Little Pilgrims

About this day nursery

Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, also known as Little Pilgrims, is an independent educational institution located in Bedford, catering to children ranging from 3 months to 7 years of age. The school prides itself on fostering a joyful and nurturing environment where children can learn, engage in play, and develop.

With a team of committed and highly skilled staff, the school delivers an innovative curriculum within purpose-built facilities, aiming to inspire and uncover each child's individual interests and talents throughout their educational journey. The school emphasises mutual trust and understanding between the institution and families, offering various extracurricular activities such as breakfast club, tea club, and numerous after-school clubs.

Specialist music tuition and tennis coaching are also available for children with specific interests. Little Pilgrims is divided into distinct sections: Little Pilgrims for ages 3 months to 3 years, Kindergarten for 2 turning 3-year-olds, and Pre-School for 3 turning 4-year-olds, each designed to support developmental stages with dedicated facilities and outdoor spaces, including Forest School activities.

The school provides essential items like nappies, wipes, and suncream, and freshly prepared meals are included in the session fees, with provisions for special dietary requirements. Pilgrims offers a choice between term-time and annual term attendance, with minimum session requirements varying by age group.

The school is Ofsted registered, and while it accepts the 15-hour universal funding for 3 to 5-year-olds, it does not offer the extended 30-hour funding.

Our ethos

Little Pilgrims aims to "inspire and uncover each child's individual interests and talents" by fostering a "joyful and nurturing environment" and offering an "innovative curriculum." They incorporate "Forest School activities" and focus on mutual trust and understanding between the school and families.

What it's like

Children experience a vibrant and exciting range of activities and resources that support their learning and development exceptionally well. Staff have high expectations for what children can do, resulting in children growing in independence and confidence. Their engagement with Forest School activities helps them understand safety while experiencing small, measurable risks.

Pricing & funding

Fees require a registration fee and a deposit upon enrolment to secure a place. The setting offers the universal 15-hour government funding for three to five-year-olds, but does not provide the extended 30-hour funding option.