Saxon Wood School Nursery Review

Play, communication and individual learning needs shape the early years at Saxon Wood. Squirrel Class brings together the youngest learners within this special school in Rooksdown, Basingstoke. The school caters for children aged 2 to 11 with moderate, severe or profound learning difficulties, often alongside physical, medical or social communication needs. This is specialist provision with learning personalised to each child.

A class teacher and learning support assistants form part of the staffing structure. Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 23 and 24 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The EYFS Pathway uses the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through play and practical experience. Children choose some activities themselves; adults guide others and also teach directly. Communication, physical development and emotional and social development sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and exploration of the world. Learning takes place indoors and outside, with children's needs and interests shaping the environments.

Communication has practical tools behind it. Saxon Wood uses total communication, combining speech with methods such as Makaton, photographs, objects and symbols. A child's own cup can signal drink time; music can prepare children for lunch or tidying. These cues make the sequence of the day easier to understand and give children ways to express a choice. Communication Passports record the approaches used for individual pupils, helping adults respond consistently.

Monster Phonics is used within the EYFS curriculum, with progress through the programme adjusted to individual needs. Numeracy includes play, songs and sensory exploration, while the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach begins with equipment and pictures. The school also has a sensory room, soft play room, therapy room and interactive magic carpet room, alongside purpose-built outdoor grounds. These are facilities within the school.

In May 2023, the early years curriculum encouraged curiosity, with adults extending children's interests and understanding. There were also school-wide weaknesses in planning wider learning and defining precise small steps for assessment. Some next steps were insufficiently clear, and children did not always have enough opportunity to secure learning before progressing. Those concerns matter alongside the early years grade.

Settling begins with repeated nursery visits accompanied by a parent. Before admission, a meeting brings staff, the child and parents together to exchange information; an intake meeting also involves relevant agencies. Families complete an All About Me booklet. This gives staff information about the child before their start, rather than leaving introductions to the first day.

Therapy support includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, with parents involved in setting goals. Meals can be regular, soft or blended. Staff work with families and speech and language therapists to match food to a child's needs, and HC3S provides the catering.

Parents receive weekly updates and class topic booklets each half-term. For children following the EYFS Pathway, teachers and learning support assistants record learning through Earwig, linked to Differentiated Early Years Outcomes and Saxon Wood Small Steps. Teachers review observations weekly, keeping attention on individual progress.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At Saxon Wood, requests for a school place go through the Special Educational Needs Service in Winchester. That specialist referral route is an important distinction for families planning their child's next stage.

Uniform is optional. Comfortable clothing is permitted, recognising that texture, weight or tightness can cause difficulties for children with sensory sensitivities.

Prospective parents can arrange an informal visit with the headteacher, including questions and classroom time. Contact the office on 01256 356635 or adminoffice@saxonwood.hants.sch.uk. For driving, use the entrance on Rooksdown Lane off the A339 towards Weybrook Park golf course. The car park operates one way; Barron Place leads to the exit.