Welcome to our brand new Little Ducklings Early Learning Group website page!

Our Early Learning Group (ELG) at New Milton Infant School is called Little Ducklings. This is a joint Education and NHS provision for pre-school children with speech, language and communication needs. The group is led by the teacher in charge, Mrs van Hoyland, and an experienced learning support assistant (LSA) Mrs Debbie Breaker. Together they provide a high quality, language rich pre-school curriculum, alongside individual support programmes for each child. 

Our  ELG is part of New Milton Infant School and so we have access to all the school's facilities. Our newly refurbished large classroom in the heart of the school is well resourced and organised for pre-school learning. We have a wonderful outside area with a range of outdoor equipment and activities, including bikes and a mud kitchen, supporting continuous provision, independence and communication.  Within the school grounds we have access to an amazing woodland area to support the development of children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

The ELG is open three mornings, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00am to 12:00pm and on Tuesday for a longer day from 9am to 2pm.  Children usually attend three mornings a week and most children attend their local pre-school for an additional two sessions a week. This arrangement helps them to broaden their social skills and often make friends with children they will start school with.

Children who come to the ELG are initially seen by the Speech and Language Therapists in clinic. At these sessions therapists decide whether they think a child may be suitable to attend, and, if they feel this is a possibility, a referral is made to us. However, at this point a place is not guaranteed. An admissions morning is then held within the ELG when all the children who have been referred to the unit are invited to attend with their parents.

Children who do not receive a place at the ELG will continue to be supported by the Speech and Language Service. Those who are successful will be contacted by the teacher in charge and given the days they will be invited to attend, then a series of induction activities take place ready for the children starting at the setting the following September.

We are extremely proud of our provision and welcome visits from professionals and prospective parents. Please contact the school office on 01425 610568 in the first instance. Thank you.