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Tick Tock Nursery Expands to Meet Growing Demand for Exceptional Early Years Care
  • Tick Tock

We are delighted to announce the exciting expansion of our Early Years provision, marking a significant milestone for our nursery and the families that we serve.

We have recently added a brand-new room to our nursery setting, increasing capacity by 40% for children aged 3 months to 3 years, enabling us to welcome even more little learners into our nurturing and inspiring environment.

Head of Early Years Nicola Marshall comments “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional early years care and education”. “We’ve seen growing demand for high-quality, full-day childcare, and we’re thrilled to be able to support more families in our community with places at Tick Tock Nursery.”

The decision to expand came in response to a consistent waiting list and increased demand for premium, full-day childcare (8am–6pm). By extending our facilities, we can now offer more local families access to our outstanding early years experience, set within 85 acres of beautiful Moor Park grounds, where children enjoy daily outdoor learning and exploration.

Tick Tock’s enriching curriculum is further enhanced by a range of included extra-curricular activities, supporting physical development, creativity, and social skills. These include:

  • Mini Movers sessions with Insteps Dance Studio
  • Baby Sensory sessions with Ludlow Baby Sensory Group
  • Sports Stars active play sessions

In addition to its educational excellence, we remain committed to making high-quality childcare accessible for families, offering flexible funding options, including stretched early years funding and Tax-Free Childcare account payments.

“At the heart of Tick Tock is our mission to provide a warm, inspiring, and safe environment where every child can thrive,” added Nicola. “We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited about what’s to come.”

Families interested in securing a place or arranging a visit should email Nicola on ticktock@moorpark.org.uk

A Night at the Circus – Prep School Performance
  • Performing Arts

On Thursday evening, Henderson Hall was transformed into a riot of colour, laughter and sparkle as the Prep School delighted a full audience with an exuberant programme of circus-themed songs, poetry, jokes and dance.

The concert opened with a vibrant rendition of Shine by Take That, inspired by the band’s 2009 Circus Live tour. The stage came alive with clowns, pogo sticks, diablos, juggling, plate spinning, ribbons and cartwheels—alongside the impressive sight of our very own stilt walkers and a lively drum ensemble. This dazzling introduction set the tone for an evening full of energy and joy.

Each year group showcased a musical performance, warmly received by an enthusiastic audience. Our Year 4 Speech and Drama pupils delivered a series of delightfully playful clown-themed jokes, while our advanced ballet dancers offered a beautifully poised interpretation of Alegria from Cirque du Soleil. The tempo shifted again with an electrifying jazz routine from the Year 4 dancers, performed to The Greatest Show, radiating confidence and stamina. Year 6 Speech and Drama pupils added a reflective touch with their thoughtful poetry reading.

The evening concluded with a truly memorable finale as the entire school united for a stirring performance of Queen’s The Show Must Go On. Beginning in complete darkness with two solo voices, the piece grew in layers—torches glowing, inflatable electric guitars appearing, and a flurry of flying butterflies filling the stage—building to a spectacular and heart-warming finish.

It was a magnificent end to a wonderfully entertaining evening. Our sincere thanks go to all the children for their boundless energy, enthusiasm and commitment. Their joy in performing shone brightly throughout the night and made it an occasion to remember.

An Interview With James Duffield in the Catholic Herald

Headmaster James Duffield recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the  Catholic Herald and sharing his thoughts on all things Moor Park. In the article he discusses Moor Park's Catholic ethos, it's close knit community and how the school's countryside setting helps the children grow in faith, character and curiosity.

You can read the full article here:
https://thecatholicherald.com/article/interview-headmaster-james-duffield-on-faith-community-and-countryside-life-at-moor-park-school

Better Together Day
  • Moor Park Community

Better Together Day 2025, held on Friday 10th October, is a much-loved highlight in the Moor Park School calendar. It is a day that truly reflects the values we hold dear: kindness, friendship, inclusivity, and making lifelong memories.

This year’s theme, Health and Wellbeing, was particularly fitting as it coincided with World Mental Health Day. The celebrations extended into the weekend, with a special Saturday session for parents featuring expert talks on how to support young minds.

Throughout the day, pupils from Years 1 to 8 took part in six engaging and enriching activities, all designed to promote physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. The mixed-age groups – with fun and thoughtful names like ‘Calm and Collected’, ‘The Giggle Gang’, and ‘Flourishing Minds’ – encouraged collaboration, empathy, and new friendships across year groups.

Activities included:

  • Woodland School – outdoor exploration and nature-based learning
  • Music and Performing Arts – a tranquil space for creativity and expression
  • Nutrition Workshop – trying new and exciting fruits and herbs
  • Dance Workshop – moving to uplifting tunes like Walking on Sunshine
  • Martial Arts and Yoga – learning discipline, movement, and mindful stretching
  • Mrs Parry’s Zen Zone – a calming sensory space full of peaceful experiences, which proved to be a big hit with both children and staff

A highlight of the day was a visit from the Air Ambulance Service. The children were thrilled to explore the helicopter cab, sit inside, and learn fascinating facts about the life of a pilot and the incredible work this service does – including the cost of operating such an essential lifeline.

Our Early Years children (Tick Tock and Reception class) also had their own tailored experience of the day. They visited the helicopter, explored the Zen Zone, and celebrated the importance of emotions through The Colour Monster. Kindergarten pupils made keyrings that were later placed around the school in random acts of kindness bags, spreading joy throughout our community.

The atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, and positivity – a true reflection of the Moor Park family spirit. Better Together Day was not only a day of fun and connection but also a powerful reminder of the importance of staying healthy, feeling happy, and looking after one another.

Nicola Marshall.

 

Tatler Schools Guide 2026
  • Academic Excellence
  • Moor Park Community

We are delighted to share that Moor Park has been featured in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026, which celebrates some of the UK’s most outstanding independent schools.

The guide highlights Moor Park’s warm, energetic and inclusive community, noting that "no matter their interests or abilities, every individual is valued and given opportunities to shine." This encapsulates our enduring commitment to nurturing the unique potential of every child.

"Moor Park's greatest strength is it's ability to bring out the best in every child"

Tatler praises Moor Park’s strong sense of tradition and its idyllic rural setting, where happy children are encouraged to enjoy a childhood filled with adventure, curiosity and joy in a "Happy and wholesome haven".

They mention how our integrated outdoor education programme (which is run by a dedicated teacher in our well equipped Forest School) reflects our belief in the importance of learning beyond the classroom. Even our youngest pupils in the nursery venture outdoors every day, whatever the weather.

Our flexible boarding provision and plans to extend our nursery offering have been recognised, as we continue to grow and adapt as an independent school in challenging times. 

Finally, we were particularly proud to read the words of a pupil, who described our Headmaster, James Duffield, as

“A lively soul but with a serious side, mixing fun and work together.”

We are honoured to be recognised in this prestigious guide and remain committed to offering an education that is both joyful and enriching for every child.