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Nursery at Oakridge Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Tree climbing, tools and cooking around a fire pit give Oakridge's nursery a distinctive outdoor thread. Weekly Forest School complements a day built around children's choices, with adults extending learning through conversation and practical help.
Attached to Oakridge Infant School in Basingstoke, the nursery caters for children aged 2, 3 and 4. There are 40 spaces, with a maximum of 8 for 2-year-olds. The younger children's provision operates under the school's registration. Ofsted's November 2025 report awarded the school's early years a Strong standard judgement, covering early years within the school rather than a separate nursery rating.
Children spend much of their session deciding what to explore in the playroom and outdoors. Small groups and whole-group activities sit alongside this independent play. A teacher and each child's key person plan around individual interests and needs, so children's choices help shape the learning rather than simply fill time between adult activities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters, gives that play its educational purpose. Initially, learning concentrates on movement, communication and managing feelings and relationships. Mathematics, literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works extend those foundations. Staff join play to introduce vocabulary, demonstrate a skill, ask a question or add equipment. These teachable moments turn an absorbing activity into an opportunity to learn something new.
Forest School takes place weekly in woodland on the main school field, led by a nursery assistant. Children can climb trees, handle tools and cook at the fire pit: practical experiences that give outdoor learning a clear identity. Independence also features in the November 2025 early-years findings. Children selected and tidied resources themselves, sustained their attention and practised sharing. Colour monsters helped them recognise emotions, giving feelings a concrete starting point for discussion.
Once a nursery place has been offered, families are encouraged to make settling visits where parents can stay while their child explores. Staff ask about comforts, fears, interests, toileting and familiar family words, giving them practical information to use when separation begins. A starting-nursery book includes photographs of staff and learning spaces, allowing families to build familiarity at home.
Every child has a key person who oversees development and helps them settle. This adult is normally the family's daily contact, although parents can approach other staff too. Parents may telephone during a session to check how their child is doing. That creates a direct route for reassurance during the early days.
In November 2025, early-years children were secure with familiar adults, and those needing additional language help received effective support. Conversation and vocabulary development began in nursery, including support for children learning English as an additional language. For special educational needs, the federation provides extra support and sometimes involves outside agencies; families can discuss concerns with the Inclusion Manager.
Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal school admissions process by its normal deadline. Hampshire County Council provides the school admissions route. Keep this application separate from arranging nursery sessions: familiarity with the school does not secure admission.
Session options include school-time hours, half days and wraparound care from 8am to 4pm. Additional hours beyond funded entitlement require advance booking and payment. Ask the school for current charges before committing to a pattern.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours each week from the term after a child's third birthday, across 38 weeks. It also accepts eligible 3- and 4-year-olds using 30-hour funding and eligible funded 2-year-olds. Applications can be made throughout the year, with forms posted to nursery or emailed to nursery@oakridge-inf.hants.sch.uk.
Clothing should be easy for children to manage themselves and suitable for messy activities. Aprons and outdoor clothing are used, but clothes can still get dirty. Simple fastenings make practising independence easier, especially during toilet training.
Children aged 2, 3 and 4 can attend. There are 40 spaces, including a maximum of 8 for 2-year-olds.
School-time hours, half days and wraparound care from 8am to 4pm are offered. Additional hours must be booked and paid for in advance.
Once a nursery place has been offered, parents are encouraged to stay with their child for settling visits. Each child has a key person, and families receive a book with photographs of staff and learning areas.
Yes. Weekly sessions use the wooded area on the main school field, with activities including tree climbing, tools and fire-pit cooking.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal school admissions process by its normal deadline.
