stand out for me. We try to create a community and culture of inclusion, acceptance and support for all children and families.

Wellbeing is so important and I feel it’s necessary to look beyond the children’s welfare to their wider environment. We care about the whole family. We have a common goal of teaching our children the skills that they require to successfully move on in their education while having fun and laughter – making many happy memories along the way.

On a professional note: I am fully qualified and have completed Level 2, 3 and 5 in Childcare Studies and am a member of the preschool committee.

On a personal note: I am a mother of two teenage daughters and bring my love of gardening and nature to Little Hearts enriching our curriculum with Forest School style activities.

What parents say: Veronika brings passion and true professionalism to the team – everyone feels safe when she is around. Veronika really does care about the whole family and is the most trustworthy, dedicated and engaged person that you can meet. She brings the best out of the children and the team.

Kate

I have worked in this lovely preschool since Autumn 2019 and became Deputy Lead in September 2024.

My children attended Little Hearts and they loved going. I knew that I could focus on my day safe in the knowledge that they would be looked after with the best possible care.

I was so inspired by the great work being done at the school that when the opportunity arose to be part of the staff team, I did not hesitate! I love being part of such a supportive, caring and professional environment.

I particularly enjoy getting to know each unique child and finding out what interests them. I also love preparing them for primary school, making sure that they are emotionally and academically ready for their big step.

On a professional note: I have completed my Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Training and I have been using this knowledge and my own experience as a mum of two to help the children develop and thrive.

On a personal note: I am a mother of two primary school children and I love learning and studying myself. I try to share my love of learning with the children in all they do.

What parents say: Kate brings real kindness, love and empathy to everything she does – every child feels special and loved when they spend time with her. Kate is also fabulous at party-time, the children can’t get enough of having a dance, laugh and hug with her.

Cathy

I have been with Little Hearts for over 10 years and I love it and it doesn’t feel like work!

The happy atmosphere at the school is great for the children and makes them feel welcome, happy and settled. We have a great team and we work hard to ensure the safety and care of all the children.

I love encouraging and supporting them to learn, develop and grow. I also like to focus on the continuous improvement of fine and gross motor skills.

On a professional note: I have completed my Level 2 and 3 Childcare qualifications and have recently enrolled at the Open University to further my studies in Child Development. 

On a personal note: I am passionate about nature and the environment and bring this passion to Little Hearts, engaging the children in activities such composing, recycling, repairing and litter picking.

What parents say: Cathy is a real salt of the earth person and brings genuine enjoyment to whatever she does with the children – be it litter picking on a day-trip or showing them how earth worms help the soil. The children have the perfect mix of fun and learning and it’s clear that Cathy really enjoys being with the children and they love being with her.

Mariana

I have been working at Little Hearts since February 2023 and love every minute.

Coming to work is a pleasure – I enjoy spending time with the children and the team. There is a very good rapport between the staff, the children, and their families – you can feel this the moment you step into the preschool.

I truly enjoy playing with the children and being part of their unique worlds and creative minds.

I bring my creativity and passion for arts and crafts in a fun way.

On a professional note: I am a teacher of English as a Foreign Language (EFL Teacher), Spanish being my first language. I am a certified Special Educational Needs Teacher Assistant and hold the SENDCO position in our preschool. I enjoy completing training courses as they enable me to give my very best in a professional way.

On a personal note: I am a mother of two boys. Life is a precious gift so I take every opportunity to smile, play, and enjoy all the little moments that make every day worthwhile. I have got a curious mind and a passion for reading, crafting and studying.

What parents say: Marianna is always welcoming and has such a gentle approach with the children. She is always smiling and cares so much about each family she works with, often speaking with them in Spanish when needed to bridge language barriers. The children love her; she is kind, nurturing, and a true asset to Little Hearts.

Jessica

It is an honour to be a part of the team here. Working with young children is truly rewarding, as their curiosity and joy bring so much energy to the day.

I am thrilled to be in a place where I can help nurture their growth, creativity, and confidence. Being surrounded by such a caring community makes it even more special, and I feel fortunate to contribute to the positive atmosphere at Little Hearts. 

On a professional note: I have completed Level 4 of the Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood and I’m currently studying for Level 3 of the Programme for Early Years Educator.

On a personal note: I have two young daughters who keep me very much on my toes. I am a singer, actress and dancer who loves to play guitar and piano. I hope to bring these skills into Little Hearts to help children express themselves creatively and discover the joy of music and performance in a fun and engaging way.

 

Meet our committee

Alan
Draper

Treasurer

I have been closely involved with Little Hearts since 2018 when my first son joined the preschool, and have been the committee chairperson since 2021 when my second son joined.

Both my sons have flourished at Little Hearts and I have witnessed how they have grown emotionally, intellectually and socially in the loving hands of the highly professional staff.

I am excited about supporting the preschool and love working alongside other families and parents who have also become friends.

By profession I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Professor of Organisational Psychology at Henley Business School at the University of Reading.

Laura
Healy

Secretary

I have been closely involved with Little Hearts since 2018 when my first son joined the preschool, and have been the committee chairperson since 2021 when my second son joined.

Both my sons have flourished at Little Hearts and I have witnessed how they have grown emotionally, intellectually and socially in the loving hands of the highly professional staff.

I am excited about supporting the preschool and love working alongside other families and parents who have also become friends.

By profession I am a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Professor of Organisational Psychology at Henley Business School at the University of Reading.

Sabrina
D'Annibale

Fundraiser

Since my stepson joined the preschool in 2016 I have witnessed how wonderful and caring the staff are – it feels like family.

As soon as my son was old enough to join Little Hearts I couldn’t wait for him to witness the care and affection that his stepbrother received – I saw him grow from a toddler into a wonderful boy. Much of this is down to the warmth and structure that Little Hearts provides.

It was during this time that I joined the committee and became treasurer soon after. My son left the preschool in 2021 but I continue my role as a treasurer, still passionate about the preschool and staff.

I work as a finance manager and am currently qualifying to become an AAT management accountant.

Siyana
Tonkin

Bookkeeper

Since my stepson joined the preschool in 2016 I have witnessed how wonderful and caring the staff are – it feels like family.

As soon as my son was old enough to join Little Hearts I couldn’t wait for him to witness the care and affection that his stepbrother received – I saw him grow from a toddler into a wonderful boy. Much of this is down to the warmth and structure that Little Hearts provides.

It was during this time that I joined the committee and became treasurer soon after. My son left the preschool in 2021 but I continue my role as a treasurer, still passionate about the preschool and staff.

I work as a finance manager and am currently qualifying to become an AAT management accountant.

Avery
Penna

Member

I am a proud mum of two girls (7 and 4). I joined the pre-school committee in 2020 to support the amazing job of our dedicated team as they look after our children and get them ‘school ready’.

I really enjoy getting to know other parents, making friends and together implementing improvements that enhance the quality of our setting. I also enjoy fundraising.

I love how the preschool community put their hearts into everything they do. 

Professionally I am a Senior Project Manager at the Environment Agency, so nature and outdoor play are really important to me. I love Little Hearts’ passion for the environment – outdoor play is  key to the ethos of the preschool.

I am really proud to be part of the preschool’s growth and subsequently seeing our children happy and confident as they leave for ‘big school’.

Rachel
Sanders

Member

Since my stepson joined the preschool in 2016 I have witnessed how wonderful and caring the staff are – it feels like family.

As soon as my son was old enough to join Little Hearts I couldn’t wait for him to witness the care and affection that his stepbrother received – I saw him grow from a toddler into a wonderful boy. Much of this is down to the warmth and structure that Little Hearts provides.

It was during this time that I joined the committee and became treasurer soon after. My son left the preschool in 2021 but I continue my role as a treasurer, still passionate about the preschool and staff.

I work as a finance manager and am currently qualifying to become an AAT management accountant.

Cherry

Member

I joined the Little Hearts committee back in January 2022 when my daughter first started preschool here.

She has really come into her own since she started: learning new words daily; more confident in herself; and has made a lot of lovely friends.

I can not thank the staff enough for their energy, passion and thoughtfulness. I couldn’t be prouder to have my daughter attend Little Hearts.

In my personal life I have worked with several large companies delivering marketing and creating social media content. Additionally, in my free time, I run the @TheHenleyMum Instagram page to support our local community.

Tanya

Member

Little Hearts Preschool is a committee-run charity and our committee is made up of parents and professionals from the community.

They all give their time and skills to ensure the preschool is run effectively year to year, which includes management duties as well as fundraising. They are a great team dedicated to helping Little Hearts continue to thrive and grow.

Useful info

Opening times from 8.30am to 3.15pm term-time only.

Choice of sessions

Morning session: 8.30-11.30am

Lunch session: 11.30am-12.30pm

Afternoon session: 12.30-3.15pm

Ad-hoc sessions are available for registered children.

The children’s development is recorded on the Tapestry Online Journal System so that parents and carers can follow their children’s activities. 

There is no additional snack-fee as snacks are donated by parents on a voluntary basis. 

No deposit is required upon enrolment.

SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

We provide an environment in which all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported to reach their full potential.

We ensure our provision is inclusive to all children. We work in partnership with parents and with other agencies in identifying and meeting the individual needs of children.

For more info on Oxfordshire County Council’s support for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) click here.

Safeguarding children

Sacred Heart Preschool is committed to work with children, parents and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of each child.

We follow policies and procedures to promote a culture of safety in which children are safe are protected. Read our Safeguarding policy here.

Useful contacts

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 08450 507 666

NSPCC: 0800 800 5000

How you can help us

We are always looking for support from within and beyond the local community.

We are grateful to any small or large business, family or individual who would like to support us with their skills, services or financially.

We often need small repairs and odd jobs carried out and we could also do with supportive skills in IT and marketing.

We are also grateful for any hands-on support or donations towards our amazing outdoor space and garden.

If you would like to speak to us about the ways in which you can support us we would be delighted to hear from you.