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Nursery at Ashford Oaks Community Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
In March 2023, early years children practised independence at Ashford Oaks by preparing healthy snacks and washing up afterwards. Language matters just as much: communication was the leading early years priority in March 2023, alongside support for children with complex needs. These are practical foundations for a nursery child, from expressing a need to completing a small task independently.
The nursery belongs to Ashford Oaks Community Primary School on Oak Tree Road in Ashford. Ofsted graded the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 28 and 29 March 2023. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and activities guided by adults both shape learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas of development, with the nursery's planning responding to children's interests and developmental stages. In parent terms, children have opportunities to explore for themselves, while adults introduce ideas and help them take their thinking further.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces contain resources for practical exploration. Staff add resources each week in response to what children have been doing and what interests them. Open-ended tasks encourage children to solve problems and explain their ideas. The emphasis is on using materials imaginatively, rather than following a single prescribed outcome.
Little Wandle begins in nursery with Foundations on Phonics, including learning to listen and tell sounds apart. This gives early literacy a clear starting point. Writing also starts through physical exploration: children make marks using shaving foam, sand, paper and glitter, with individual or small-group help where needed. There is room to try before letters become familiar.
White Rose informs mathematics planning across the early years. In March 2023, children developed confidence with numbers through practical learning opportunities. Together, these approaches give the day specific strands of early literacy and mathematics alongside play.
Settling begins with getting to know the child. The early years team works with families and professionals before children start, and an induction programme supports the move into school life. The school aims to establish relationships quickly so that children feel secure with staff.
Tapestry connects home and nursery through photographs, videos and observations of learning. Parents can contribute milestones from home as well as see what their child has been doing. This makes communication a two-way exchange.
Support can include Ashford International, an additional space alongside mainstream classrooms serving children with SEND in early years and Key Stage 1. Staff use sensory activities and individual Provision Plan targets; the Curiosity Programme supports children beginning to develop social communication. Two SEND coordinators divide responsibility between targeted provision and support across the school.
Food also provides opportunities to practise care routines. In March 2023, early years children prepared healthy snacks themselves and cleared up by washing afterwards. The school's designated safeguarding team provides a contact for concerns about a child.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Kent's primary school admissions route, following the normal deadline. Treat that application as a separate decision from joining the nursery.
Learning continuity is a different matter. The curriculum starts in nursery and develops further in Reception, with assistant heads working together on transition. Familiar approaches and skills can support the next stage, but they do not secure admission.
Early Risers provides nursery breakfast care from 7.30am to 8.45am during term time. After Oaks Club has nursery options from 2.45pm to 4.15pm or 5.30pm, also during term time. These charged sessions can extend childcare around the nursery day; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery children do not need PE clothing. A bag holding spare clothes can stay on the child's peg for accidents, making changes of clothing straightforward.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office at office@ashfordoaks.kent.sch.uk or telephone 01233 631259.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Kent's primary school admissions route.
Little Wandle starts with Foundations on Phonics, including listening and distinguishing sounds.
Staff share observations, photographs and videos through Tapestry. Parents can also contribute milestones from home.
During term time, Early Risers runs from 7.30am to 8.45am. After Oaks Club offers nursery sessions from 2.45pm to 4.15pm or 5.30pm. Contact the school for current charges.
No. A bag of spare clothing can be kept on the child's peg for accidents.
