The Royal Hospital School has officially opened its new Little Oaks Nursery, welcoming its first children as the nursery begins its journey within the RHS community.

Little Oaks Nursery provides a warm, nurturing environment for children aged from three months to four years, offering families high-quality early years education and care within the extensive grounds of the Royal Hospital School. Government-funded places are available for eligible families.

The nursery has been designed to make the most of its unique surroundings, with opportunities for children to explore the natural world through outdoor learning and a Forest School, giving children further opportunities to explore, discover and develop their confidence outdoors.

The nursery has successfully completed its Ofsted inspection, marking an important milestone as Little Oaks begins welcoming its first children and families.

Michelle Dent, Nursery Manager at Little Oaks, said: “It feels incredibly exciting to see Little Oaks coming to life and to welcome our first children and families. So much

thought, care and hard work has gone into creating the nursery, and I’m very proud to be part of its beginning.

“Our surroundings are definitely one of the things that makes Little Oaks special. We have fantastic grounds and wonderful opportunities for outdoor learning, including Forest School-inspired experiences, and I’m particularly excited about introducing a Beach School. Having the woodland, grounds and beach available to us gives children such a rich variety of opportunities to explore the natural world, build confidence and become curious, independent and adventurous.

“Most importantly, though, we want Little Oaks to feel warm, nurturing and welcoming, where every child is known as an individual and feels that they truly belong. Seeing the children arrive, form friendships and begin making their own memories here will be a very proud moment.”

As part of the Royal Hospital School, Little Oaks also offers its youngest children and their families the opportunity to become part of the wider RHS community from the very beginning. Children can benefit from the school’s extensive grounds and facilities, while developing their own interests, confidence and independence through play and exploration.

Michelle added: “I think one of the biggest benefits will be the sense of community it creates. We want to build strong relationships with our children and families, RHS and the wider local community. Being part of the school gives our children access to a wonderful range of experiences, while also allowing our youngest children to feel part of the wider RHS community.”

The opening of Little Oaks marks a new chapter for the Royal Hospital School, extending the school’s community to children and families from the earliest years.

The nursery is now welcoming children and families and enquiries are open for places.

About Little Oaks Nursery:

Little Oaks Nursery is the nursery provision at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk, offering care and early years education for children aged three months to four years.

Set within the Royal Hospital School’s extensive grounds, Little Oaks provides children with opportunities for indoor and outdoor learning, including Forest School-inspired experiences and Beach School.

About Royal Hospital School:

The Royal Hospital School, located in Holbrook, Ipswich, is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18-year-olds, providing an outstanding, full and broad education fit for the modern world.

Founded in 1712 in Greenwich, London, the Royal Hospital School moved to its spectacular site, set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour, in 1933. The school has continued to develop its purpose-built site and has grown in size and reputation to become one of East Anglia’s leading independent schools.

The Royal Hospital School focuses on inspiring pupils to pursue their interests and talents, reach their ambitions and develop essential life skills. Great importance is placed on balancing academic work with interests and achievements outside the classroom.

Today, the Royal Hospital School is a modern, forward-thinking HMC school anchored on 300 years of history and achievement.

The ownership of the Royal Hospital School transferred to the Inspired Learning Group (ILG) in 2025. The school continues to respect and celebrate its rich naval heritage.